Presidential Management Fellows Program

1. Who is eligible? Students who will complete a graduate course of study (master, doctoral or law degree) by August 31 of the current academic year at a qualifying college or university.

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2. How do I apply? Applications are available online beginning September 1 each year from OPM's Program Office. Students must be nominated by the appropriate dean, chairperson, or program director of their graduate academic program. Nominations may not be made by individual professors, advisors or placement counselors.

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3. When is the deadline for applying? Application deadlines vary each year.  Generally, applications are due mid-October of the current year. Individuals applying for the PMF Program MUST complete all degree requirements between September 1 of the year in which they apply and August 31 of the following year.

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4. Is preference given to Honorably Discharged veterans? Yes. To be entitled to preference, a veteran must meet the eligibility requirements in section 2108 of title 5, United States Code. When applying for Federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on their application. To find out whether you qualify for veterans' preference, visit www.dol.gov/elaws/vetspref.htm.

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5. Does the program accept individuals with disabilities? Yes. The Federal Government is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring and advancement are based on qualifications and performance, regardless of your race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or political affiliation.

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6. Are there any current or former PMF who could speak to me about the PMF process and the PMF Program in general? Yes, there are a number of current and former PMF working for SSA in various regions who are available to talk to PMF finalists. Please see the following page for the names and contact information of these PMF on the PMF ROSTER.

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7. After I have become a PMF Finalist, who is my point of contact during the job search and hiring phase? Your point of contact during the job search and hiring phase is the individual designated on OPM's Projected Positions Systems website at PMF Finalists' Job Search. That person will be able to assist you during this phase in getting the appropriate paperwork completed as well as answering questions about starting date, salary, benefits, and other related information. Additional contacts include current and former SSA PMF. These individuals know what you are going through and would be glad to talk with you about any questions or concerns that you have. Contact information for current and former PMF from SSA's various regions are listed on the PMF ROSTER.

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8. If I submit one resume to SSA representatives at the PMF Job Fair, am I applying for every position offered at SSA? No. Each SSA region/component includes contact information in their posted projected positions. We recommend you communicate directly with each SSA region/component contact listed for the position(s) that you are interested in to be sure that you receive full consideration from each component. See the PMF website for Projected Positions System at PMF Finalists' Job Search. You will be able to view the potential positions available, the contact information, and the instructions on how to apply.

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9. Who actually hires me-OPM or SSA? Though OPM facilitates the PMF applicant, assessment, finalist selection process, SSA (or other individual agencies with whom you interview) actually hires the PMF.

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10. How long does the fellowship last? PMF receive an initial 2-year appointment to an excepted service position. PMF who receive certification of their successful completion of the program requirements are converted to a permanent position in their hiring agency.

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11. What is distinctive about working for SSA as a PMF? SSA prides itself on being a distinguished agency when it comes to supporting its Presidential Management Fellows. The Agency has one of the best PMF programs in Federal government. During the program, SSA offers flexibility in choosing rotations and requires at least one rotational assignment outside of the PMF' target position. Training opportunities also extend well beyond the 80 hours per year mandated by OPM. In the past, structured training courses have included leadership and team building, federal budget processes, return on investment, and communications and interpersonal skills. Additionally, SSA has job opportunities throughout the United States, and the Agency guarantees a permanent position for all PMF who successfully complete the PMF Program. SSA designates mentors at the GS-14 level or above for all of its PMF. SSA's components can offer accelerated promotions to their qualified PMF hires.

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12. What is distinctive about working for SSA? For over 65 years, the Social Security Administration has played a part in the lives of nearly everyone you know, administering one of the largest disability and retirement systems in the world. Social Security has kept millions of elderly and disabled individuals safe from poverty. With over 90% of the U.S. population covered by Social Security, new challenges require that we question the limits of the status quo, and reach outside of the realm of the usual and standard. Social Security is a dynamic organization whose employees understand that service to the public is our primary goal.

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13. What sort of background is SSA looking for in their PMF? SSA is looking for PMF with skills and abilities in decision making, problem solving, analysis, planning, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, prior experience and demonstrated leadership skills are taken into consideration. SSA also seeks to fill PMF positions with individuals who are committed to the Agency's mission and public service ethic. For example, several current and former PMF have backgrounds in social work, social policy, public health, law, business, and public administration.

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14. Will I have a chance to travel? Although travel opportunities vary by position, all PMF hired within any of our ten regions will have the opportunity to travel to their respective Regional Offices and may have the opportunity to travel to SSA Headquarters in Baltimore, MD or to various SSA field offices located throughout the country.

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15. Will I get rotational assignments? Yes. In the past, PMF in SSA's San Francisco Region have typically completed about 4 to 6 rotational assignments during their 2-year tenure, most of which are based in the PMF' hiring component. All SSA PMF are required to complete at least one rotational assignment outside of their target position. Other outside rotations might also include working for another federal agency, a state or federal legislative office, and state or local governmental agencies. Rotational assignments external to SSA require special approval and can only begin after PMF have successfully completed one year of the program with the Agency. All assignments are designed to prepare PMF for their target position as well as a future management career with SSA.

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16. Does SSA offer recruitment incentives? Yes. PMF with specialized experience may receive a one-time recruitment bonus of up to 25% of the PMF' pay. PMF with prior Federal civilian service may be placed at a higher grade and/or step within the appointment grade level pay range. Additionally, PMF may receive a "superior qualifications appointment" above the minimum salary rate.

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17. Does SSA offer student loan repayment? No. SSA does not offer student loan repayment for its employees.

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