Virginia Management Fellows Program

Title of Project: Virginia Management Fellows Program

Project Period: 2017-present

Localities: Commonwealth of Virginia

Funding Source(s): Department of Human Resources and Management (DHRM)

Principle Investigator (PI): Dr. David Moore, Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships

Co-Investigators: Dr. Andrew Sharp, Lecturer, Senior Public Engagement and Community Manager

Key Community Partners: DHRM

Description of Project:

The VMF program launched in 2017 and is a nationally recognized management and leadership succession pipeline program that equips college graduates who are interested in state public service with the knowledge and capacities to lead successfully in today's complex governing environment. The Virginia General Assembly funds cohorts of Fellows, typically ranging from 10-12 individuals. These full-time, 2-year positions with the Commonwealth of Virginia include salary, full benefits, and access to the Virginia Retirement System. A new cohort is hired each year, such that there are two cohorts at any point in time, with their start days staggered approximately one-year apart.

The VMF is an experiential learning and on-the-job training program that includes three successive, 8-month rotations with three different state agencies. Each fellow is assigned a manager-level agency mentor for each rotation. The rotations at different agency partners aim to offer broad experiences and knowledge across the Virginia government. The fellowship program features a variety of educational workshops and seminars, a leadership certificate program, and a 3-credit graduate course. Each cohort of fellows also leads a service-learning initiative.

Learn more: https://ipg.vt.edu/leadership-development/vmf-program.html