The New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program is a funded two‐year fellowship offering talented individuals hands on training and experience in New York State government. Excelsior Fellows work full time at host executive‐branch agencies, advancing the operational aspects of large policy initiatives. Fellow placements include the Executive Chamber, Empire State Development Corporation, Justice Center, Department of Environmental Control, and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Requirements and Details
Candidates must possess a graduate degree (i.e., MPA, MA, MBA) or an advanced degree (i.e., JD, PhD) no later than June 2016. JD fellows will be placed in legal assignments unless they
expressly request otherwise. 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. While some opportunities exist in New York City, most agency placements are located in Albany, New York.
Salary is in two‐tiers, based on years of work experience after college:
- Fellows with less than five years of post‐collegiate work experience are paid $55,000 annually
- Fellows with five or more years of post‐collegiate work experience are paid $60,000 annually
Additionally, all fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package including paid leave, health, dental, vision, and other benefits.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.
Application Process
NYU Law students interested in applying should submit a resume, cover letter, transcript, and list of 3 references to pilc.info@nyu.edu no later than Tuesday, January 19, 2016. A selection committee made up of NYU Law faculty and/or alumni with experience in state government will interview shortlisted candidates in late February and/or early March. The Applicants should also include a statement of purpose, outlining their interest in the Excelsior Service Fellowship (no more than 750 words). The cover letter may serve as the statement of interest. The NYU Law Selection Committee will forward its selections to the Center for Recruitment and Public Service no later than March 1, 2016. Prospective fellows will be interviewed for placement by the Center for Recruitment and Public Service, and will be notified of their assigned placements by June 10, 2016.