Fellowships in the Governor’s Office

The Office of Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox offers a number of fellowships intended to help young professionals gain a wide variety of professional experiences and a unique perspective into state government, public service, and the duties of the governor and lieutenant governor.

We seek outstanding applicants with excellent writing, teamwork, and organizational skills. Fellowships may be completed for academic credit.

Fellowships are paid at $15 per hour. An hourly commitment of 20 hours per week is required, though fellows may work up to 29 hours per week with approval. Schedules are flexible, but fellows must be present on the days and times mutually agreed upon during the application process. 

Fellowships are available to apply for twice a year and last for approximately six months. Applicants can choose between a legislative fellowship between the months of January to June, or an interim fellowship between August to December.

The fellowship application timeline functions as follows:

  • Legislative Fellowship
    • Application period: October to Mid-October
    • Interview period: Early November
    • Notification of decision: Mid-November
    • In-Person training: Tentatively, first week of January
    • Fellowship begins: Second week of January
  • Interim Fellowship
    • Application period: April 1 to April 30
    • Interview period: Third week of May
    • Notification of decision: Last week of May
    • In-Person training: Tentatively, third week of August 
    • Fellowship begins: Last week of August

Our fellowship focus areas are communications, constituent services and correspondence, state and federal policy, education and general services, legal analysis and research, and housing and special projects. Click the button below to apply.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Max Gruber at mgruber@utah.gov.

Adults who are looking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence should look into Return Utah, which provides the experience, training, skills, and mentoring an individual needs to return to the workforce without starting from the bottom of the career ladder. Learn more here.

Our fellowship focus areas are communications, constituent services, state and federal policy, education and general services, and legal analysis and research. Click the button below to apply.

Apply

Fellowship opportunities:

Communications Fellowship

Advisor: Jennifer Napier-Pearce, Senior Advisor of Communications

As the Communication Fellow at the Governor’s Office, you will have a variety of responsibilities. You will write the weekly newsletter, social media posts, blog posts, constituent letters, and talking points for the Governor’s speeches and interviews. You will also help set up for different recordings and events, including video messages to constituents, news conferences, service projects, and photo opportunities. You will learn basic photography and videography skills, media relations, and more.

Constituent Services and Correspondence Fellowship

Advisor: Mike Mower, Senior Advisor of Community Outreach and Intergovernmental Relations

You never know what you’re going to get in a day as the constituent services and correspondence fellow. From meeting with different groups at the State Capitol, answering phone calls, responding to emails, and opening the mail, you will get a true sense of what the people of Utah are concerned about or pleased with. You will also work closely with the governor’s senior staff on projects and participate in community outreach opportunities all while making quality connections and gaining invaluable professional experience.

Education and Family Fellowship

Advisor: Brittney Cummins, Senior Advisor for Education & Aimee Winder Newton, Senior Advisor and Director of Office of Families

As the Education and Family Fellow, you will track legislative bills pertaining to education. You will schedule and attend meetings for your advisor.

Legal Analysis and Research Fellowship

Advisor: Daniel O’Bannon, General Counsel

As the Legal Analysis and Research Fellow, your primary role will be tracking legislation from committee hearings through both chambers of the Utah Legislature until final passage. This tracking ensures that the legal team is up to date on all relevant bills and is prepared to provide legal summary and analysis to the governor.

State and Federal Policy Fellowship

Advisor: Neil Abercrombie, Senior Advisor for Legislative Affairs and Policy & Gordon Larsen, Senior Advisor for Federal Affairs

The legislative fellow will assist the governor’s office with tracking legislation updates and coordinate meetings with agencies and legislators. You will track bill discussion from committee meetings and floor time and then prepare them for review, signing, and filing. You will also help coordinate public bill signing ceremonies. Additionally, you will attend meetings with the National Governor’s Association and other federal level organizations primarily discussing collaboration between the Federal Government and each state.

Housing and Special Projects Fellowship

Advisor: Steve Waldrip, Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation

As the housing and special projects fellow, you will be directly involved in one of the most critical policy priorities in the Governor’s Office. You will work hand in hand with the Governor’s Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation to help achieve Gov. Cox’s goal of creating 35,000 new starter homes by 2028. You will also help support other strategic initiatives as directed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff.