State and Local Government Careers
Exploring Careers in State and Local Government
Government employees at the state and local levels play a vital role in the daily lives of citizens. From providing and managing public services to addressing policy and legal issues, these individuals are an important part of the communities they serve.
State and local government jobs encompass various roles and responsibilities. For example, a local government manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a city, town, or county. State government workers may manage public facilities and services, such as parks or healthcare.
Public administration is a critical component of careers in government as it focuses on effectively managing public programs, delivering services to citizens, upholding policy compliance, and optimizing the allocation of resources.
Examples of Positions in State and Local Government
- Budget Analyst
- Human Resources Manager
Education and Training for State and Local Government Careers
Rutgers SPAA offers Degree and Certificate Programs that provide current and future government professionals with competencies in important elements of public administration and management, such as leadership, budgeting, grants, resource development, and more taught by experts in the field.
- The undergraduate Major in Public and Nonprofit Administration, offered in person or online, prepares students for management and leadership roles across a wide range of careers spanning all levels of government.
- Courses such as Leadership in Public Service help students develop leadership skills that include communication, conflict resolution, change management, adaptability, problem solving, and team building in the context of public and nonprofit organizations.
- The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, offered in person or online, provides the cutting-edge knowledge and professional skills needed for successful careers in government, the nonprofit sector, international organizations, and even the corporate world.
- Students in the public management track take courses in Managing Public Organizations and Government Budgeting to explore topics as applied to public agencies.
- Certificates and Training Programs provide opportunities for working professionals seeking to learn a specific topic or skill, or those looking to enhance their expertise without committing to a full academic degree program.
- The State of NJ Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM) gives participants the knowledge needed to tackle complex organizational challenges, manage their day-to-day operations more effectively, and grow as leaders.
SPAA Faculty Expertise
SPAA faculty provide expertise in Local Government Management and other issues of importance to the government sector through research and service to the field.
- Associate Professor Pengju Zhang specializes in state and local public finance, local government studies, education finance and policy, and quantitative analysis. He recently presented at the NJ League of Municipalities 2024 conference on "Supporting Local Government through Policy Research" and "Municipal and County Spending Decisions of American Rescue Plan and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund" and co-authored a journal article titled "Navigating Local Fiscal Sustainability: Topics and Challenges" in Local Government Studies.
- Associate Professor Yahong Zhang specializes in anti-corruption studies, politics-administration relationships, citizen participation, government transparency, public administration education, and quantitative research methods. Her recently co-authored journal article "Public Employees’ Whistleblowing Intention: Explanation by an Adapted Theory of Planned Behavior” appeared in Public Administration.
Connect with Rutgers SPAA Alumni in State and Local Government
Learn how SPAA alumni are serving state and local governments and what you can do with a degree from Rutgers SPAA.
Jillian Barrick (EMPA'14)
Business Administrator, Town of Morristown
With over 20 years of public sector experience, Jillian Barrick is a dedicated professional who excels in budget management, operational efficiency, and planning and redevelopment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT: Jillian Barrick (EMPA'14) >
Tracy Silna Zur (MPA'18)
Commissioner, Bergen County
Tracy Silna Zur has served for twelve years as a Bergen County Commissioner. She spearheaded the Bergen County Food Security Task Force, which evolved into the Office of Food Security, and secured four million dollars to fight food insecurity.
LEARN MORE ABOUT: Tracy Silna Zur (MPA'18) >
Resources for Your Career in State and Local Government
To find job openings in state and local government, visit job boards that specialize in public service careers, attend career fairs, and network with professionals in the field. For example:
- PublicServiceCareers.org features information on finding jobs, career advice, and information on degrees in public service and public affairs.
- ICMA's Job Center lists jobs in local government.
Professional associations seek to promote activities such as development, ethics, and training standards in order to protect both the professional and public interest. These organizations serve as great sources of information and networking within their fields, and often provide additional benefits to their members. For example:
- The New Jersey Municipal Management Association (NJMMA) is an organization of professional local government administrators and assistants whose goal is to improve the quality of local government in New Jersey through professional management.
- The New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJLM) is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brainpower.
- ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, is the leading organization of local government professionals dedicated to creating and sustaining thriving communities throughout the world.
- The National Association of County Administrators (NACA) encourages professional development for county administrators and provides information and resources to its members to improve the management of county government.
- The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is the leading professional membership association for public service.