Fuse Corps is a prestigious, highly-selective fellowship program (only 10-20 are selected nationwide each year from hundreds of applicants). Fuse Corps Fellows are selected for distinguished, “cabinet-level” positions working with leaders in state and local governments (such as governors or mayors and their senior staff) or community-based organizations. Fellows spend one year working full-time on a grassroots project addressing issues of national importance in a local context (e.g., education, health care, low income housing, economic development, workforce development, and green initiatives). Fellows participate in the best, hands-on, public service / entrepreneurial leadership experience in the country.
WHY JOIN?
After spending 8-10 years in the private sector, spend a year working in the trenches with our country’s most visionary leaders and help solve real community problems. Fuse Corps gives you a powerful platform to give something back to your community. You’ll have an unprecedented chance to expand your leadership capabilities and network with top national and state leaders. You’ll learn how government works (and doesn’t) and discover new ways to address the challenges facing our country. The innovation you’ll help drive in your communities will demonstrate the power and potential of public and private sector collaborations. Ultimately, as a Fuse Corps alum, you’ll become part of a prestigious ecosystem of top corporate, political and social sector leaders who share a lifelong commitment to bringing positive change to the country.
THE INSTITUTE
The Fuse Corps experience is as much about your personal and professional growth as it is about your impact on the communities you serve during the fellowship year. Fuse Corps provides you with the critical skills and motivation to be an entrepreneurial change agent well beyond your fellowship year and in any career field. To start your year, you’ll gather with other Fellows in Silicon Valley for an intensive 2-week leadership institute. You’ll focus on the core skills needed to be successful in government and cross-sector environments. These competencies include team building, creative problem solving, innovation, design, communication, influence, change management, how to leverage networks, and more. A key part of the program is a distinguished speakers series. You’ll have access to dozens of top leaders in government and industry. Through these interactions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of public policy and effective leadership. You’ll also develop your networks and get inspired.
Fellows receive compensation in one of two ways.
- Some Fellows are “on-loan” from their companies and continue to receive their salary and benefits from their company.
- Others receive a $90,000 stipend in their Fuse Corps placement. Limited travel and other program-related expenses are provided by Fuse Corps. Fellows receive a 1099 form; however, Health care and other benefits are not provided.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Fuse Corps is looking for highly motivated professionals from the private sector with:
- Demonstrated interest or passion for public service
- Strong interest in the policy or program area in which they intend to focus
- Outstanding capacity for leadership, strong record of professional achievement, with potential for further growth
- Demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles
- Personal integrity
- Personal qualities such as flexibility, adaptability, creativity, humility, openness to new ideas, and sensitivity to cultural differences
- At least 10 years of professional experience, especially private sector, and skills relevant to available placements
- Practical skills, especially in project management, oral, written and interpersonal and communications
- Strategic leadership skills to succeed at the highest levels of state/local government and to work effectively across community stakeholder groups
- Subject matter expertise in the specific policy issue area of the placement is a plus, but not required
Check here for more information on qualifications and placements, and apply here. Applications are due by February 28, 2014 at 9:00pm PST. Please contact Fuse Corps’s Program Manager, Nora Donaldson if you have additional questions: nora@fusecorps.org.