Frequently Asked Questions

Applications for the Management Fellowship can be found online on Human Resources' available job openings portal. The deadline for submitting applications is typically around February 1 of each year. Applicants must also follow the directions accompanying the online application and attach the required supplemental materials.

Applicants must have received a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field by the start date of the program (June). Students who are currently completing their Masters but require an internship to fulfill degree requirements will also be considered. Prior experience in state and local government is preferred.

No, the Management Fellowship goes beyond the limits of a traditional internship. The program is a nationally recognized municipal management training program that offers an intense and fulfilling 12-month fellowship with the City of Wichita.

The Management Fellowship Program provides recent graduates an unparalleled experience, allowing them the opportunity to work closely with the City Manager, oversee their own projects, and in the process, assist in the administration of one of the nation's 50 largest cities. Regular invitations to high level management meetings allows Fellows to develop rapport with department and division directors, observe the relationship between the Manager and respective staff, and gain exposure. Join more than 70 program graduates who have benefited from the Fellowship and gone on to achieve success in both the public and private sectors. If you are interested in a fast track to a rewarding and challenging career in municipal management, there is no better preparation than the City of Wichita Management Fellowship Program.

Generally not. The Management Fellowship begins in early June. On occasion, however, alternative arrangements can be made. Start dates should be discussed before the conclusion of the interview process.

In recent years, the program has employed two Fellows per year.

The City of Wichita has traditionally had more than 40 participants for the position each year. The anticipation is that this number will increase, however, as the Management Fellowship Program expands its recruitment efforts for the forthcoming Fellow class.

Yes. The City of Wichita is an equal opportunity employer and accepts all applications if they are submitted by the due date and meet all other criteria stated in the application instructions. Because the program is only 12 months long, the City will not provide sponsorship of resident alien work permits.

In general, working as a Management Fellow should qualify you for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Since the fellowship usually begins in June, if you are graduating in the spring semester you should apply for OPT as soon you hear back from the interview panel. It usually takes up to three months (90 days) to process OPT applications. Fellows are not allowed to start working without their work permits.

Please consult with your school's international student's office for the most up to date information. You can also look up more information from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Applicants are judged on a variety of factors, including academic background, previous work and volunteer experience, career goals and potential for excellence. The Fellowship's review committee uses this information to select 8-12 preliminary finalists who will be invited to take part in teleconference interviews. Based on these interviews and the application materials, the Fellowship's review committee will select 4-6 finalists who will be invited to Wichita for in-person interviews.

No. Although many former Management Fellows are from Kansas, in recent years many have come from across the United States. Recent Management Fellow classes have included graduates of programs in Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, and New York.

Fellows are based in the City Manager's Office but work on projects throughout the organization and across all departments. Assignments are matched to the particular Fellow's interests and skill sets while also continuously tasking Fellows with challenging, high-level projects. On occasion, Fellows even have the opportunity to identify their own projects.

The following are examples of just some of the recent projects previous Fellows have been involved in.

• Researched and drafted an annual report analyzing the performance of the City's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts.
• Managed the vendor selection process for the City's state and federal lobbying consultants.
• Assisted with restructuring the Recreation Division resulting in improved service delivery while reducing expenses by $1 million.
• Supported the City's summer youth employment program that hosts 140 youth, and oversaw a pilot program for 20 returning youth.
• Assisted with the merger of the Public Works and Water City's Utilities Departments.
• Created an inventory of over $3 billion worth of City assets and worked on a team to develop an innovative City-County comprehensive plan.
• Led the successful effort to revise the City's existing taxi ordinance, fees, and regulations.
• Assisted the Aquatics Division with development of a Comprehensive Master Plan to guide the future of Wichita's aquatics facilities.
• Coordinated multiple departments to use more than $160,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to pave city blocks at no cost to residents.
• Managed the assessment and implementation of sustainable community rating tools to support budget and Capital Improvement Plan development.
• Produced an internal web-based work order application that supports the City Council, City Manager, and Department Directors.
• Developed an operational cost assessment of a proposed centrally located library.

Typically, Management Fellows are responsible for directing their own time and coordinating their own schedules. At times, however, Fellows may be asked to perform a variety of tasks or projects. These may include

• Participating in professional development meetings and conferences.
• Assisting with City Council and District Advisory Board meetings.
• Planning community outreach and leadership development opportunities as the Mayor's Youth Council Coordinator.
• Collaborating with the 19 City departments to prepare a weekly report for the City Council and Department Directors.
• Serving as the Manager's Office representative for the Board of Bids and Screening Selection Committee.
• Reviewing policies and procedures and implementing improvements based on best practices.
• Participating in the development of the City Budget and Capital Improvement Program.

Yes. During the first few weeks of the Fellowship, Management Fellows will meet with managers an diectors from all 17 City departments . Fellows will use these opportunities to discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in the daily operations of a major American city. Opportunities also exist to tour the City's major facilities, including the water treatment center, airport, central library, transit headquarters, and convention center, and participate in a police ride along.

Fellows will also receive training on City-wide technology systems, as well as the City's procurement system. Additionally, Fellows have the opportunity to attend several national and regional education/career development programs, including the ICMA Annual Conference; National League of Cities' City Summit; League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference; and Annual Kansas City & Country Management Conference.

The City does not guarantee employment to Fellows at the conclusion of the program; however, Fellows who successfully complete the 12-month program are well prepared to compete for management positions within the City of Wichita and outside of the organization. Successful Management Fellows are highly recruited and have been hired by the City's Budget Office, Finance Department, Planning Department, Public Works and Utilities Department, Transit Department, and City Manager's Office. Other Fellows have used the skills and experience they gained from the program to secure positions with other local government organizations across the State of Kansas and the nation. Please see the Program Alumni for the full list of the Fellowship's alumni and their current positions.​

Program Alumni

Six former Management Fellows currently work for the City of Wichita. These program graduates hold key positions in the City, including Principal Budget Analyst, Planning Manager, Fleet and Facilities Superintendent, Senior Management Analyst, and Community Services Representative. 

The 2019-2020 annual salary for the Management Fellows Program is $35,000. The salary is non-negotiable and all Management Fellows earn the same rate of pay during the program year. Because of Wichita's low cost of living, the salary offered is very competitive with similar fellowship programs across the country.

Management Fellows are considered full-time employees and receive a comprehensive package including sick leave, health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and one week of vacation. Fellows do not receive pension benefits.

No. Management Fellows are responsible for their own relocation and housing expenses.

Should you have questions or desire additional assistance, please contact Michelle Horne, Senior Human Resources Specialist, at (316) 269-4726 or MHorne@wichita.gov.