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Public Service Leadership Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$70K - $80K/yr

The Director of Public Service Careers is a leader on the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement team which is housed in the Office of University Advancement at William & Mary. The ...

The Director of Public Service Careers is a leader on the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement team which is housed in the Office of University Advancement at William & Mary. The ...

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Public Service Leadership information

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Public Service Leadership roles may see reductions in traditional administrative positions as automation, digital communication tools, and data management systems become more prevalent. Jobs involving routine clerical tasks or manual record-keeping are likely to decline, emphasizing the need for leadership skills in strategic planning and technology integration. However, leadership roles focused on community engagement and policy development are expected to remain essential.

What is public service leadership?

Public service leadership refers to the process of guiding, motivating, and managing teams or organizations within the public sector, such as government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Leaders in this field are responsible for setting strategic direction, implementing policies, and ensuring that public resources are used effectively to serve the community. They often focus on promoting ethical standards, transparency, and accountability while addressing the needs of citizens. Effective public service leaders must also navigate complex regulatory environments and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In public service leadership, high-paying roles such as executive directors or senior administrators can earn around $10,000 or more monthly, especially in large organizations or government agencies. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or specialized training, but may not always require a formal degree.

What is a public service leader?

A public service leader is a professional who manages and directs government agencies, non-profit organizations, or community programs to serve the public interest. They often require strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, and may hold certifications or advanced degrees in public administration or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Service Leader, and why are they important?

To excel in Public Service Leadership, a strong background in public administration, policy analysis, and organizational management—often supported by a relevant degree or leadership training—is essential. Familiarity with government regulations, strategic planning tools, and performance management systems is commonly required. Exceptional communication, ethical decision-making, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams are standout soft skills. These abilities are critical for effectively guiding organizations, implementing policy, and serving the public interest with integrity.

What is the difference between Public Service Leadership vs Public Administration?

AspectPublic Service LeadershipPublic Administration
Required CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in public administration, public policy, or related fieldsTypically requires a master's degree in public administration, public policy, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, sets strategic direction, and influences policy decisionsManages daily operations, implements policies, and oversees staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government agencies, non-profits, and organizations emphasizing leadership rolesCommon in government agencies, public sector organizations, and administrative roles

Public Service Leadership focuses on guiding teams and shaping policies, often requiring strategic and leadership skills. Public Administration involves managing daily operations and implementing policies. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their focus areas differ: leadership versus management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Public Service Leadership roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Public Service Leadership often navigate complex stakeholder interests, shifting policy priorities, and limited resources. Balancing transparency and confidentiality, motivating diverse teams, and driving organizational change are recurring challenges. Successful leaders address these by fostering open communication, building collaborative relationships across departments, and staying adaptable to evolving public needs. Continuous professional development and mentorship are also key to overcoming these hurdles and advancing in the field.

What is the highest paying public service job?

The highest paying public service jobs are often senior executive roles such as city managers, government agency directors, or high-level policymakers, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, and they often involve overseeing large organizations or departments within government agencies.
More about Public Service Leadership jobs
Infographic showing various Public Service Leadership job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.
Manager, Public Service Leadership Institute

Manager, Public Service Leadership Institute

PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

THE ORGANIZATION

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy.

Central to this mission is our work to connect the government with those it serves by protecting it from harm and reimagining the way it works on behalf of the public.

Building on our over 20 years of experience, we:

  • Prepare civil servants to navigate an increasingly complex federal environment
  • Educate and engage the public about the value of government and how eroding its capacity hurts communities nationwide
  • Collaborate with a range of stakeholders to advance bold reforms that seek to make our federal institutions more effective, responsive and accountable to the American people
  • Equip and advise government leaders at the federal, state and local levels to develop critical skills for effective public service.

Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive. Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values:

  • Passion for public service and our work toward more effective government
  • People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect
  • Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results
  • Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.


POSITION OVERVIEW

The Partnership is seeking a collaborative and motivated project manager to join our Public Service Leadership Institute (PSLI) team to manage leadership programs, such as the AI Government Leadership Program, Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals, and Foundations in Public Service Leadership. The project manager may also manage related and supporting activities such as alumni groups, tools and technology, and webinars and workshops.

Our leadership development programs are designed to provide government leaders with the skills they need to plan, design, and implement creative solutions to government’s most intractable problems. Our participants gain targeted support to address specific management needs and use the Public Service Leadership Model to assess their performance and progress as leaders. Participants include members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) as well as other junior and senior leaders from across federal, state, and local government.

This role will manage the day-to-day execution of cohorts of leadership development programs under the support and supervision of a program senior manager or director. Responsibilities include planning and execution, leading teams of executive coaches and program staff who deliver the programs to government leaders, and managing relationships with external stakeholders.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong project management background who also has experience with delegation; excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; experience designing and launching new programs and working with funders; and demonstrated experience in relationship management.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the day-to-day management of leadership development programs, including setting goals and objectives, establishing project plans, developing and monitoring budgets, tracking deliverables and reporting on task completion, risk management and driving results through program implementation.
  • Lead program teams (including associate managers, junior staff and interns) to deliver programming.
  • Collaborate with executive coaches/facilitators, internal content designers and other subject matter experts to ensure program content and design are aligned and up to date with the Partnership’s Public Service Leadership Model.
  • Build and maintain relationships with staff, coaches, participants, government officials and other experts to ensure the successful design and delivery of the programs.
  • Engage other teams across the organization that support the success of our programs, including the AI Center for Government, business development, operations, and communications.
  • Facilitate team meetings, planning conversations with coaches and consultants and other aspects of the programs, as needed.
  • Ensure programs achieve intended impacts and meet quality and revenue targets.
  • Monitor program evaluation results and act upon lessons learned to continuously improve programming.
  • Plan and manage events, both in-person and virtual, for government employees and key stakeholders in a collaborative environment.


KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Excellent project management skills, including prioritizing, planning, budgeting and decision-making.
  • Strong people management skills, including building teams, delegating effectively and developing others.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to quickly build credibility and trust with stakeholders.
  • Ability to build consensus amongst various stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Willing and able to work effectively as part of a team across the larger enterprise, gathering and sharing information and insights, collaborating to solve problems and effectively connecting leadership development work to the broader organization.
  • An interest and understanding of AI tools; keeps up with relevant AI developments, experiments with new capabilities, and applies good judgment about when and how to use them.
  • Able to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and to organize multiple and varied projects simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated passion for and commitment to public service and an interest in the mission of the Partnership.


REQUIRED/PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work or military experience required.
  • Five to seven years of relevant work experience, including demonstrated success leading projects to accomplish results.
  • Knowledge of or experience with the federal, state or local government workforce preferred.
  • Prior supervisory responsibilities preferred.
  • Familiarity with leadership development concepts and experience developing thought leadership a plus.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position reports to a senior manager or director. This position will directly and indirectly supervise associates and/or associate managers.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a hybrid (remote + office) environment in Washington, DC. The successful candidate must be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, three days per week – with Wednesday as the required day in-office. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer/scanner and MS Office.

In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, and demonstration of our values.


POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, exempt position with regular work hours Monday-Friday. Occasional evening or weekend activities may be required. Please note that the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules.


TRAVEL

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Very little out of the area and/or overnight travel will be required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The starting salary range for this position is $70,000 - $95,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility.

EEO STATEMENT

The Partnership adheres to all federal, state, and local employment laws. Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.