The New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program is a paid two-year fellowship offering talented graduate, law, and advanced degree program graduates unmatched training and experience in New York State government. Excelsior Fellows work full time at host executive-branch agencies and authorities, advancing the operational and legal aspects of important policy initiatives. Fellows will also participate in a Professional Development program focusing on leadership development and the fundamentals of New York State government.

After completing the Excelsior Service Fellowship, exceptional fellows may continue to serve New York State. More than 50% of prior classes of Excelsior Fellows were offered permanent positions with the State post-fellowship.

Upcoming information sessions about the Excelsior Service Fellowship are listed on our events page.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows’ salaries are based on years of work experience after college:

• $70,000 for graduates with a master’s degree and less than 3 years of post-undergraduate professional work experience
• $75,000 for graduates with a master’s degree and 3 or more years of post-undergraduate professional work experience
• $80,000 for graduates with a PhD or JD degree (only applicable to JD graduates pursuing a legal fellowship placement)
• Additionally, all fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package including paid leave, health, dental, vision, and other benefits.

Fellowship Placements

Candidates are encouraged to note their areas of interest and any preferred placement agencies; however final placements will be dictated by budget and the needs of state government. Law school graduates will be placed in legal assignments unless they expressly request otherwise. While some opportunities exist in New York City and elsewhere in the state, most agency placements are located in Albany, New York. Sample placements include: • NYS Executive Chamber • Department of Environmental Conservation • Empire State Development • Office of Children & Family Services • NYSERDA Program Requirements

Candidates must have earned their graduate degree (i.e., MPA, MA, MBA) or an advanced degree (i.e., JD, PhD) in the 2024-25 academic year. Generally, this means August 2023 – May/June 2024. Candidates must be eligible to work for New York State without employer sponsorship.

Application Process

Applications and selections for the 2025 New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program will be administered by the participating partner schools. Interested applicants should submit the following materials to their school’s designated contact: resume, transcript, 2 letters of recommendation (at least one of which should be academic in nature), and a personal statement/cover letter. The personal statement should outline the candidate’s interest in the Excelsior Service Fellowship and their commitment public service (no more than 750 words). Partner schools will forward their nominations to the Center for Recruitment and Public Service no later than March 1, 2025. Applications are due to the Graduate Center by Friday, February 17, 2024.  Interested students and recent alumni can apply via Handshake job number 9415876.

Nominees will be interviewed for placement by the Center for Recruitment and Public Service, and will be matched with a placement at a State Agency or Authority. Those Fellows who are matched will be notified of their final acceptance by the second week of May (dates subject to change). The Fellowship program will commence in September. All Excelsior Fellows must submit to a background investigation conducted by the New York State Police and the Center for Recruitment and Public Service. Fellowship appointment is contingent upon this background check. New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

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