Applicants must have completed a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Urban Planning or a related field by the start date. Previous experience, including internships, in government, finance, data analysis, and research is preferred, but not required.

Yes. Our Fellows must establish residency in Kansas City, MO within nine months of their hiring date.

The Cookingham-Noll Management Fellowship is one of the oldest, most recognizable fellowships in the country. L.P. Cookingham, who first started the fellowship, is considered the “gold standard” as far as professional city management goes. The program is designed to attract those creative and innovative individuals seeking to enhance their career in local government management. Alumni have gone on the become city managers, assistant city managers, directors, analysts, and more all across the nation.
The Fellowship is also one of the few in the nation that last for two-years. Furthermore, fellows in their second year are able to choose and design their remaining department rotations.
Our program has grown over the years and we currently hire two fellows each year. Up to four fellows can be active at any given time.
After you have completed your time as a Fellow, the City will work will you to find a job in a department of your interest.

This position is a two-year fellowship, not an internship. Our Fellows are full-time, salaried City of Kansas City employees with full benefits including: health, dental, and vision insurance, flex spending accounts, paid holidays, pension plan enrollment, vacation and sick time, up to twelve weeks paid parental leave, and more.

Kansas City is a place rich in history, while currently experiencing a period of growth and cutting-edge innovation. Our population is increasing, downtown is booming, and more and more businesses are choosing to be located to the Heartland of America. It truly is an exciting time to be in KC.

In your first year, you will start out in mini-rotations to get a better sense of your interests for future rotations. You will also be able to make connections with various City staff. You will then rotate to the Budget Office and work as a budget analyst during budget season. Here, you will work alongside other budget analysts and observe how the City works to pass its annual budget. Your first year will conclude with you rotating to a department of your choice. This is an excellent way to learn more about specific citywide operations while completing different department-specific projects.
In your second year, you have the opportunity to choose and design your remaining rotations. This is the time to round out your fellowship experience in a way that resonates with you. Perhaps there's a department you want to learn more from or a project you want to contribute to, you choose your own adventure.
In addition to working with specific departments, you will attend high level meetings such as City Council meetings, City Manager meetings, etc.
Do not be afraid if you do not have previous experience as a budget or data analyst. The Fellowship is designed to provide you the opportunity to learn and grow as a local government professional.
Many former fellows are currently employed with the City or live in the area, so they are here to help you and provide guidance.

New Fellows start in the beginning of June. The exact date is conveyed at the time of job offer and is not negotiable.

If you have a question that is not listed above, then email one of the current Fellows and we will happily get back to you.
- Email Tuwilika Elias

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