The Ernie Mosher Fellowship is a one-year program that offers recipients the opportunity to gain real-life City management experience. The fellowship is named after Ernest A. (Ernie) Mosher who was instrumental in the legislation that allows for Kansas Cities to govern under Home Rule.Home Rule allows cities to pass legislation in areas that the state has not legislated. The fellowship seeks candidates who, like Mosher, seek to innovate local government and increase Government’s capacity to deliver services that citizens need and want.
The fellowship is a full-time, paid position with the City of Topeka. The fellowship is housed in the Finance Department where the fellow will have the opportunity to gain experience in budgeting, performance management, and strategic planning.
While housed in the Budget Office, fellows will have unfiltered access to each City Department and the opportunity to work on projects that interest them citywide. Fellows will be given access to management meetings with the City Manager and other Department heads on a weekly basis.
Upon completion of the fellowship, the City will work with fellows on placing them in a full-time position that meets the fellow’s interests and goals for their public service career.
While housed in the Budget Office, fellows will have unfiltered access to each City Department and the opportunity to work on projects that interest them citywide. Fellows will be given access to management meetings with the City Manager and other Department heads on a weekly basis.
Upon completion of the fellowship, the City will work with fellows on placing them in a full-time position that meets the fellow’s interests and goals for their public service career.
- Understand the intersection of public service values including Representation, Efficiency, Social Equity, and Individual Rights
- Know how to solve complex problems and are willing to bring their ideas to the table
- Will innovate and look for improvements across the City
- Desire to lead and who are willing to develop leadership characteristics while observing interactions with citizens, staff, and the Governing Body
- Have unwavering enthusiasm for public service that helps to inspire citizens and City employees to engage with projects that the fellow is working on
- Annual Salary: $50,000
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Two weeks of paid vacation
- Membership to ICMA and GFOA
- Paid travel, room, board, and conference registration fees to annual ICMA Conference
What makes Topeka the TopCity?
For a full view of what makes Topeka the TopCity, please go to https://www.visittopeka.com/. Below is just a quick glance at some of the things this city has to offer.
Topeka serves as the state capital of Kansas. The State Capitol complex, including the Capitol Building, the Kansas Judicial Center, and several state office buildings, is located within the city. 
The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) is one of the most pivotal opinions ever rendered by that body. This landmark decision highlights the U.S. Supreme Court’s role in affecting changes in national and social policy. 
Gage Park is a beautiful 160 acre park and is one of the star attractions in Topeka. For more information, please visit https://parks.snco.us/179/Gage-Park. 
FAQ
It is preferred that applicants have completed or are working towards a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Urban Planning or a related field. Previous experience is preferred but not required.
This is negotiable upon hire, generally fellows will start the first part of June and will end the following May.
Fellows will have the opportunity to help create and manage the City’s $350 million budget, assess performance of various City functions, and participate across departments in special projects as chosen or assigned. Exposure to the City management profession is integral to the fellowship experience. Fellows can expect a variety of projects and assignments to take part in.
The fellowship position is a full-time salaried position with employee benefit.
Email your resume and cover letter to budget@topeka.org. The deadline for the 2023 - 2024 Fellowship is Dec 31st at 11:59pm CST.
Yes, the City will open applications for the fellowship program each year.
The current fellow of this program is Jessica Venvertloh.