The Office of People and Culture (OPC) is accepting applications for its Administrative Fellowship program, a unique opportunity designed to promote leadership and professional development among mid-level staff members. The selected fellow will develop, implement and assess an innovative project over a one- or two-year term while receiving financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Designed for Staff Retention

What sets this program apart is its specific focus on mid-level staff. “It was geared toward me specifically, which was really unique and validating as a mid-level professional staff,” says Amy Messersmith, the inaugural administrative fellow when the program launched in 2023. Messersmith is currently employed as the associate director of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program.

Diane Crawford, current OPC administrative fellow, and executive director of institutional culture in the Whitman School of Management, says she was looking for a new opportunity to deepen the level of her work as she approached six years in her role. She found it particularly valuable to develop her career without having to depart her current position.

Both Crawford and Messersmith agree that the fellowship increased their desire to continue employment at the University.

Professional Growth and Campus Connections

A benefit of the administrative fellowship is the support from the Office of People and Culture. “To say that you are conducting a project as an Office of People and Culture Fellow lands very differently than just a random person on campus with a specific interest,” says Messersmith.

Crawford found the direct mentorship from a vice president-level administrator to be invaluable, and the fellowship allowed her to expand her professional network across multiple University departments outside of her primary role.

Crawford and Messersmith credit the fellowship with giving them the opportunity to develop professional and technical skills.

Qingyi Yu, who recently completed her one-year fellowship, attests to the program’s impact of bringing a sense of validation and community to her work. Through her fellowship project, Yu, who is the associate director of health and wellness at the Barnes Center at The Arch, connected with new colleagues cross-campus who were working toward similar goals, which cultivated a sense of shared purpose.

Benefits of the Selected Fellow:

• A $10,000 stipend per year
• Up to $5,000 per year in program funds to support a pre-approved project
• Up to $1,500 per year in pre-approved professional development opportunities
• Mentorship from the vice president for People and Culture and other senior leaders
• Opportunities to participate in OPC staff retreats, meetings, events, working groups and special projects

Minimum Requirements to Apply:

• Currently employed as a full-time, benefits-eligible staff member in good standing at the University
• At least five years of professional work experience; bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least two years of administrative experience in current position by the start of the fellowship
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a campus that is welcoming to all
• Commitment of approximately two hours per week for active participation

To read the full call for applications, including required materials and the link to apply, view the Administrative Fellowship SharePoint page. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 25.

If you have any questions, please contact opc@syr.edu.