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The public sector needs workers with varied talents, says Pat Tamburrino Jr., chief administrative officer at the NobleReach Foundation. “State and local governments are especially interested in recruiting AI, cyber and data science professionals — a trend we’re seeing across the private and public sectors.”
Tamburrino says agencies are looking to increase efficiency and are seeking talent to revitalize processes and streamline workflows to improve citizen services. “To achieve the standard that today’s users expect, organizations require talent with business process innovation skill sets. This can include general practitioners with strong analytical thinking skills who can bring innovative ideas to government.”
NobleReach is a nonprofit organization that develops and mobilizes America’s top talent and innovation networks across academia, industry and government. It that works to enable the U.S. to remain securely ahead of its adversaries in technological and scientific innovation.
Tamburrino believes it is important that government employees see the value of mission-oriented work. “A passion for public service, combined with excellent technical skills, positions an individual to maximize their impact on any government organization and the people it serves.”
No question, a recruit can have a positive impact in a local government job, Tamburrino tells Co-op Solutions. “Local government is under the same pressure as the federal government to improve citizen experience and services, often with a decreased or scrutinized budget. As a result, new talent has an opportunity to come into a complex and rewarding environment. They have the opportunity to support innovation, streamline processes and make positive changes.”
He adds that new hires can see their work’s direct impact in a unique way. “Most local government employees live in the area they serve, so they’re improving and supporting their community through their daily work.”
Early-career jobseekers looking to explore public service can kick-start their employment and vocation by considering local government work, Tamburrino maintains. “It’s an exciting opportunity for someone just graduating from college to take on challenges with real-world impact and to experience that impact first-hand.”
He notes that via information from his organization’s NobleReach Scholars program and its partnerships with universities across the U.S., he has determined that there is no shortage of students and recent graduates who want to do mission-driven work. “But they often don’t know where to start or don’t immediately consider public service as an option. The real challenge is lowering the barrier to entry.”
How local government talent scouts can reach out to prospective new hires
Tamburrino says city-county recruiters and HR managers need to be strategic, creative and innovative in their approach to connect with new talent. “It may seem simple, but it’s critical to clearly describe the open position and its requirements. Recruiters and HR managers need to know what skills and attributes the team is looking for and make baseline requirements explicit.”
He adds that the job description should also include a “wow” factor. In addition, the description should tie the job back to the local government’s broader mission. “Today’s top public service candidates want to know how the role will tackle important societal challenges — whether that is eliminating homelessness for veterans or supporting first-time homeowners or just making it easier for citizens to access the services they need.”
Recruiters, adds Tamburrino, should highlight the hands-on work and experience new hires will receive. “In the private sector, established hierarchies can sometimes limit opportunities, but the public sector often allows new talent to work on major projects from the beginning.”
Lastly, Tamburrino says government recruiters need to build relationships with local high schools, community colleges and universities to expose young people to mission-driven work before they enter the workforce. “For example, NobleReach’s public service curriculum programs offer a roadmap for universities to work with local communities to show students the value of mission-driven work in shaping public outcomes.”
OMNIA Partners, who sponsors this page, offers a robust portfolio of cooperative contracts in the public procurement space. The firm lists a number of cooperative contracts under the keyword “recruiting.”
