The MBA Special Advisor Fellowship, started in 2022 and managed by the Department’s Office of Management Strategy & Solutions, seeks to bring onboard graduates with a master’s in business administration (MBA) to strengthen the Department’s strategic management and operations capabilities. The fellowship provides a range of opportunities to serve as special advisors to Department leaders, solve management challenges and enhance the management platform that we rely on to advance U.S. foreign policy.

MBA Special Advisor Fellowships are open to U.S. Citizens who have an MBA or are in the second year of an MBA program with degree conferral occurring prior to entering on duty.

For questions or concerns about the program, such as eligibility, qualifications, and processes, contact MBAFellowship@State.gov

Candidates must meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualification requirements for the occupational series under which the position is classified.

Selections will be made starting at the GS-09 grade level. A candidate may receive a higher step or grade, up to GS-13, with superior qualifications (past work experience). Eligible candidates must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be able to successfully obtain and maintain the required security clearance, as determined by the position.
  • Hold an MBA or is in the second year of an MBA program with degree conferral occurring prior to entering on duty.
  • Be able to pass random drug testing.
  • Be eligible to work in the United States.
  • Be found suitable for employment (as described in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, part 731).
  • Meet the requirements outlined in the following Qualification Requirements section

Must demonstrate the following specialized experience in their resume:

  • Experience using qualitative and quantitative techniques to analyze and measure the efficiency and productivity of administrative or technical programs
  • Experience analyzing findings and making recommendations on programs and use of resources
  • Experience organizing and delivering briefings and writing written reports to encourage understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations

  • Plans and conducts studies for efficiency of operations using qualitative and quantitative methods and makes recommendations to improve program effectiveness.
  • Applies management best practices and principles to maximize the efficient use of resources.
  • Participates in special studies of the administrative management aspects of sensitive situations identified by the Bureau, Department, or external audit organizations.
  • May attend meetings, briefings and conferences in the capacity of liaison. May serve as a member of ad hoc committees and study groups both internally and externally to the Department.

For the 2025 cohort, the Department is seeking to fill four fellowship positions. Pending ability to obtain a security clearance, the Fellowship program will commence with an orientation in the M/SS office in July 2025.

Application packages MUST include the following or will be disqualified for review:

  1. A resume with references
  2. Copy of transcripts – indicating an MBA degree or in second year of an MBA program with degree conferral occurring prior to July 2025
  3. Veterans’ preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214, VA letter, etc.)
  4. A concise statement of interest – (no more than one page) describing your interest in the fellowship and public sector, noting the top project or projects (see 2025 project descriptions above) that you would like to be considered for, and articulating the attributes you will bring to the Department and fellowship program.

Complete application packages should be submitted directly to MBAFellowship@state.gov before 11:59pm on October 15, 2024.

  1. What are the selection criteria? This program is targeted for new and recent MBA graduates, who demonstrate acumen in general management and operations functions, ability to communicate at the executive levels, project management experience, and have interest in working in the public sector. We anticipate the program will be highly competitive. Candidates should provide a comprehensive, to-the-point assessment of skills, expertise, and desire for public service when applying.
  2. What if I am about to graduate, but it is after the submission deadline? Applicants must graduate by the projected start date of the program, tentatively, May/June 2025. If a student is about to graduate, in addition to their transcript, they must provide a certified letter of the expected graduation date, current GPA and have it signed by a senior official in student records.
  3. Will I need a security clearance? Participants must receive a Secret or Top Secret security clearance and pass a suitability review. The Department initiates and pays for the background investigation and clearance review. However, applicants must cover fingerprinting, document preparation, and mailing costs. While having a previous security clearance can assist and expedite the review process, a new or re-validated clearance that is specific to the MBA Special Advisor Fellowship position is required.
  4. What is the duration of the fellowship? Contingent upon successful completion of a security investigation and granting of a security clearance, the fellowship will last 12 months from the start date. Host bureaus have the option to extend the Fellowship term beyond 12 months, contingent on the availability of funding.
  5. What is the timing of the program? Selections are expected to be made within two months for a potential start date of summer 2025, pending the granting of a Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
  6. Where is the fellowship located? All positions will be in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Please note that the cost of relocation will not be covered by the program (i.e., moving and travel costs).
  7. Will compensation be provided? Fellows are paid as Civil Service federal employees using the GS (General Schedule) pay scale. The GS pay scale for Civil Service employees features 15 pay grades, GS-1 (lowest) – GS-15 (highest) with 10 steps within each grade. Fellows will be appointed at the GS-9 – GS-13 level, dependent on previous experience and/or superior qualifications, during the twelve months of fellowship employment. Relocation expenses are not covered.Review the GS pay scale here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages.
  8. Do I get time off or vacation pay? Fellows will acquire Annual Leave (AL), Sick Leave (SL), and receive paid time off during eleven (11) federal holidays.
  9. Will benefits be provided? Fellows are offered the opportunity to enroll in the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHB). However, the fellowship does not provide life insurance or retirement benefits. Housing is also the responsibility of the fellow to obtain.
  10. What are the options for conversion to a Federal job? While the program does not convey preference or the ability to convert non-competitively to a competitive service federal position, the experience and skills acquired during the Special Advisor Fellowship may improve an individual’s ability to compete for a federal appointment.