The New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program is a funded two-year fellowship offering talented individuals hands on training and experience in New York State government.  Excelsior Fellows work full time at host executive-branch agencies, advancing the operational aspects of large policy initiatives.  Fellow placements include the Executive Chamber, Empire State Development Corporation, Justice Center, Department of Environmental Control, and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo welcomed the first class of Excelsior Fellows in September 2013 and viewed them as an integral part of his mission to advance opportunities for the best and brightest who are called to public service.  Although the Excelsior Service Fellowship Program lasts two years, exceptional fellows may continue to serve New York State.  More than 60% of the first class of Excelsior Fellows were offered permanent positions post-fellowship.

 

Requirements and Details

Candidates must possess a graduate degree (i.e., MPA, MA, MBA) or an advanced degree (i.e., JD, PhD) no later than June 2016.  JD fellows will be placed in legal assignments unless they expressly request otherwise.  Candidates are encouraged to note their areas of interest and any preferred placement agencies, however final placements will be dictated by budget and the needs of state government.  While some opportunities exist in New York City, most agency placements are located in Albany, New York.

 

Salary is in two-tiers, based on years of work experience after college:

• Fellows with less than five years of post-collegiate work experience are paid $55,000 annually
• Fellows with five or more years of post-collegiate work experience are paid $60,000 annually

Additionally, all fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package including paid leave, health, dental, vision, and other benefits.

 

All Excelsior Fellows must submit to a background investigation conducted by the New York State Police and the Center for Recruitment and Public Service.  Fellowship appointment is contingent upon this background check.

 

Application Process

Applications and selections for the 2016 New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program will be administered by the participating partner schools.  Interested applicants should submit to their school’s designated contact, resume, transcript, 3 references, and a cover letter.  Applicants should also include a statement of purpose, outlining their interest in the Excelsior Service Fellowship (no more than 750 words). The cover letter may serve as the statement of interest.

 

Graduate Center students interested in applying should forward their materials to the Office of Career Planning and Professional Development by Wednesday, February 24, 2016. Please use the email address: careerplan@gc.cuny.edu

 

Partner schools will forward their selections to the Center for Recruitment and Public Service no later than March 1, 2016.  Prospective fellows will be interviewed for placement by the Center for Recruitment and Public Service, and will be notified of their assigned placements by June 10, 2016.

 

If you are interested in making a difference, serving the people of New York, and helping to write the next great chapter in New York’s history apply to the New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program today!

 

New York State is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer