Washington, DC - The federal government's flagship leadership development program, at the entry level for advanced degree candidates, is accepting applications from September 15-25. The Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF), run by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), attracts and selects the best candidates to develop a cadre of new government leaders, and can lead to a career in government. Applicants for the PMF Class of 2012 may learn more about the program and access the application at www.pmf.gov or www.USAJOBS.gov.

"The Presidential Management Fellowship is the premier pathway for graduate students to enter Federal service," said OPM Director John Berry. "We need every type of professional - accountants, cybersecurity experts, engineers, and many more - in addition to our great public affairs and public administration students. PMFs can make a big impact quickly. Join us and find out for yourself."

Since 1977, the PMF Program has helped federal agencies meet their workforce and succession planning needs by attracting outstanding masters, law, and doctoral-level students to federal service. More than 80 agencies currently partner with the PMF Program Office each year to hire Fellows. Challenging work assignments addressing domestic and international issues are available in

· Public Administration

· Engineering

· Foreign Policy

· Technology/Cybersecurity

· Science

· Criminal Justice

· Health

· Financial Management

· Acquisition Management

In keeping with President Obama's Executive Order on Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce, OPM encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply to the program. It is the federal government's cornerstone program to help agencies meet their critical need for leadership continuity.

This rigorous two-year program provides a variety of benefits including: competitive pay and benefits; training and development; and paid sick and annual leave. There are opportunities for placement across the United States, not just in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Who is Eligible?

Students who will complete a graduate degree (master's, law or doctoral-level) during the 2011-2012 academic year (September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012) from a qualifying college or university are eligible to apply for the program. For more details, see the PMF website concerning the PMF application and eligibility or contact the PMF Program Office at pmf@opm.gov.