Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government at Lafayette College

JUST ANNOUNCED: SUMMER 2025 LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIPS FOR LAFAYETTE STUDENTS! Lafayette students: The Meyner Center has secured NINE exceptional, PAID local government internships for Summer 2025 - created specifically for YOU! After months of collaboration with municipalities across Pennsylvania, we've developed customized internship experiences that offer: ?? Competitive compensation ($15-$20/hour) ?? Housing options through Gateway's Summer Funding Program ?? Real responsibility and meaningful projects ?? Direct mentorship from government professionals ?? Resume-building experience in high-demand fields These positions span multiple disciplines including sustainability, economic development, urban planning, policy analysis, and municipal management - perfect opportunities for students from various majors looking to make a tangible impact. Each carefully designed internship places you alongside experienced professionals making daily decisions that affect thousands of residents. You'll gain invaluable perspective on public service careers while developing transferable skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis. Visit the Meyner Center website or contact Nicole Beckett for more information on the positions. This is your chance to test-drive a potential career path while making meaningful contributions to Pennsylvania communities! Application deadline: April 12, 2025 Thanks to our outstanding municipal partners! City of Allentown The City of Easton Chestnuthill Township Plainfield Township Borough of Malvern Borough of Media North Wales Borough Salisbury Township Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc. And much appreciation to the teams who have offered to introduce students to the world of local government. Brittany Forman Nicole Whitaker, MS Mike Handzo John KingsleyChristine Hart, CBO Alex Turock Cathy Bonaskiewich Paige Stefanelli Eric Snyder #LafayetteCollege #MeynerCenter #SummerInternships #LocalGovernment #StudentOpportunities

Important Announcement: RFP for Northampton Tax Collection Committee Administrative Director After proudly serving the Northampton Tax Collection Committee (NTCC) since 2009, the Meyner Center will be concluding this service. We are now sharing this opportunity for a qualified successor. The Northampton Tax Collection Committee (NTCC) is seeking proposals for Administrative Director services. This independent contractor role requires approximately 80-100 hours per year and includes: Meeting preparation and attendance Serving as Secretary and Right to Know Officer Records management and correspondence Contract management and negotiations Coordinating with the Tax Officer (currently Keystone Collections Group) Website management Facilitating tax appeals and coordinating professional services The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about PA Act 32, Sunshine Act, Right to Know Law, State Ethics Act, and have experience with local government operations. For a complete RFP, please visit https://lnkd.in/eAFKVXaj or email [email protected]. Proposals due: Friday, April 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM #LocalGovernment #TaxAdministration #RFP #ProfessionalOpportunity #NTCC #NorthamptonCounty

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Meyner Center is pleased to assist Lower Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County with their recruitment for a Township Manager/Treasurer position. POSITION HIGHLIGHT: ?? CAREER OPPORTUNITY IN SCENIC DELAWARE RIVER VALLEY Looking to advance your municipal career? Lower Mount Bethel Township (pop. 2,911) offers the perfect next step for professionals with financial expertise. This Township Manager/Treasurer role combines strategic leadership with hands-on financial management of a $3.1 million budget. As the chief administrative and financial officer, you'll supervise a team of 6 staff members, oversee contracted services, and work directly with a supportive five-member Board of Supervisors. This position offers comprehensive experience across treasury functions, human resources, Right-to-Know coordination, project management, and emergency management. With a competitive salary range of $90,000-$115,000 plus excellent benefits, this role presents an attractive opportunity in a financially stable community. Former Township Manager Jennifer Smethers, now Associate Director for Municipal Services at the Meyner Center, speaks highly of her experience working with this charming rural community. Application deadline: April 11, 2025 at noon. The official advertisement can be found below: TOWNSHIP MANAGER/TREASURER—Lower Mount Bethel Township (population 2,911), Northampton County, PA seeks an experienced leader to serve as its Township Manager/Treasurer. Lower Mt. Bethel Township is a scenic rural community along the Delaware River, seeking experienced leadership to guide municipal operations and community development. Manager/Treasurer has authority to supervise all day-to-day operations and coordinates the five-member Board of Supervisors and staff. Manager/Treasurer directly supervises a small staff of 6 employees, including administrative personnel and public works department, while also overseeing a contracted zoning and code enforcement officer. Position handles all financial operations including bookkeeping, budget management, and treasury functions for the township's $3.1 million annual budget, serving as the township's chief financial officer with full responsibility for financial reporting, payroll administration, and accounts payable/receivable management. Candidates should have (1) municipal experience required (2) knowledge of modern local government management principles; (3) strong ?nancial skills with experience preferred; (4) Bachelor's Degree (preferred); and (5) strong organizational and communication skills. Salary $90,000-$115,000 with excellent bene?ts; actual salary to be based on experience/quali?cations. Send cover letter and resume in one document to [email protected]. Deadline is noon on Friday, April 11, 2025. EOE.

?? Lafayette Students: Make Your Voice Heard at the Pennsylvania State Capitol! 2025 AICUP Day on the Hill | Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Are you passionate about your Lafayette experience? Ready to advocate for higher education funding that makes it possible? Join us for an extraordinary opportunity to represent Lafayette College at the Pennsylvania State Capitol! What You'll Experience: ?? Meet face-to-face with state legislators to advocate for Lafayette College and crucial PHEAA grant funding ?? Explore the magnificent Capitol Building and witness state government in action ?? Develop valuable public speaking and advocacy skills ?? Connect with representatives from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development ?? Network with students from other independent colleges across Pennsylvania ?? Speech Contest Opportunity! ?? Share your unique Lafayette story through a 2-3 minute speech at the Capitol Rotunda! Whether you're a first-generation student, received financial aid that made your education possible, found your perfect academic program here, or made an impact through community service - YOUR STORY MATTERS. Contest Details: 200-400 words (425 max) 2-3 minute delivery time. Submission deadline: March 25, 2025 Event Details: Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Departure: 7:45 AM from campus Return: 5:00 PM Transportation, breakfast, and lunch provided Student Education Session with the Meyner Center prior to event. This opportunity is open to students from ALL academic disciplines, but space is limited! How to Apply: Complete the registration form by FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025 https://lnkd.in/eepnXsqe Questions? Contact Nicole Beckett, Associate Director for Public Service at the Meyner Center and AICUP Campus Coordinator: [email protected] #StudentAdvocacy #AICUP #PennsylvaniaEducation #LeadershipOpportunity #LafayetteCollege #MeynerCenter

?? Calling All Municipalities: Shape the Next Generation of Public Servants ?? The Meyner Center at Lafayette College is launching our Summer 2025 Municipal Government Internship Program! Now in our ninth year, we're inviting municipalities in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties to partner with us in providing meaningful learning experiences for our bright, motivated students. Why host a Lafayette intern? ·??????Fresh perspectives on municipal challenges ·??????Affordable support for your important projects ·??????Opportunity to mentor future public service professionals ·??????Flexible June-August timeframe Two internship models available: ·??????Project-based: Research, digital communications, program support ·??????Immersion-based: "Management Support" across multiple municipal functions ??? Interested? Contact us by March 7th to discuss potential opportunities for Summer 2025. ?? Email: [email protected] Plus, stay tuned for an exciting announcement next week about our new GOVLAB initiative offering faculty-guided student research teams! #LocalGovernment #PublicService #InternshipProgram #MuniJobs #LafayetteCollege #MeynerCenter #MentorshipMatters #LehighValley

The Meyner Center at Lafayette College is pleased to welcome Jennifer Smethers as our new Associate Director for Municipal Services, a position created to expand our capacity to serve local governments across our region. Jennifer brings over 25 years of experience in local government leadership, non-profit management, and community development to this role. Her background includes serving as Township Manager/Treasurer at Lower Mount Bethel Township and Williams Township, as well as extensive experience in grant procurement, community partnerships, and public administration. This new position strengthens our ability to help local governments operate more effectively and efficiently through executive recruitment, strategic planning, organizational assessment, and professional development initiatives. Jennifer's addition to the team will support the Center's ongoing work with students and emerging leaders in local government. Her commitment to public service will enhance our mission of supporting municipalities as they navigate complex challenges and advance good governance. Please join us in welcoming Jennifer to the Meyner Center team as we continue to expand our impact on local government effectiveness across our region. #LocalGovernment #PublicService #MunicipalManagement #LafayetteCollege #GoodGovernance

?? Continue the journey through the Lafayette College Careers in Public Service Speaker Series! We're excited to welcome Dr. Gabriel Borelli, Research Associate from the Politics and Policy Team at Pew Research Center, for an engaging discussion on careers in public service and policy research. ??? Monday, November 11 ? 7:10 - 8:00 PM ?? Kirby Hall of Civil Rights 104 Dr. Borelli will share insights from his experience at Pew Research Center, where he conducts vital research on American public opinion regarding: Presidential power Abortion policy Gun rights And other critical policy issues Perfect for students across disciplines interested in: Applying analytical skills to social issues Combining quantitative research with public impact Understanding how data shapes policy decisions Translating liberal arts critical thinking into meaningful careers This interdisciplinary opportunity showcases how humanities, social sciences, and data analysis converge in modern public service careers. Snacks will be provided! For questions, contact: [email protected] Co-sponsored by: Department of Government & Law, Economics, Anthropology & Sociology, Meyner Center, Gateway Career Center, Lafayette Votes, Landis Center, and the Lafayette College Provost Office. #PublicService #PolicyResearch #PewResearch #LafayetteCollege #CareersinPublicService #PublicPolicy #LiberalArts

One Week Remaining: Ready to Make a Difference in Ambler Borough? As municipal professionals, we understand that strong local leadership shapes the daily lives of residents. Ambler Borough is seeking their next Manager - someone ready to apply their experience in municipal operations to strengthen this vibrant Montgomery County community. This position offers an opportunity to guide a $19M operation including essential services like public works, water, and public safety. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping municipal services and enhancing community well-being. The deadline is Tuesday, October 29th at noon. If you're passionate about good governance and community development, consider bringing your expertise to Ambler or sharing with those who may be a fit.

?? Attention Lafayette College students! ?? The Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government is proud to co-sponsor the Careers in Public Service Speaker Series, kicking off on Monday, October 21st at noon in Kirby Hall of Civil Rights 104. ?? Opening Session Highlights: Learn about careers dedicated to public good Hear from experienced professionals in public service Discover opportunities and resources at Lafayette College Featured Speakers: Holly Akers - Associate Director of Employer Relations and Outreach, Gateway Career Center ? Diverse experience across multiple industries Nicole Beckett - Associate Director for Public Service, Meyner Center ? 23+ years in municipal management ? Former Borough Manager of Lehighton, PA Don't miss this chance to explore meaningful career paths and network with professionals in the field. Lunch will be provided! Co-sponsored by: Department of Government & Law, Department of Economics, Department of Anthropology & Sociology, Meyner Center, Gateway Career Center, Lafayette Votes, Landis Center #CareersinPublicService #LafayetteCollege #MeynerCenter #PublicService #StudentOpportunities.

Professional Opportunity: Borough Manager Position in Ambler, PA Ambler Borough, a charming community in Montgomery County, PA, is seeking an experienced professional to serve as its next Borough Manager. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a $19 million operation and make a significant impact in a vibrant, historic town just outside Philadelphia. Key details: Population: 6,800 Budget: $19 million Staff: Approx. 60 employees Departments: Administration, Public Works, Water, Wastewater, and Police Salary: $120,000-$170,000 with excellent benefits The ideal candidate will have: 3-5 years of municipal management experience Strong organizational and financial skills Planning/land development experience Bachelor's Degree (Master's preferred) Excellent communication skills Full job posting: BOROUGH MANAGER/SECRETARY—Ambler Borough (population 6,800), Montgomery County, PA seeks an experienced leader to serve as its Borough Manager. Ambler Borough is a charming, close-knit community that blends small-town warmth with a vibrant local culture and historic character, located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, just 16 miles north of Philadelphia, offering easy access to both urban amenities and suburban tranquility. Manager has authority to supervise all day-to-day operations and coordinates the nine-member Borough Council and staff. Seeking a forward-thinking individual who can drive innovation and modernize technological systems to enhance community services. Manager administers an annual budget of $19 million with approximately 60 employees including administration, public works, water, wastewater, and police departments. Candidates should have (1) at least 3-5 years of municipal management experience; (2) knowledge of modern local government management principles; (3) strong organizational and financial skills & planning/land development experience; (4) Bachelor’s Degree (Masters preferred); and (5) strong communication skills. Salary $120,000-$170,000 with excellent benefits; actual salary to be based on experience/qualifications. Send cover letter and resume in one combined PDF document to [email protected]. Deadline is noon on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. EOE. Please contact Nicole Beckett with any questions on the position.