The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program seeks eligible individuals for assessment and potential subsequent selection as Finalists to obtain appointments as Fellows in the Federal Government. Thoroughly review this announcement, the "PMF Applicant Handbook," and the Become a PMFsectionof the PMF website for information about eligibility, the application and assessment process, and the application timeline. To apply, follow the instructions under the "How to Apply" section below.
Summary
The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program seeks eligible individuals for assessment and potential subsequent selection as Finalists to obtain appointments as Fellows in the Federal Government. Thoroughly review this announcement, the "PMF Applicant Handbook," and the Become a PMFsectionof the PMF website for information about eligibility, the application and assessment process, and the application timeline. To apply, follow the instructions under the "How to Apply" section below.
Those applicants selected as Finalists will be able to search for PMF appointment opportunities offered by participating Federal agencies. Additional details can be found under the Become a PMF\Find a Job section on the PMF website.
Advanced degree completed between September 13, 2020 and September 13, 2022
-OR-
Will complete an advanced degree by August 31, 2023 (see more below)
Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service or have an exemption
Complete, certify and submit application before Noon (Eastern Time) on the closing date outlined above (unless otherwise instructed)
Security Clearance: Finalists selected for PMF appointments are subject to position and security/suitability requirements as determined by the appointing authority and agency
NOTE: You do NOT need a USAJOBS applicant user account to apply
Please read thoroughly and follow the instructions outlined in this announcement
NOTE: There is no "Apply" button in this announcement. You must follow the "How to Apply" instructions to apply.
If an applicant is selected as a Finalist, they may be initially appointed as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF; Fellow) to a GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 grade level (or equivalent) and may potentially be promoted up to the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent) during their two-year fellowship. Finalists are not guaranteed a PMF appointment and positions/grade levels are dependent on agency needs.
Finalists selected for PMF appointments will be subject to specific position requirements, as defined by the appointing agency. These may include determination of duty station, telework eligible or remote position, salary, grade levels, promotion potential, security requirements, supervisory status, travel requirements and other conditions of employment. The salary range listed in this announcement is for the GS-9, step 1 through GS-12, step 10, covering the Washington, DC, metro area, as of the date of this announcement. Actual salary range for a particular PMF position will vary based on the duty location and the grade level.
The PMF Program is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and is regulated by the Pathways Programs regulations in part 362 of Title 5, of the Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR 362). Appointments are made in the excepted service under the Schedule D Hiring Authority.
Qualifications
Applicants must have obtained an advanced degree (e.g., Master's, Ph.D., J.D), within the two years preceding the opening date of this announcement (i.e., between September 13, 2020, through September 13, 2022), or expect to complete all advanced degree requirements, including the successful defense/completion of any required thesis/dissertation, by August 31, 2023. The advanced degree must be from an accredited academic institution.
Those applicants selected as Finalists having or obtaining advanced degrees from foreign academic institutions will be asked to use a credential evaluation service; failure to provide documentation in a timely fashion may result in revocation of Finalist status. Additional information can be found under the Become a PMF\Eligibility\Education Outside U.S. section on the PMF website.
Those applicants selected as Finalists who are current graduate students completing their advanced degree requirements must upload an updated advanced degree transcript to their applicant user account on the Apply Site of the PMF Talent Management System by August 31, 2023, to retain eligibility. From the applicant pool, the PMF Program Office will identify Semi-Finalists. Subsequently, from the Semi-Finalist pool, the PMF Program Office will identify Finalists. Selection of Finalists will be based on:
(1) ability to meet eligibility requirements,
(2) complete application,
(3) online assessment results,
(4) structured interview results, and
(5) the total number of Finalists authorized each year.
The number of Finalists for the Class of 2023 has not yet been determined. Only Finalists are eligible for PMF appointment opportunities. PMF appointments are full-time, paid positions (e.g., salary and benefits) over a two-year fellowship. Those applicants ultimately selected as Finalists should review the Become a PMF\Find a Job section on the PMF website.
All applicants will be asked to provide the last 4-digits of their Social Security Number (SSN) when creating an applicant user account and applying to the PMF Program.
Non-U.S. citizen applicants who meet the eligibility requirements, who do not already possess a Social Security Number (SSN), and wish to apply to the PMF Program, must contact the PMF Program Office, via an email to pmfapplication@opm.gov to request an alternative 4-digit number. This number will serve throughout the process as a unique identifier and does not entitle the user to any other benefits. Requests for an alternative number are only honored during the application period. For additional information about citizenship, including PMF Federal employment of non-U.S. citizens, please go to the Become a PMF\Eligibility\Citizenship section on the PMF website.
There are no GPA (grade point average) or age restrictions associated with the application.
Education
The program requires the possession of an advanced degree. For further information see the Qualifications section.
Additional information
NOTICE: The PMF Class of 2023 Application has been extended for a final time to Noon (ET), Friday, October 7, 2022, due to the impact of Hurricane Ian on Florida/the East Coast.
Information about the PMF Class of 2023 Application timeline can be found under the Become a PMF\2023 Application section on the PMF website. NOTE: The timeline is subject to change; please check the PMF website frequently for any updates.
For the 2023 application cycle, the PMF Program has made significant updates to the assessment and selection process. Changes are made to the application and assessment process periodically to efficiently and effectively achieve the program goal of recruiting and identifying a qualified, diverse group of applicants who will become Finalists and Fellows. For an overview of these changes, please reference the "PMF Applicant Handbook" and the Become a PMF\2023 Application section on the PMF website. Changes effective with this year's application cycle are also reflected throughout this announcement.
The PMF Program is highly competitive. Last year, over 8,000 applications were received and 1,100 Finalists were selected. On average, over the past ten years, 60-70% of Finalists obtain PMF appointments. Information about the assessment process can be found under the a Become a PMF\Assessment Process section on the PMF website and in the "PMF Applicant Handbook".
As referenced above, PMF Program Office has prepared a "PMF Applicant Handbook" for applicants that details the annual application process, explains the eligibility requirements, required documentation, and provides an overview of the assessment process (including sample questions). The Handbook can be found under the Become a PMF\Resources section on the PMF website.
All required and supporting documentation must be submitted by Noon, Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement (unless otherwise instructed).
All program communications are conducted via email. Please ensure the email address provided is current and accessible throughout the application, assessment, and selection process. Please add the following email addresses to your "allowed" or "safe" list: no-reply@apply.pmf.gov, no-reply@portal.pmf.gov, pmfapplication@opm.gov, and pmf@opm.gov.
Previous Applicants: An individual who previously applied for the PMF Program but was not selected as a Finalist, or a current Finalist who has not been appointed, may reapply as long as they meet eligibility requirements. Current Finalists who reapply will forfeit their status as a current Finalist upon initiating a new application .
The PMF Program Office is unable to review or pre-screen applicant documents prior to or during the application process. Please follow the instructions provided.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will be redirected to the Apply Site of the PMF Talent Management System (TMS) to apply (see "How to Apply" below). Applicants will be asked to submit their resume, advanced degree transcript (and/or alternative), and supporting documents for any claims for veterans' preference.
Applicants must also complete an assessment process. The assessment process is designed to measure key competencies that are critical to success in the PMF role. The assessment process will consist of three distinct parts: (1) The Fellows Behavioral Assessment Tool (FBAT), (2) The Fellows Situational Assessment Tool (FSAT), and (3) The Fellows Structured Interview (FSI).
The assessment process will be carried out in two stages: (1) the Online Assessment stage (which includes the FBAT and FSAT), and (2) the Semi-Finalist stage (which includes the FSI).
Semi-Finalists will be determined based on eligibility, completeness of application, and results from the Online Assessment stage.
Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for the online assessment must make the request and provide supporting documentation before starting the online assessment and before the application announcement closes. Reasonable accommodations for the structured interview should also be requested during the application period.
To determine if you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements, we review your resume, advanced degree transcript (and/or alternative), supporting documents for any claims to preference, and responses to the online assessment.
Finalists are chosen based on: (1) ability to meet eligibility requirements, (2) complete application, (3) online assessment results, (4) structured interview results (i.e., for Semi-Finalists), and (5) the total number of Finalists authorized for each year.
Those applicants selected as Finalists may be eligible for two-year PMF appointments in the excepted service. The PMF Program Office has defined the eligibility period (per 5 CFR §362.404(a)(3)) as Finalists having an appointment eligibility period of 12 months from the date of selecting Finalists and any approved appointment eligibility extension as described on the PMF website.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation for the assessments described in this announcement when applying to the PMF Program. Reasonable accommodations are provided to applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Decisions on reasonable accommodation requests are made on a base-by-case basis. Please refer to the Become a PMF/Assessment Process section on the PMF website and the "PMF Applicant Handbook" for more information about the reasonable accommodation request process.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
All applicants must submit a resume and an advanced degree transcript (and/or alternative) to be considered for this year's announcement. If applicable, applicants claiming veterans' preference, and/or requesting reasonable accommodations must submit supporting documentation as part of their application before this announcement closes. Documents are limited to a file size of 5 MB each.
Applicants currently completing their advanced degree should submit a transcript showing the portion of the advanced degree completed to date. Transcripts may be official or unofficial copies; however, they must be legible, in English, and contain the minimum following information:
Applicant Name
College/University name
Advanced degree program (completed or pursuing), a professional or graduate degree (e.g., Master's, Ph.D., J.D.)
Advanced degree completion date (for recent graduates) or anticipated advanced degree completion date (for current graduates);(NOTE: Many transcripts do not include the anticipated graduation dates for current graduates. If your transcript does NOT contain this information you must supply an alternative document that does show the anticipated degree completion date.)
If a transcript is unavailable or missing ANY of the above items, applicants must submit an alternative document (e.g., an alternative letter, enrollment verification form, etc.) providing the information requested above, or a combination of both the alternative and the transcript. If an alternative is used to show missing elements on a transcript, then both documents should be submitted. Transcripts created by the applicant are not acceptable. If any required information is missing after reviewing all documents, the applicant will be disqualified. Details about transcripts (and/or alternatives) can be found in the "PMF Applicant Handbook," and under the Become a PMF\Application Process\Application Tips section on the PMF website, including reference to our "PMF Program Required Application Documents and Alternative Letter" guidance and resource. The collection of documents is used to validate your eligibility.
Applicants with a law degree (e.g., J.D.) should identify their degree as a "professional" type of advanced degree during the application process.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted by the closing date.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
You MUST submit a copy of your advanced degree transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience; unofficial transcripts are allowed. If you claim qualifications based on education and do not submit the transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified".
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Additional information can be found under the Become a PMF\Eligibility\Education Outside U.S. section on the PMF website.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applicants are to go to the Apply Site to create an applicant user account and apply. The Apply Site is part of the PMF TMS (Talent Management System). Applicants should estimate 2 to 3 hours to complete the entire application and online assessment process. The application system only allows one applicant account to be associated to an email address and each applicant can only submit one application per application cycle. Applicants applying from overseas and having trouble accessing the application should email pmfapplication@opm.gov as soon as they encounter any issues.
NOTE: The opening and closing time of this announcement is Noon (Eastern Time).
1. Instructions - Applicants should review the following before beginning the process:
- Review this announcement in its entirety.
- Thoroughly review the "PMF Applicant Handbook," and "Become a PMF" section of the PMF website.
- Ensure your system and browser complies with application and assessment requirements, as specified under "Become a PMF\Application Process".
- Follow the online instructions provided on how to submit documents. File size is limited to 5MB for each file.
2. Resume - Applicants must submit a resume as part of their application. Resumes can be in any format as long as they cover all required elements. Additional information, along with minimum requirements, can be found in the "PMF Applicant Handbook" and under "Become a PMF\Application Process\Application Tips" .
3. Transcript - Applicants must submit an advanced degree transcript (and/or alternative) as part of this application process. Further information on this requirement, along with required information, can be found in the "PMF Applicant Handbook" and under "Become a PMF\Application Process\Application Tips". Applicants also have the option to submit an undergraduate degree transcript, which is encouraged but not required.
4. Claiming Veterans' Preference (if applicable) - Applicants claiming veterans' preference must submit supporting documentation for adjudication. For more information on how veterans' preference is applied in the PMF Program, including document requirements, review "Become a PMF\Eligibility\Veterans' Preference".
5. Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Applicants requesting a reasonable accommodation for the assessment process must describe their disability and functional limitations in relation to their performance when filling out the eligibility section of the application. Furthermore, supporting documentation for reasonable accommodation requests must be from a qualified professional that includes information about the disability as well as the accommodation being requested for the online assessment and/or structured interview. Please note that a "Schedule A" letter in and of itself is not sufficient documentation. Additional information can be found in the "PMF Applicant Handbook", and under "Become a PMF\Assessment Process".
6. Online Assessment - During the application process, all applicants must complete all parts of the online assessment (i.e., the Fellows Behavioral Assessment Tool and the Fellows Situational Assessment Tool). Applicants should anticipate approximately 2.5 hours for completing this portion. Please reference "PMF Applicant Handbook" under "Become a PMF\Resources" for additional information.
7. Submit Application - Applicants will be prompted to certify their responses and verify that they completed their entire application and online assessment without assistance. If an applicant fails to certify the responses, the application will not be considered submitted. After submission of an application, applicants can (1) make edits to their personal contact information up until Finalists are announced, and (2) access their application to upload new or updated documents up until the application closes. Veteran applicants can access their application to upload new or updated supporting documents for their claim to veterans' preference up to 1 week after the application closes.
8. Fellows Structured Interview (for Semi-Finalists) - Applicants who are selected as Semi-Finalists will receive an invitation to schedule a structured interview approximately 3-4 weeks after this announcement closes. Semi-Finalists will complete an approximately 30-minute audio interview via phone, in English with a live panel of assessors. Please reference the "PMF Applicant Handbook" under "Become a PMF\Resources" for additional information.
Once you have reviewed these instructions entirely, please click on the following link to create an applicant user account and apply via the Apply Site: https://apply.pmf.gov/
Office of Personnel Management
Throughout the Nation and
Washington, DC 20415
US
Next steps
Shortly after the application closes, the PMF Program Office reviews applications for eligibility, completeness, academic institution accreditation, claims for veterans' preference, and assessment results; this is referred to as the adjudication process. Based on the adjudication process and assessment score results, the PMF Program Office will identify Semi-Finalists. Semi-Finalists will be invited to participate in a structured interview process. Finalists will be announced after the structured interviews conclude. Please refer to the timeline posted under Become a PMF\2023 Application.
Applicants can monitor their results from their applicant user account on the Apply Site of the PMF TMS, and will be sent an email notifying them whether they have been selected as a Semi-Finalist and as a Finalist.
The PMF Program Office anticipates announcing Finalists in mid-February 2023. From the date of selection, Finalists have 12 months to secure a PMF appointment. Finalists are not guaranteed a PMF appointment and positions/grade levels are dependent on agency needs. If you are not selected as a Semi-Finalist or Finalist, you may be eligible to reapply next year. Please note there is no appeal process, and we are not able to provide assessment scores.
PMF appointment opportunities for Finalists are agency-specific, and agencies determine the position, job series, grade level, promotion potential, target position, virtual/telework option (if applicable), and location of each position posted. Every PMF appointee must undergo a background investigation and be adjudicated suitable for Federal employment. The level of background investigation will be dependent on the PMF position and is agency-specific.
Federal agencies that participate in the PMF Program can be identified by those having a designated Agency PMF Coordinator. Please reference the list of Agency PMF Coordinators.
Applicants needing help desk support during the application/assessment process should click on the "Help" link appearing on the application and follow the instructions. The phone number listed on this announcement is for technical support only.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants must submit a resume and an advanced degree transcript (and/or alternative) to be considered for this year's announcement. If applicable, applicants claiming veterans' preference, and/or requesting reasonable accommodations must submit supporting documentation as part of their application before this announcement closes. Documents are limited to a file size of 5 MB each.
Applicants currently completing their advanced degree should submit a transcript showing the portion of the advanced degree completed to date. Transcripts may be official or unofficial copies; however, they must be legible, in English, and contain the minimum following information:
Applicant Name
College/University name
Advanced degree program (completed or pursuing), a professional or graduate degree (e.g., Master's, Ph.D., J.D.)
Advanced degree completion date (for recent graduates) or anticipated advanced degree completion date (for current graduates);(NOTE: Many transcripts do not include the anticipated graduation dates for current graduates. If your transcript does NOT contain this information you must supply an alternative document that does show the anticipated degree completion date.)
If a transcript is unavailable or missing ANY of the above items, applicants must submit an alternative document (e.g., an alternative letter, enrollment verification form, etc.) providing the information requested above, or a combination of both the alternative and the transcript. If an alternative is used to show missing elements on a transcript, then both documents should be submitted. Transcripts created by the applicant are not acceptable. If any required information is missing after reviewing all documents, the applicant will be disqualified. Details about transcripts (and/or alternatives) can be found in the "PMF Applicant Handbook," and under the Become a PMF\Application Process\Application Tips section on the PMF website, including reference to our "PMF Program Required Application Documents and Alternative Letter" guidance and resource. The collection of documents is used to validate your eligibility.
Applicants with a law degree (e.g., J.D.) should identify their degree as a "professional" type of advanced degree during the application process.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted by the closing date.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
You MUST submit a copy of your advanced degree transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience; unofficial transcripts are allowed. If you claim qualifications based on education and do not submit the transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified".
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Additional information can be found under the Become a PMF\Eligibility\Education Outside U.S. section on the PMF website.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applicants are to go to the Apply Site to create an applicant user account and apply. The Apply Site is part of the PMF TMS (Talent Management System). Applicants should estimate 2 to 3 hours to complete the entire application and online assessment process. The application system only allows one applicant account to be associated to an email address and each applicant can only submit one application per application cycle. Applicants applying from overseas and having trouble accessing the application should email pmfapplication@opm.gov as soon as they encounter any issues.
NOTE: The opening and closing time of this announcement is Noon (Eastern Time).
1. Instructions - Applicants should review the following before beginning the process:
- Review this announcement in its entirety.
- Thoroughly review the "PMF Applicant Handbook," and "Become a PMF" section of the PMF website.
- Ensure your system and browser complies with application and assessment requirements, as specified under "Become a PMF\Application Process".
- Follow the online instructions provided on how to submit documents. File size is limited to 5MB for each file.
2. Resume - Applicants must submit a resume as part of their application. Resumes can be in any format as long as they cover all required elements. Additional information, along with minimum requirements, can be found in the "PMF Applicant Handbook" and under "Become a PMF\Application Process\Application Tips" .
3. Transcript - Applicants must submit an advanced degree transcript (and/or alternative) as part of this application process. Further information on this requirement, along with required information, can be found in the "PMF Applicant Handbook" and under "Become a PMF\Application Process\Application Tips". Applicants also have the option to submit an undergraduate degree transcript, which is encouraged but not required.
4. Claiming Veterans' Preference (if applicable) - Applicants claiming veterans' preference must submit supporting documentation for adjudication. For more information on how veterans' preference is applied in the PMF Program, including document requirements, review "Become a PMF\Eligibility\Veterans' Preference".
5. Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Applicants requesting a reasonable accommodation for the assessment process must describe their disability and functional limitations in relation to their performance when filling out the eligibility section of the application. Furthermore, supporting documentation for reasonable accommodation requests must be from a qualified professional that includes information about the disability as well as the accommodation being requested for the online assessment and/or structured interview. Please note that a "Schedule A" letter in and of itself is not sufficient documentation. Additional information can be found in the "PMF Applicant Handbook", and under "Become a PMF\Assessment Process".
6. Online Assessment - During the application process, all applicants must complete all parts of the online assessment (i.e., the Fellows Behavioral Assessment Tool and the Fellows Situational Assessment Tool). Applicants should anticipate approximately 2.5 hours for completing this portion. Please reference "PMF Applicant Handbook" under "Become a PMF\Resources" for additional information.
7. Submit Application - Applicants will be prompted to certify their responses and verify that they completed their entire application and online assessment without assistance. If an applicant fails to certify the responses, the application will not be considered submitted. After submission of an application, applicants can (1) make edits to their personal contact information up until Finalists are announced, and (2) access their application to upload new or updated documents up until the application closes. Veteran applicants can access their application to upload new or updated supporting documents for their claim to veterans' preference up to 1 week after the application closes.
8. Fellows Structured Interview (for Semi-Finalists) - Applicants who are selected as Semi-Finalists will receive an invitation to schedule a structured interview approximately 3-4 weeks after this announcement closes. Semi-Finalists will complete an approximately 30-minute audio interview via phone, in English with a live panel of assessors. Please reference the "PMF Applicant Handbook" under "Become a PMF\Resources" for additional information.
Once you have reviewed these instructions entirely, please click on the following link to create an applicant user account and apply via the Apply Site: https://apply.pmf.gov/
Office of Personnel Management
Throughout the Nation and
Washington, DC 20415
US
Next steps
Shortly after the application closes, the PMF Program Office reviews applications for eligibility, completeness, academic institution accreditation, claims for veterans' preference, and assessment results; this is referred to as the adjudication process. Based on the adjudication process and assessment score results, the PMF Program Office will identify Semi-Finalists. Semi-Finalists will be invited to participate in a structured interview process. Finalists will be announced after the structured interviews conclude. Please refer to the timeline posted under Become a PMF\2023 Application.
Applicants can monitor their results from their applicant user account on the Apply Site of the PMF TMS, and will be sent an email notifying them whether they have been selected as a Semi-Finalist and as a Finalist.
The PMF Program Office anticipates announcing Finalists in mid-February 2023. From the date of selection, Finalists have 12 months to secure a PMF appointment. Finalists are not guaranteed a PMF appointment and positions/grade levels are dependent on agency needs. If you are not selected as a Semi-Finalist or Finalist, you may be eligible to reapply next year. Please note there is no appeal process, and we are not able to provide assessment scores.
PMF appointment opportunities for Finalists are agency-specific, and agencies determine the position, job series, grade level, promotion potential, target position, virtual/telework option (if applicable), and location of each position posted. Every PMF appointee must undergo a background investigation and be adjudicated suitable for Federal employment. The level of background investigation will be dependent on the PMF position and is agency-specific.
Federal agencies that participate in the PMF Program can be identified by those having a designated Agency PMF Coordinator. Please reference the list of Agency PMF Coordinators.
Applicants needing help desk support during the application/assessment process should click on the "Help" link appearing on the application and follow the instructions. The phone number listed on this announcement is for technical support only.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
