City of Boston Special Projects Fellow 2026–2027: Apply for a One-Year Public Service Fellowship

The City of Boston is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the Special Projects Fellow position within the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA) under the Department of Human Services. This is a one-year rotating, full-time position designed for an organized and proactive professional who is interested in public service, youth development, civic engagement and community-based initiatives.

The opportunity provides successful applicants with the chance to work directly on projects designed to strengthen youth participation in decision-making and connect young people with resources and opportunities across Boston. The Fellow will collaborate with city departments, schools, community organizations and other stakeholders while supporting a variety of seasonal and rotating projects.

According to the official City of Boston job posting, the position has one opening, is based at the Central Office, pays $25 per hour, and involves 35 hours of work per week. The application deadline is January 29, 2027.

About the City of Boston Special Projects Fellow Position

The Special Projects Fellow will work within the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement, an office focused on ensuring that young people have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions and initiatives that affect their lives.

OYEA works across three interconnected areas of youth development:

1. Spaces and programmes for young people—supporting environments and initiatives where young people can learn, participate and develop.
2. Adults and professionals working with young people – strengthening the capacity of youth workers and other professionals who support Boston’s youth.
3. Young people themselves – creating opportunities for youth leadership, participation, civic engagement and community development.

The Fellow will therefore have an opportunity to contribute to initiatives that operate across these three areas rather than being restricted to one specific project.

The position is particularly suited to someone who enjoys coordinating projects, communicating with different stakeholders, working with communities and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

What Makes This Opportunity Important?

The Special Projects Fellow will contribute to initiatives intended to empower young people to become community leaders and agents of change.

The City of Boston’s youth engagement approach recognizes that young people should not simply be recipients of services. Instead, they should have opportunities to participate in conversations, programmes and decisions that influence their communities.

As a result, the Fellow will work in an environment where activities can involve the following:

• Youth engagement and outreach
• Civic education
• Community partnerships
• Public service initiatives
• Youth programmes
• Focus groups and listening sessions
• City-wide events
• Outreach campaigns
• Resource connections
• Community development
• Interagency collaboration

The role also requires meaningful engagement with diverse communities throughout Boston.

Key Responsibilities of the Special Projects Fellow

The successful candidate will undertake a broad range of project coordination, administrative, communication and community engagement responsibilities.

1. Project Management and Coordination

One of the central responsibilities will be overseeing rotating and seasonal projects within OYEA.

The Fellow will help move projects from planning through implementation and follow-up. This includes keeping track of:

• Project timelines
• Deliverables
• Follow-up activities
• Implementation requirements
• Project documentation
• Stakeholder responsibilities
• Shared resources

This makes project management skills particularly valuable for applicants.

2. Maintaining Project Documentation

The Fellow will be expected to maintain organized project files, documentation and shared resources.

Strong organizational skills will therefore be important because the position involves managing multiple initiatives and ensuring that relevant information can be easily accessed by colleagues and partners.

3. Building Relationships With Stakeholders

The position involves active communication and relationship-building with a wide range of stakeholders.

These may include:

• City agencies
• Community organizations
• Schools
• External partners
• Youth-serving organizations
• Community stakeholders

The purpose of these relationships is to support youth-focused initiatives and strengthen collaboration between the City and organizations working with young people.

4. Supporting Youth Engagement

The Fellow will assist with meaningful youth engagement activities.

This can include participating in or supporting:

• Direct youth outreach
• Focus groups
• Listening sessions
• City-wide events
• Youth engagement activities
• Community meetings
• Representation activities

Applicants should therefore be comfortable interacting directly with young people and communities.

5. Supporting Logistical Activities

The role also has an important administrative and logistical component.

The Fellow may assist with:

• Purchasing
• Reserving spaces for activities
• Outreach campaigns
• Event logistics
• Other operational requirements associated with OYEA projects

This means candidates should be comfortable handling practical details in addition to broader programme responsibilities.

6. Tracking Budgets and Procurement

The Fellow will also support financial and procurement-related administration.

Responsibilities include helping to track:

• Project budgets
• Invoices
• Procurement requirements

This work will be carried out in coordination with OYEA staff. Applicants with experience handling project budgets, invoices or administrative records may therefore have an advantage.

7. Supporting Language Access

The position includes helping connect speakers of languages other than English with available translation and language services.

This is particularly relevant to the City’s goal of meaningful engagement with diverse communities.

Applicants who have experience working across language or cultural differences may find this aspect of the position especially relevant.

8. Professionalism and Accountability

The Fellow must demonstrate professionalism, discretion and accountability when interacting with:

• Young people
• Community organizations
• City employees
• External partners
• Other stakeholders

Because the role involves working with youth and public-sector partners, sound judgment and responsible handling of information are important.

9. Staff Development and Training

The Fellow will participate in the following:

• Staff meetings
• Training activities
• Professional development opportunities

The position is therefore not limited to day-to-day project execution; it also provides exposure to professional development within a municipal government environment.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying.

Professional Experience

The City of Boston requires a minimum of two years of full-time experience or equivalent part-time experience.

Relevant experience could include work involving:

• Project coordination
• Youth programmes
• Community engagement
• Public service
• Administration
• Civic engagement
• Stakeholder coordination
• Event coordination
• Outreach
• Programme implementation

Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.

The official posting also states that a bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the two years of required experience. Applicants should therefore carefully assess their combination of academic qualifications and professional experience when determining their eligibility.

Bilingual Skills

Being bilingual is preferred.

Although bilingual ability is not listed as an absolute requirement, applicants who can communicate effectively in more than one language may be particularly well positioned for a role that includes connecting speakers of languages other than English with translation and language services.

Youth Engagement

Applicants should be capable of serving as positive role models for young people and engaging constructively with diverse communities.

This is a particularly important aspect of the position because the Fellow will participate directly in youth engagement and community activities.

Interest in Public Service

The City is looking for candidates with an interest in areas such as

• Public service
• Civic engagement
• Youth services
• Youth programmes

Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in improving opportunities and resources available to young people.

Organizational and Attention-to-Detail Skills

Strong attention to detail and organizational ability are required.

This is important because the Fellow will simultaneously manage projects, documentation, stakeholders, logistics, budgets and other administrative responsibilities.

Ability to Manage Multiple Projects

Candidates must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate their ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, meet deadlines and maintain quality while handling several assignments.

Communication Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Strong communication will be important when working with city agencies, schools, community organizations, young people and other stakeholders.

Microsoft and Google Workspace Skills

Applicants should be proficient with:

• Microsoft applications
• Google Suite

Familiarity with common office productivity tools will help the successful candidate manage documentation, communication and project-related tasks.

Driver’s Licence

A driver’s licence is preferred.

It is not identified as an absolute requirement in the posting, but it may be useful because the position involves off-site travel.

Work Schedule and Location

The Special Projects Fellow is a regular, full-time position based at the City of Boston’s Central Office.

The position requires 35 hours per week and pays $25 per hour.

Applicants should also be aware that the role requires a degree of scheduling flexibility. Some activities may take place during:

• Evenings
• Weekends
• Off-site locations

The posting specifically states that off-site travel is required.

Fellowship Duration

The City of Boston describes the position as a one-year rotating position.

This means the successful Fellow will spend approximately one year supporting a variety of projects and initiatives rather than being assigned permanently to a single programme.

This structure can provide broad exposure to youth engagement, municipal government operations, project management and community partnerships.

Boston Residency Requirement

One of the most important eligibility conditions is that Boston residency is required.

This is a critical requirement for prospective applicants outside Boston.

Therefore, international candidates, including applicants from African countries such as Kenya, should not assume that they can apply simply because they meet the educational and professional requirements. The official posting explicitly requires Boston residency.

Background Checks

The position requires both:

• C.O.R.I. check
• S.O.R.I. check

These checks are part of the hiring requirements for the position.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to undergo the applicable background screening process if selected.

Salary and Employment Terms

The advertised employment terms include:

• Position: Special Projects Fellow
• Department: Human Services
• Office: Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
• Employment: Regular full-time
• Duration: One year
• Openings: 1
• Workweek: 35 hours
• Pay: $25 per hour
• Location: BCC003 – Central Office
• Employment classification: Non-Union
• Residency: Boston residency required
• Background checks: C.O.R.I. and S.O.R.I. required

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is particularly relevant to professionals who have experience or strong interest in:

• Youth development
• Community engagement
• Civic participation
• Public administration
• Public service
• Programme coordination
• Project management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Community outreach
• Youth services
• Event coordination
• Communications
• Education and civic programmes

Candidates who can demonstrate strong organizational skills, communication ability, attention to detail and the ability to coordinate several activities at once may be particularly competitive.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The official requirements indicate that eligible candidates should generally have:

1. At least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience, unless the experience requirement is satisfied through the degree substitution provision.
2. A Bachelor’s degree, which is strongly preferred and may substitute for the required two years of experience.
3. An ability to work positively with young people and diverse communities.
4. An interest in public service, civic engagement and youth programmes.
5. Strong communication and organizational skills.
6. Ability to manage multiple projects.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft applications and Google Suite.
8. Ability to work flexible schedules, including some evenings and weekends.
9. Ability to travel off-site.
10. Boston residency, which is explicitly required.

Bilingual ability and a driver’s license are preferred but are not listed as mandatory qualifications.

Can International Applicants Apply?

This is an important distinction.

The City of Boston states that Boston residency is required. Therefore, the opportunity should not be treated as an open international fellowship that applicants from any country can freely apply for.

The posting also states that the City of Boston is an equal opportunity employer and that qualified applicants are considered regardless of characteristics including race, sex, age, religion, colour, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and veteran status, among other protected categories.

However, this equal-opportunity statement does not remove the separate Boston residency requirement.

For applicants living outside Boston, especially those based in other U.S. states or other countries, the residency requirement should therefore be carefully considered before submitting an application.

How to Strengthen Your Application

Applicants should tailor their application materials to the actual responsibilities of the role rather than submitting a generic resume.

Highlight Project Management Experience

Show specific examples of projects you have coordinated from planning through implementation.

Where possible, demonstrate:

• The project objective
• Your responsibilities
• The stakeholders involved
• The timeline
• The resources managed
• The results achieved

Demonstrate Youth or Community Engagement

If you have worked with young people, schools, community organizations or youth-serving programmes, make this experience prominent.

Examples might include:

• Youth programmes
• Community outreach
• Workshops
• Civic education
• Mentorship programmes
• Community events
• Focus groups
• Listening sessions

Emphasize Stakeholder Coordination

Demonstrate your ability to work with multiple organizations or groups.

For example, explain how you coordinated government departments, schools, NGOs, community organizations, private-sector partners or other stakeholders to achieve a common objective.

Show Organizational Ability

Because the role involves multiple projects, documentation and logistical responsibilities, applicants should demonstrate that they can manage competing priorities effectively.

Use concrete examples rather than simply stating that you are “organized.”

Highlight Communication Skills

The position requires excellent oral and written communication.

Your application should therefore demonstrate experience with:

• Professional correspondence
• Reports
• Presentations
• Outreach campaigns
• Stakeholder communication
• Public engagement
• Community communications

Mention Digital Skills

Applicants should clearly identify their proficiency with relevant Microsoft and Google Workspace applications.

Where appropriate, mention specific tools rather than simply writing “computer literate.”

Application Deadline

The official City of Boston posting lists the application deadline as January 29, 2027.

Applicants are encouraged to review the official vacancy carefully and submit their application before the closing date.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the City of Boston’s official careers platform.

Interested candidates should review the complete vacancy requirements and use the official application option provided on the posting.

Applicants should rely on the official City of Boston vacancy for the most current information concerning eligibility, application procedures and closing dates.

APPLY HERE

Important Points to Remember Before Applying

Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should confirm that they:

• Meet the minimum experience requirement or qualify under the degree substitution provision.
• Have a bachelor’s degree if available, noting that it is strongly preferred.
• Can demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.
• Have an interest in public service, civic engagement or youth programmes.
• Can work effectively with diverse communities.
• Are able to manage several projects at the same time.
• Are prepared to work some evenings and weekends.
• Can travel to off-site locations when required.
• Have proficiency with Microsoft applications and Google Suite.
• Understand that bilingual ability is preferred.
• Understand that a driver’s licence is preferred.
• Can satisfy the required C.O.R.I. and S.O.R.I. checks.
• Meet the Boston residency requirement.
• Can commit to a one-year rotating position.
• Submit the application before January 29, 2027.

Visit HERE for more information about the City of Boston Special Projects Fellow 2026–2027.

Conclusion

The City of Boston Special Projects Fellow position offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in municipal government while contributing to programmes designed to strengthen youth engagement, civic participation and community development.

The role is broader than a traditional administrative fellowship because the successful candidate will combine project management, stakeholder engagement, youth outreach, communications, event support, logistics, budget tracking and community collaboration. It is therefore particularly suitable for an organized professional who enjoys working across different projects and engaging directly with communities.

The position provides exposure to the work of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement and its efforts to ensure that young people have access to resources, opportunities and platforms through which they can participate in their communities and become leaders.

However, prospective applicants should pay especially close attention to the Boston residency requirement. While the City of Boston emphasizes equal opportunity and diversity in its hiring practices, residency is separately identified as a mandatory condition for this position. Candidates should therefore verify that they satisfy this requirement before investing significant time in an application.

With a salary of $25 per hour, a 35-hour workweek and a one-year term, the position could provide valuable practical exposure to public-sector project management and youth engagement. Applications must be submitted by January 29, 2027.

Geographic eligibility: Boston residency is required. The posting’s equal-opportunity policy states that qualified applicants are considered without discrimination based on race, national origin and other protected characteristics, but this does not waive the Boston residency requirement.

Deadline: January 29, 2027

For more global Fellowship opportunities, visit OFY HERE.