Intern (Management Fellow - Part Time)

Internship Opportunity

The City of Bloomington is seeking an individual with a passion for working in local government who will support the implementation and ongoing work of the City's strategic planning and performance measurement, while also being exposed to all aspects of municipal operations. Over the course of the one-year fellowship, fellows will work on significant project(s), network with professionals in local government, and observe first-hand the efforts of the City to resolve complex issues of policy and governance.

This is a part-time, temporary fellowship of 9-12 months at 20 hours per week, with an anticipated start date in September.

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embraces the City's shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City's vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

Examples of Duties

• Support coordination and implementation of Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together., a community-based strategic plan that seeks to integrate strategic planning, performance measurement, and community engagement using technology and shared learning.
• Support the maintenance and use of the City's strategic planning and performance management software by updating data, assisting departments with regular initiative reporting, and providing technical support to help track progress toward the City's mission and vision.
• Support citywide performance measurement efforts by assisting with data collection and reporting, maintaining performance tracking tools, coordinating training logistics, and supporting communication with departments to promote consistent use of performance practices.
• Conduct research on national best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in strategic planning and performance measurement to help the City remain at the forefront of local government effectiveness.
• Monitor state and federal legislative activity related to City priorities and provide updates, analysis, and recommendations to support informed engagement and response.
• Support policy work, special projects, and strategic planning.
• Work closely with Senior and Executive leaders and the City Manager's Office.
• Establish strong working relationships with department stakeholders.
• Write, edit, and format content for presentations and reports.
• Attend meetings, both internal and external, which will provide exposure to local government processes.

Over the course of the Fellowship:

• Comprehensive exposure to the many aspects and disciplines of municipal government.
• Significant interdepartmental communication and coordination.
• Development of project management skills, and extensive experience connecting strategic vision to day-to-day service.
• Opportunity to work independently and take on significant responsibility, along with mentorship from experienced local government professionals.
• Flexible, supportive, and encouraging work environment in which to learn and grow.
• Rotational assignments based on the needs of the City.
• Experience and preparation to transition to numerous possible leadership positions within the local government sector.
• Regular interaction with all members of the City's Executive Team, as well as the Mayor and Councilmembers, community members and representatives of the City's numerous strategic partners.
• Membership in the Minnesota City/County Management Association (MCMA) and the Minnesota Association of Public Management Professionals (APMP), as well as opportunities to attend professional development programs and interagency meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Interest in public service and local government, with a desire to contribute to community-based strategic initiatives and organizational effectiveness
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including City leadership, elected officials, staff across departments, community members, and strategic partners
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional presentations, reports, and correspondence
• Ability to learn and use new technology systems (e.g. Envisio, Smartsheet, Power BI or other similar systems) and software applications related to strategic planning, performance measurement, and project management
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to gather information, conduct research, interpret data, and support informed decision-making
• Ability to exercise professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and adaptability while working in a dynamic municipal environment
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

MINIMUM/DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrollment in or completion of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in public administration, public policy, urban studies, or related program
• Ability to work on site during regular business hours up to 20 hours a week

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of or interest in municipal government operations, public administration, local government strategic planning, and/or the Bloomington community
• Experience or interest in developing skills in one or more of the following areas: project management, strategic planning, performance measurement, policy development, process improvement, or change management, through coursework, internships, employment, volunteer experiences, or other lived experiences.
• Familiarity with or interest in conducting research, analyzing information, and/or organizing data to support reports, presentations, or projects in academic, professional, community, or other collaborative settings

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This position does not supervise others

Anticipated Hiring Range: $21.64 Hourly

2026 Full Salary Range: $21.64 Hourly

Part Time Temporary; Non-Exempt; Non-Union; Benefits Ineligible

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change