Public Policy Fellow

The Cuyahoga County Public Policy Fellowship program is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of public sector leaders in Northeast Ohio. The program offers rigorous experiential learning to students through an eight-week placement. Fellows have the opportunity to apply academic skills and knowledge to the workplace, as well as network in their fields of interest with professionals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in Cuyahoga County.

The program seeks to attract candidates who are passionate about public service and have made a commitment to excellence through their scholastic endeavors, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. For more information on the Cuyahoga County Public Policy Fellowship, please visit our program page. Applicants must be a current student (undergraduate or graduate) or a recent graduate, with an interest in either staying or relocating to Cuyahoga County upon graduation.

Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to research information and prepare reports and other correspondence; and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel.

Students will gain an in-depth view of how County government operates during the fellowship. Possible activities include research and analysis of new policies and initiatives; working with senior staff on critical county projects and processes; and attending County Council meetings, staff meetings, community events, and press conferences. All fellows will participate in a series of enrichment activities highlighting key county programs, services, and functions and will present their work to senior leadership at a Fellowship Symposium during the final week of the program.

Applications, cover letters, and resumes will only be accepted through this online process. Resume content must include:  

All documents must be uploaded as one PDF. All job offers are made with the understanding that prospective employees pass a drug test and a criminal background investigation prior to being hired. Applications must be received by February 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Reasonable accommodation is available to all employees and applicants. If you have a disability that needs to be accommodated, please contact the Department of Human Resources/ADA Coordinator at (216) 443-7190. Please note that this position may be subject to an oath of office and/or bonding requirements pursuant to Chapter 107 of the Cuyahoga County Code. 

This is an unclassified position. Human Resources will check your application to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications. HR helps the hiring department decide who to follow up with for interviews and then a job offer. Most of our communication with candidates is through email. Regularly check the email address you gave us in your job profile. Watch your Spam folder, just in case. If we offer you a job, you must pass a drug screen and background check before the offer becomes final. Prior criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from employment; the County looks at criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis using the guidelines in Chapter 306 of the County Code.

Cuyahoga County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the County realize its full potential. The County benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. The County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. If you need assistance applying or participating in any part of the candidate experience, contact Human Resources at 216-443-7190 and ask to speak with a talent acquisition team member.