Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship 2026 at International City/County Management Association (ICMA) – Washington, District of Columbia

The Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship (VLGMF) is sponsored by local community governments throughout the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Regions that typically employ the Council-Manager form of government. Council-Manager forms of government are managed by a professional executive appointed by and responsible directly to local government elected council members and board members. A local government manager typically oversees a large cross-functional staff and departmental employees that include Administrative Services, Public Works, Civil Engineering, Community Services, Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Municipal Court, City Clerk, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, and Utilities.

Each local government administers a multi-million dollar budget that is made up of a general fund that supports the non-utility aspects of the organization and typically one or more enterprise funds. An enterprise fund provides funding for utilities and other services that are funded by fee-for-service activities.

The fellowship program is a 16-week approved SkillBridge program, designed to provide a comprehensive experience for service members who are transitioning out of military service and who have an interest in local government. The goal of the program is to provide a hands-on experience for the fellow, preparing him or her with skills to succeed in local government.

The Fellow is mentored directly by either the Local Government Manager, Department Director, or Senior Manager while conducting highly responsible work for various departments of the organization. This position will offer exposure to government departments such as public safety, economic development, financial management, public works, and community development. Each Fellow's experience will be tailored to him or her, depending on the needs of the organization and the career goals of the Fellow. For example, if a Fellow has a specific area of interest, such as procurement, they can request to work with the Finance Department for the entire Fellowship. Every fellow has a vastly different background but below is guideline of what they will experience:

1. Each fellow is assigned a mentor who will, for the duration of the fellowship, be the Fellow’s primary point of contact and coach while the Fellow is in the program; the mentor may not necessarily be the Fellow's direct day-to-day supervisor.
2. The fellow has routine feedback sessions with the mentor to provide the Fellow with a chance to ask questions, review resumes, and seek career advice.
3. Attends meetings in order to observe the interaction between local government staff and the elected body.
4. The fellow develops and gives presentations to a variety of offices.
5. Exposure to a variety of administrative processes, including but not limited to budget, contracts, and human resources.
6. Structured professional development through educational courses and training as available.
7. The fellow has the opportunity to attend community events, especially those that are Veteran centric.

Service members should possess the following qualifications:

Candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Be on active duty and within 180 days of transition (separation or retirement) from military service.
2. Be an Active Duty Spouse
3. Have service in the Armed Forces (to include National Guard and Reserves)

Have a bachelor's degree with 3+ years of leadership experience (or equivalent related experience) or an associate's degree with 5+ years of leadership experience (or equivalent related experience) with the intent to complete their bachelor's degree in the next 2-3 years. We will make exceptions to this requirement for candidates who are very interested in a position that does not require higher education.

Have a strong interest in serving in local government management

Possesses one or more of the following areas of experience that are relevant to local government management: international local government experience, public affairs, information operations and public relations, engineering, public works, utilities, fleet and facilities maintenance, human resources, public policy analysis, law enforcement, information technology, fire or EMS services, public finance, strategic management, parks and recreation, project or program management, economic development, and business or public administration.

Fellows are ideally on active duty, or transition leave for the duration of the program. Fellows must be eligible to work full time following the end of the program.
1. The Fellow is given a two-year membership with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
2. The Fellow should complete the ICMA Local Government 201 Certificate. The Fellow's mentor will allow for 2-3 hours per week to complete the certificate during the fellowship.
3. Feedback sessions will be scheduled with the City Manager, Department Director, or Senior Manager to ask questions, review resumes, and seek career advice.
4. The local government provides educational and professional development opportunities (as available) that will be designed from programs offered by the local government or other organizations within the region, based on the Fellow's needs and professional development goals.
5. Fellows have access to the ICMA Coaching Program which provides coaching, career advice, and resources to Fellows interested in local government careers and provides access to their nationwide database of local government managers. This program allows fellows to identify local government managers who have prior military service and who can provide a personal and professional perspective on transitioning from military service to local government management.
6. Fellows have access to ICMA State Affiliate Senior Advisers (long-serving and experienced city managers) who can provide Fellows with the opportunity to review resumes and provide one-on-one feedback throughout the Fellow's membership.
7. Fellows receive free registration to one ICMA Annual Conference.
8. Fellows receive free registration to one Local Government Reimagined Conference.
9. Fellows receive a complimentary subscription to PM Magazine
10. Fellows receive complimentary access to ICMAs Knowledge Assessment