State and Local Government Field Guide
Overview
State governments encompass policy issues related to agriculture and rural policy, education, environment, fiscal management, health, infrastructure, and public safety and justice. Managers organize and provide direction for a team of administrators and staff who together develop programs and deliver services to the public. State and local government managers work to implement the policies of the elected official – mayor, governor, and council members. Specific responsibilities are highly dependent upon the size and needs of the community for which they work. Among the typical responsibilities are: meeting with elected officials, hiring and training administrators, implement laws and policies and ensuring they are upheld, investigating citizen concerns, soliciting bids from government contractors for building and development, and managing the day-to-day operations of the city, county, or state operations (ICMA, Local Government Management: It’s the Career for You).
Career Opportunities
Opportunities in state and local governments cover a wide range of interest areas. Governments need and hire individuals to work on a broad range of issues and with diverse constituents. Some of the common areas in which state and local government employees’ work include: program management and evaluation, social services, healthcare, human resources, public relations, economic development, financial management, urban/town planning, and policy making. State and local government employees may be elected, appointed, or hired through traditional means. State and local government managers bring management experience, technical knowledge, academic training and a commitment to public serve to the community they serve. Their basic mandate at both the state and local levels is to provide public services to the community effectively and efficiently. Because the goal of government officials is to provide public services, it is essential for anyone entering the field to have a demonstrated commitment to making a difference. A strong sense of integrity and ethics as well as administrative and leadership abilities is also essential. Work in state and local government requires the ability to enforce established policies and regulations, to communicate effectively with a range of constituents and colleagues, and to work well under pressure.
Types of Jobs
City or town manager
County or state administrator
Planner
Fiscal director
Innovation fellow
Budget analyst
Qualifications + Skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Program and project management
Policy implementation skills
Interpersonal/human resources skills
Budgeting and financial literacy
Working creatively with limited resources
Sample Employers
To locate specific career opportunities, contact the human resources office of the cities, counties, and states you would like to work for. Often a visit to the website for that geographic location will lead you to concrete information about opportunities available. Many states, cities, and counties also offer established full-time management training programs (often referred to as internships). These are ideal opportunities for individuals seeking a career in management who need to gain professional experience.
American Association of Port Authorities
American Planning Association
American Society of Public Administration
Council of State Governments
International City/County Management Association
International Personnel Management Association
National Association for County Community and Economic Development
National Association of Counties
National Association of State Budget Officers
National Association of Towns and Townships
National Civic League
National Conference of State Legislatures
National Governors’ Association
National League of Cities
U.S. Conference of Mayors
Great Lakes Commission
Delaware River Basin
Multi-State Tax Commission
Appalachian Regional Commission
Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Regional Council of Governments
Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor
Sample Maxwell Classes
Public Budgeting
State and Local Government Finance
Urban Policy
Metropolitan Government and Politics
Education Policy
Regulatory Law and Policy
Ethics and Public Policy
Health Economics and Policy
Digital Government
Human Resources Management for the Public Sector
Resources
Maxwell’s ICMA student chapter
Related Career Guides
Non-profit Management
Consulting
Education Policy
Economic Development
PRO TIP: The job outlook in state and local governments is reflective of the current economic condition of a given state, county or city as well as the federal government. Relocation may be necessary if you seek more responsibility or leadership opportunities.