MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

For over 45 years, the City of Long Beach Management Assistant Program has been attracting top graduate students to work in local government. This paid one-year fellowship offers challenge, excitement, and opportunities for career and personal growth, along with work-life benefits.

About the role

The Long Beach Management Assistant Program provides a unique, immersive opportunity to work in local government, helping you gain knowledge and skills to be an effective practitioner and make a difference in your community. The program is designed for those looking to launch or grow a public service career, offering meaningful opportunities to explore different career options in public service.

The program has an expected start date of June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of the City Manager in four different departments during the year, including the City Manager's Office and Financial Management, to learn about the challenges and opportunities of managing a large organization.
• Take a leadership role on city-wide projects, developing innovative solutions to serve a diverse community.
• Contribute to internal and external City priorities across departments as a key member of the City Management Team.
• Work alongside highly accomplished career managers and engage in high-level executive decision-making, including weekly participation in Department Director meetings.

The expectations and workload are high, and participants join a cohort of accomplished City leaders, gaining invaluable experience and management skills to compete for professional positions within the City.

Requirements

• Applicants must have completed the requirements for a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field by June 2027.
• Six months of paid or voluntary experience in government, public policy, finance, legislation, research or statistical analysis, program implementation, or equivalent experience.

Application Materials

• Resume & Cover Letter: Detailing the scope and level of current or most recent positions, responsibilities, honors, achievements, and school/extracurricular activities.
• Proof of Education: Documentation of a Master's degree or current enrollment in a Master's program (e.g., copy of diploma or unofficial transcripts). Program requirements must be completed by June 2027.
• Responses to Supplemental Questions: Each response should be no longer than 2 pages, single-spaced, with 1" margins, and in 12pt Arial font.

Incomplete applications or those that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered.

Selection Process

This recruitment closes at 2:00 PM Pacific Time on Friday, December 11, 2026. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will proceed through the following steps:

• Preliminary interview.
• Further assessment at the City of Long Beach for top candidates.
• Assessment Center to evaluate skills such as analytical, budgeting, communication and writing, interpersonal skills, and presentation skills.

Final job offers will be made at the conclusion of the assessment. If accepted, Management Assistants are responsible for their own relocation and housing expenses.