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Presidential Management Fellows

Building the Next Generation of Defense Leaders!

The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program was established by Presidential Executive Order in 1977. It is designed to attract to the Federal service outstanding individuals from a wide variety of academic disciplines who have an interest in, and a commitment to, a career in the analysis and management of public policies and programs. The program draws graduate students from a variety of academic, social, and cultural backgrounds to help meet the future challenges of public service.

PMFs are hired for two-year fellowships, with an initial appointment at the GS-09, 11, or 12 level, and may be promoted to the GS-13 level, or equivalent.  Grade setting is determined based on experience and education.  PMFs are eligible for benefits and hiring incentives.  After successfully completing the two-year program, PMFs may be eligible for conversion to a permanent Government position and further promotional opportunities.

The PMF application/selection process is multi-tiered. It includes the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), graduate schools, and Federal agencies. The general steps are as follows:

• Graduate students complete the OPM PMF application in the Fall (September/October timeframe) of the academic year in which they intend to graduate. The Dean or Chairperson of the student's graduate program must endorse this application.
• OPM selects PMF Finalists based on a review of written applications and performance in group and individual interviews.
• PMF Finalists apply directly to agency PMF programs. OSD then assesses Finalist applications based on academic performance, experience, interest, and communication skills.

Application for the PMF Program opens via job opportunity announcement on USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov).  Interested candidates should visit www.pmf.gov for complete information, including qualifications, eligibility and application deadline information.

Why Choose the Office of the Secretary of Defense?

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) offers one of the most dynamic and exciting PMF opportunities in the Federal government. Our program is structured to encourage maximum flexibility as well as achievement of a set of core competencies. Highlights of the program include:

• Multiple rotations through a number of offices in the Department of Defense and other government organizations
• Assignment of a senior executive mentor
• Assignment of a peer advisor from the preceding PMF class
• A well networked and highly supportive group of PMF alumni

OSD PMFs come from graduate programs all over the country. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply for OSD Presidential Management Fellowships.

Diversify your world

Our PMFs don’t just sit behind a desk.

You will have excellent opportunities to experience OSD and see how the department interacts with other agencies, perhaps taking you around the globe.

Recent rotations have included:

• NATO Headquarters in Brussels
• U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii
• The Joint Chiefs of Staff
• U.S. Embassy in Windhoek, Namibia
• U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya
• Multi-National Force—Iraq

Take charge of your career

OSD PMFs plan out their fellowships.

OSD’s highly competitive PMF program is one of the most robust and exciting opportunities for launching a career in the Federal Government. With the help of your assigned senior executive mentor and your PMF coordinator, you develop a plan of action for your two years in OSD. You choose your rotational experiences. You benefit from formal and informal career development training and social sessions with other PMFs. And you grow in more ways than you thought possible.

Get to know us

Who we are, what we do.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense is the principle staff element of the Secretary of Defense in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal, and program evaluation responsibilities.
We encourage you to learn more about the Department of Defense including the Office of the Secretary of Defense at http://www.defense.gov/osd/

What do our PMF’s and Senior Leadership say?

“The only limit to what I could do was my imagination!” - OSD PMF

“No other agency accords their PMFs the respect and opportunities that we are given. The word ‘PMF’ is a true door-opener in OSD.” - OSD PMF

“OSD covers a wide range of subject areas beyond more traditional national security concerns. The interview and selection process is great in that it really gives you a chance to highlight your individual background and how you could apply yourself in a number of diverse fields.” - OSD PMF

“There are phenomenal opportunities in DoD, and my technical background has been a great asset in all my rotations.” - OSD PMF

“Having an SES mentor who spent considerable time with me and was invested in helping my career develop, set in motion not just an amazing set of rotational experiences, but a series of conversations with senior leadership that continued throughout my two years as a PMF and beyond.” - OSD PMF

“Presidential Management Fellows assigned to service in Iraq can expect to learn a great deal about the interagency as it operates in a contingency environment. In addition to learning, though, the PMF also has a unique opportunity to contribute to success in what is currently the Nation’s most important endeavor. A tour in Iraq is not for everybody, but those who apply and are accepted for such service are ensured a tremendous experience that will benefit both them and the Nation.” - U.S. Army Colonel

“The thought of having a two day interview where high ranking officials from DOD were assessing me was nerve-racking, but it was actually a very interactive process and I felt when I left there they had a very good understanding of who I was and what my true capabilities were.” - OSD PMF

“The OSD PMF program is by far and away the most flexible and exciting PMF program. As a scientist, I did not expect to find this program a good match. Now that I’m here, I realize that OSD can utilize my experience and skills more than any other agency. “- OSD PMF

“PMFs are so well known within OSD & DoD, even though I may have not brought an obvious skill set to the table, everyone was very supportive of bringing me on and making my proposed rotations happen.” - OSD PMF

How Can I Learn More?

If you are interested in starting a career as a PMF, contact the head of your graduate program or your college career guidance and placement office. Detailed information, publications, and an application for the PMF Program can be downloaded from the OPM PMF website at www.pmf.gov

Questions about the OSD PMF Program may be directed to the Program Coordinator at (571) 372-4058, or sent via email at pmf@whs.mil

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