What to know
- New York State has opened the application period for the 2023 class of Empire State Members, a prestigious program that attracts exceptional and diverse talent from across the state and across the country to fill high-level government positions.
- Since the inception of the program 11 years ago, the program graduates Comrades of the Empire State They have held senior positions, including deputy commissioner, deputy secretary and chief of staff in all state agencies.
- Applications were opened on Sunday 1 January 2023 and will be accepted until Monday 3 April 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
NEW YORK — New York State has opened the application period for the 2023 class of Empire State Members, a prestigious program that attracts outstanding and diverse talent from across the state and across the country to top positions in government, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.
Since the inception of the program 11 years ago, the program graduates Comrades of the Empire State They have held senior positions, including deputy commissioner, deputy secretary and chief of staff in all state agencies.
“For 11 years, some of the best and brightest New Yorkers seeking to make a difference in their communities through careers in public service have participated in the Program Comrades of the Empire Statesaid Governor Hochul. “Now, we look forward to welcoming the next class of diverse and successful fellows into what has been a transformative experience in state government for many. I encourage anyone who dreams of making a positive change in the lives of New Yorkers to apply and join the ranks of our future leaders.”
Comrades of the Empire State is a full-time leadership training program that prepares the next generation of talented professionals for careers as New York State legislators. The incoming class of Comrades of the Empire State He will serve from September 2023 to September 2025 and receive an annual salary of $85,000, as well as a generous benefits package. Upon completion of the scholarship, a performance review process will identify the Comrades of the Empire State who will have the opportunity to continue serving as a leader in New York State government after completing the program.
Participation in the work of New York State government is at the heart of the program Comrades of the Empire State. Each will be designated by the Office of the Governor Member of the Empire State work directly with a Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner or other high-level policy makers in a New York State agency or authority or in the Executive House. The work assignments offer fellows unparalleled experience collaborating with senior officials and participating in decision-making.
While participating in the work of the State Government, the Companions of the Empire They will participate in educational and professional development programs that will help them serve as effective and ethical government leaders. The educational component of the program begins with an orientation course in September 2023. Educational courses will continue every two months. Meanwhile, professional development activities, including a mentorship program and regular meetings with cabinet members and other government leaders, will enhance Empire Fellows’ partnership with lawmakers.
How can I participate in the program?
The program Comrades of the Empire State is designed to attract talented professionals outside of state government with demonstrated leadership potential who wish to refocus their careers on public service. Applicants will be selected on the basis of their academic and professional experience, demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to public service.
Applicants must use the moduleor online application to apply here. A complete application will include:
- Professional resume or CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the Empire State Fellows Program and why it should be selected (no more than two pages)
- Two letters of recommendation that speak directly to your leadership skills and career readiness for the program (you will be provided with a link to share with your advisors after you submit your online application. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by April 11 or within a week of submitting the online application).
Resume and personal statement must be uploaded to the online application before submission.
What is the deadline for completing the application
Applications were opened on Sunday 1 January 2023 and will be accepted until Monday 3 April 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
What are the requirements to be part of the program?
Professionalism:
- Creativity and strong leadership potential.
- Excellent analytical and evaluation skills.
- High interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills, efficiency and flexibility.
- Ability to prioritize, plan, coordinate and monitor work.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team.
- Ability to identify problems, recognize best practices, formulate options and make recommendations.
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of full-time professional experience.
- Demonstrate leadership skills.
- Management experience is an advantage.
- Applicants can come from all professional backgrounds.
Education
- An advanced university degree (masters, JD, Ph.D., or equivalent) is desirable, but a candidate with only a bachelor’s degree may be considered if he or she has substantial professional experience.
- Applicants can come from all academic disciplines.
Additional Requirements
- Applicants must meet the requirements to work in New York State without employer sponsorship.
- Applicants must be available to work in Albany, New York for the full two-year program.
- Current New York State Legislative and Executive branch employees are not eligible for the Program Comrades of the Empire State.
Who will review applications and select Empire State Scholars?
All applications will be reviewed by the New York State Recruiting and Public Service Center. A panel of judges will interview the most promising candidates, and the finalists will have a second interview with select senior members of the Governor’s administration.
How does the Empire State Fellows educational program work?
The educational component of the program Comrades of the Empire State begins with a week-long session introducing Fellows to New York State government. Some topics to cover may include:
- Legal and constitutional context of the government of the state of New York.
- State agency operations and intergovernmental relations
- Fiscal policy and budget process
- State-Location relationship
- Communications and Press
- ethics
After completing the week-long seminar, fellows will begin working full-time. During the first year of the Empire State Scholars program, scholars will participate in bi-weekly seminars on weekday evenings. Between class sessions, fellows will spend one to two hours per week in academic reading and exercises. The bi-weekly lectures deal with topics relevant to the policy and operational process of the state.
After reviewing the candidates’ expertise and agency needs, the panel will recommend that each fellow be nominated to work closely with a particular legislator within the New York State executive branch. Final siting decisions will be determined by the senior staff of the Governor’s Office. If the applicant accepts the recommended position, the Governor will nominate the applicant to be a member of the Empire State in that position.
Do Empire Fellows receive compensation and benefits during the fellowship?
Yes the Comrades of the Empire State are full-time, non-competitive employees of New York State. Fellows will receive an annual stipend of $85,000, as well as a generous benefits package.
Where can I find more information?
Visit www.ny.gov/new-york-state-fellowship-programs/empire-state-fellows-program for more information about the program and instructions on how to apply.
If you have additional questions, you can email fellows@ny.gov.
