Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship 2026-2027

Launched in 2016, the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship immerses talented, emerging leaders from across the country in Cleveland’s public sector, providing them an opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their networks and jumpstart a career in public service.

Program Objectives

• A 12-month, full-time paid placement at a selected public sector agency or a nonprofit partner in Cleveland, providing meaningful career-related work experience.
• A $48,000 salary with health benefits and a taxable $1,000 signing bonus.
• Participation in professional development that prepares fellows for public service, administered by Cleveland Foundation staff and professionals with expertise in their fields.
• A small cohort with individualized coaching, supervision and support.
• Immersion in the rich civic and cultural life of Cleveland, with first-hand opportunities to network and connect with an array of senior leaders, organizations and community members.

Eligibility and Candidate Application

• College graduates who earned undergraduate degrees in the spring of 2022 through 2026 or who will earn their graduate degree in spring of 2026 are eligible to apply.
• A wide range of degrees, including liberal arts and those pertaining to specialized areas of study, are welcomed.
• U.S. citizens, permanent residents or individuals eligible to work in the U.S. for the duration of this program can apply.
• Applicants cannot be a relative of a member of Cleveland Foundation staff or the foundation’s board of directors.
• Should you be selected as a semi-finalist, you must agree to reference checks and a criminal background check. Finalists may also be required to undergo additional hiring screenings such as a drug screening or a physical, depending on the hiring policies of the host agency.

Applications are accepted via the application gateway-->

• Existing account holders can sign in; new users should follow the prompts to create an account.
• Please create only one account.
• The application requires a resume and up to two letters of recommendation from individual's familiar with your academic work, employment experience or community/volunteer activities.
• Deadline to Submit: March 5, 2026 – Email [email protected] with questions or visit our website at

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Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $48,000.00 per year

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person