At the end of every political campaign and presidential transition, thousands of political appointees and federal employees find themselves at a career crossroads. Approximately 4,000 political appointees lose their positions, leaving many experienced professionals to ponder their next steps. In response to this widespread, cyclical exodus, Work for America, a workforce nonprofit, launched Civic Match, a nonpartisan initiative designed to guide these skilled individuals toward new roles in state and local governments.
Bridging the Employment Gap
Connecting Talent with Need
Civic Match serves a dual purpose: it retains valuable federal employees within public service while simultaneously addressing workforce shortages at the state and local levels. Since its November launch, the platform has seen impressive engagement from both job seekers and hiring managers. More than 1,200 outgoing federal workers and campaign staff have signed up for the program, eager to continue their public service careers. Meanwhile, over 200 state and local governments have actively started using the platform to scout talent, with 220 hiring managers already reviewing candidates.
This initiative was particularly significant as the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce presented both challenges and opportunities. The Office of Personnel Management’s buyout offers, extended to federal employees opting to leave their positions by a certain deadline, created a unique talent reservoir. Work for America’s Executive Director, Caitlin Lewis, emphasized capturing this outgoing federal talent, as these individuals can provide vital expertise and facilitate the implementation of federally funded programs at the state and local levels.
Diverse Opportunities
The roles available through Civic Match span a broad spectrum of public service jobs in various cities and states. For example, experienced systems and network engineers are in demand in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Alexandria, Virginia. AI positions are available in New York State’s Office of the Attorney General and Colorado’s Division of Insurance. These diverse opportunities ensure that the vast range of skills possessed by outgoing federal employees can be effectively utilized and that communities in need benefit from their expertise.
Candidates interested in these roles can indicate their preferences through Civic Match’s Airtable website. This system promptly alerts hiring managers, who can then shortlist suitable candidates for specific roles. The response has been largely positive, with over 700 candidates already showing interest in particular positions. Out of these, 238 have been shortlisted, and around 50 have been invited to interviews. This streamlined process underscores Civic Match’s efficiency in facilitating timely and effective job placements.
Real-World Successes and Initiatives
Final Stages of Hiring
Civic Match’s ability to match talent with need is more than just theoretical—it’s yielding tangible results. A striking example includes a former federal employee who has reached the final interview stage for a significant position overseeing Nashville’s Choose How You Move transportation improvement program. This not only highlights Civic Match’s capability in matching high-skilled individuals with appropriate roles but also the potential impact on public projects when supported by experienced personnel from various government tiers.
Moreover, the initiative’s success goes beyond individual placements. Civic Match is proactive in creating further opportunities for direct engagement between job seekers and hiring managers. One such initiative is Civic Match Live, a virtual career fair scheduled to take place soon. This event is set to host over 150 candidates, who will get the chance to hear from 10 state and local governments about their job openings. They will also be able to meet hiring managers in smaller, more focused settings, thereby enhancing their chances of securing roles that match their skill sets.
Balancing Transition and Continuity
At the conclusion of every political campaign and the transition of presidential administrations, thousands of political appointees and federal employees face a crucial career juncture. Roughly 4,000 political appointees lose their jobs, prompting a large number of seasoned professionals to consider their next moves. Addressing this widespread and recurring situation, Work for America, a nonprofit focused on workforce development, introduced Civic Match, a nonpartisan initiative crafted to help these adept individuals find new positions within state and local governments.
Civic Match aims to ease the transition for those leaving federal roles by matching their unique skills and experiences with relevant job opportunities at the state and local levels. This initiative not only helps individuals continue their public service careers but also ensures that state and local governments benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. By providing guidance and resources, Civic Match plays a pivotal role in maintaining a skilled and efficient public workforce across different levels of government.
