If you complete your Master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree during this academic year, we invite you to explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. The PMF Program is a two-year, paid program designed to develop future leaders committed to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs.
The program is highly competitive and candidates must be nominated by their graduate program’s dean, director, or chair. Upon successful completion of the program, fellows may be eligible for permanent placement within a federal agency. Find more information about the PMF Program, the application process, frequently asked questions and how to become a PMF.
Eligibility
- Individuals who have completed within the past two years, a qualifying advanced degree (e.g., masters or professional degree) or who will meet advanced degree requirements by August 31 of the year following the annual application announcement.
- An individual may apply for the PMF Program more than once as long as he or she meets the eligibility criteria. However, if an individual becomes a Finalist and subsequently applies for the PMF Program during the next open announcement, the individual will forfeit his or her status as a Finalist.
Program Administration
- The PMF Program is centrally administered by the PMF Program Office within OPM.
- OPM announces the opportunity to apply for the PMF Program (usually in the late summer or early fall) on the PMF and USAJOBS websites.
- Applicants go through a rigorous assessment process to determine Finalists.
- OPM selects Finalists based on an evaluation of each candidate's experience and accomplishments according to his or her application and results of the assessments.
- OPM publishes and provides agencies with the list of Finalists.
- Agencies provide OPM with information about their PMF opportunities and can post PMF appointment opportunities for those who are Finalists on the PMF website year-round. In addition, a job fair is typically held for Finalists each year.
- Finalists who obtain an appointment as a PMF serve in a two-year excepted service position.
Training and Development
- The PMF Program Office provides newly hired PMFs an opportunity to participate in its Orientation and Training Program.
- Senior-level mentorship throughout the program.
- Individual Development Plan to create and track a PMF's career planning, professional development, and training activities.
- Developmental opportunities in the occupation or functional discipline the PMF would most likely be placed.
- At least 80 hours of formal, interactive training each year of the program, for a total of 160 hours.
- PMFs are placed on a performance plan and must obtain a successful rating each year.
After Program Completion
- After successful Program completion and job performance, the PMF may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, a term appointment lasting 1-4 years) in the competitive service.
Content last reviewed on