City Council Fellow

JOB SUMMARY:
The City of Frederick City Council is looking for a part time Summer Fellow to join its team and contribute to policy work. Working closely with the Legislative Manager, the fellow will research a Council selected policy issue and produce a report that helps shape future City initiatives.

This fellowship provides a behind the scenes look at how a municipal legislative branch operates. Fellows will work directly with Council Members and staff, gain practical experience in government operations, and leave with a polished work product that supports both City goals and their own professional growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

*Conducts research on a Council selected topic, including reviewing best practices, evaluating comparable municipal legislation, and gathering relevant data.
*Drafts a report that outlines the issue, summarizes research findings, and identifies potential next steps to support future Council decision making.
*Collaborates with the Legislative Manager to refine research questions, establish project milestones, and ensure the final deliverable aligns with Council priorities.
*Attends, as available, City Council meetings, workshops, and briefings to observe legislative processes and gain insight into municipal operations.
*Engages with City departments and staff to collect information, understand operational perspectives, and learn about municipal workflows.
*Prepares written materials and presentations to communicate findings to Council Members, the Legislative Manager, and other City staff as needed.
*Supports general Council operations, including assisting with administrative tasks, preparing meeting materials, and contributing to special projects.
*Participates in professional development opportunities such as mentorship, informational interviews, and exposure to various functions of City government.
*Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
*Current student or recent graduate in high school or current student in university with an interest in public policy, public administration, data analytics, or a related field.
*Experience writing public facing materials and/or public communication is helpful.

REQUIRED SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.):
*Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to analyze data and policy documents.
*Strong organizational and time management skills.
*Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
*Strong written and verbal communication skills.

OTHER DESIRABLES:
*Basic knowledge of Microsoft Suite products.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position and/or to move about for long periods of time, and position self to reach items above or below their reach. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to observe and inspect items directly in front or to either side of self, to assess items at a distance, to distinguish colors, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is exposed periodically to outside weather conditions, but most work is performed in a typical office setting.