The mission of the San Francisco Fellows program is to foster community stewardship by preparing recent college graduates and young professionals for roles in public service and administration.

The Fellows program is a unique opportunity to learn about public administration in local government while working full time as a City employee. Competitively selected applicants will join a cohort of up to 30 Fellows for an approximately 12-month full-time work experience as City employees. Fellows will earn an annualized salary of approximately $65,000, plus health, dental, retirement, and other benefits.

Fellows work on various programs and projects that have a direct impact on City operations which spans a broad range of City functions and departments, involving analysis, planning, and program development.
 

Website:  https://sfdhr.org/sffellows

Fellows are placed in various departments throughout the City. The FY22-23 cohort were in the following departments:

• Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families
• Department of Public Health
• Human Services Agency
• Juvenile Probation
• Mayor’s Office on Disability
• Office of the Controller
• Port of San Francisco
• Public Utilities Commission
• Recreation and Parks Department
• San Francisco Public Library
• San Francisco Housing Authority
• SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)

Fellows gain valuable full-time professional work experience and skills such as leadership, communication, technical skills, and other professional development. The cohort experience includes regularly scheduled learning sessions built into the Fellows' work schedule to provide a well-rounded, thorough introduction to San Francisco government operations, policies, and strategies.

Fellows receive mentoring, career development support, and networking opportunities for professional growth.  Fellows are highly encouraged to continue with City employment beyond their fellowship year and will receive guidance in applying for other employment opportunities within the City.

We invite people who have had a Bachelor’s degree conferred within the past 5 years (between May 1, 2018 and June 30, 2023) to apply for this highly selective program. Specific areas of study are not required.

Ideal candidates for the fellowship will have less than 5 years of full-time professional work experience, as the Fellowship is designed as a learning opportunity for individuals with limited work experience. Ideal candidates will also have a desire to learn to perform data analysis work and will be flexible and open to a Fellowship placement in any City department. 

Application Process and Timeline:

Please read and follow these instructions carefully; incomplete application submissions will not be considered:

You must submit your application via this online portal. Please be sure to upload your current resume to your application.

IN ADDITION:  You must complete and submit this essay packet by following the hyperlink or copying and pasting the link into your browser : https://forms.office.com/g/LQCxiQjEpt

Your essays will be reviewed by a Selection Committee to determine whether you will move forward in the selection process.

Approximate Timeline:

• December 1, 2022:  Application opens.
• January 20, 2023:  Application closes at 11:59pm PST; you must submit your essay responses by this deadline as well.
• January – February 2023:  Selected applicants will be invited to complete an online exam and a phone interview with a member of the Selection Committee.
• March – April 2023:  Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a half-day virtual group interview process.
• May – June 2023:  Finalists will receive conditional offer letters and undergo background checks and reference checks.  Formal offers of employment with the City and County of San Francisco are provided after a candidate completes background and reference checks.
• August 21, 2023:  Fellowship begins (date subject to change).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.