Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate, Executive Education

at Partners for Public Good

๐Ÿข About Partners for Public Good

Partners for Public Good is a nonpartisan team dedicated to improving the operational backbone of state and local governments, ensuring that public policies translate into tangible results for residents. By working directly with government leaders and fostering a community of over 3,000 practitioners, they offer a unique opportunity to drive systemic change at scale, all within a collaborative and mission-driven remote environment.

About This Role

As an Associate for Executive Education, you will design and facilitate learning programs that equip government leaders with the skills to enhance public procurement and operational excellence. This role is impactful because it directly strengthens the capacity of public servants, leading to more efficient and effective government services. You will manage cohort-based initiatives, engage with diverse stakeholders, and continuously refine curricula based on real-world feedback, making a tangible difference in public sector performance.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with your team to align on ongoing programs, followed by time spent refining a workshop curriculum or preparing materials for an upcoming cohort. Midday, you could facilitate a coaching call with government leaders or meet with a partner organization to discuss program logistics. Afternoons might involve analyzing feedback data to improve future sessions, updating project timelines, and collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure content is current and relevant.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Partners for Public Good Is Looking For

  • Experienced in designing and facilitating executive education or professional development programs, preferably for public sector audiences, with a track record of engaging adult learners.
  • Possesses a deep understanding of state and local government operations, including procurement, budgeting, or staffing, and can relate to the challenges faced by public sector leaders.
  • Adept at project management, capable of juggling multiple programs, deadlines, and stakeholders while maintaining high-quality deliverables and clear communication.
  • Excellent facilitator with strong verbal and written communication skills, comfortable with virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Miro, Slack) and able to foster interactive and inclusive learning environments.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Partners for Public Good

1

Highlight any experience you have working with government clients or in public sector contexts, even if it's not your primary background; use specific examples of projects or programs you've led.

2

Showcase your facilitation skills by providing concrete examples of workshops or training you've designed and delivered, including how you measured their success and iterated based on feedback.

3

Demonstrate your familiarity with public procurement or operational excellence topicsโ€”mention relevant frameworks, case studies, or your understanding of the challenges in government operations.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize project management and stakeholder coordination, using quantifiable outcomes (e.g., number of participants, program completion rates, satisfaction scores).

5

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your passion for public service to this role, and mention why Partners for Public Good's mission resonates with you personally.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express genuine interest in improving government operations and how your skills in education design can contribute to their mission of strengthening public sector capacity.', "Highlight your experience in designing and facilitating programs for adult learners, especially if you've worked with government professionals or in a policy-adjacent field.", 'Emphasize your project management abilities and your comfort with remote work and virtual collaboration, as this is a fully remote role.', 'Mention any knowledge of public procurement or operational excellence, and articulate how you stay updated on trends in public administration.']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Explore Partners for Public Good's website to understand their current projects, publications, and the specific focus areas of their executive education programs.
  • โ†’ Look into their past or current programs for state and local government leaders, and read any case studies or testimonials they feature.
  • โ†’ Familiarize yourself with the broader field of public sector innovation and operational excellence, including key challenges and trends in government procurement.
  • โ†’ Check the team's LinkedIn profiles to see their backgrounds and any insights they share about their work, which can inform your understanding of the company culture.
Visit Partners for Public Good's Website โ†’

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a cohort-based learning program for government leaders on a topic like strategic sourcing? Walk us through your process from needs assessment to evaluation.
2 Describe a time you managed a complex project with multiple stakeholders. How did you ensure alignment and timely delivery?
3 How do you facilitate engaging virtual workshops? What techniques do you use to keep participants active and involved?
4 What is your experience with public sector operations? How do you think this role can help improve government efficiency?
5 How do you handle feedback that suggests a program needs significant changes? Give an example of how you've adapted a curriculum based on learner data.
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Partners for Public Good or the specific focus on government operationsโ€”show that you've done your homework.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of facilitation skills; if you lack direct experience, provide examples of how you've led training or workshops in other contexts.
  • Avoid being vague about your project management experience; be ready to discuss specific tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) and methodologies (e.g., Agile) you've used.

๐Ÿ“… Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Partners for Public Good!