BPIO Fellowship Program

Babila Lima - Business Process Improvement Office

Description: The Business Process Improvement Office (BPIO) has established a fellowship program to provide opportunity for professional experience in performance management, project management and process improvement for qualified candidates. Candidates awarded a fellow position will work with BPIO project managers to improve operations, perform analysis, document processes, develop the program office and conduct operational research.

Candidates must have strong communication skills. Business writing in the form of memos, reports, policy papers and process documentation is highly utilized in the BPIO work environment. The ability to answer direct questions through operational and sourced research is also an important skill required of the candidates. An intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products is mandatory – particularly in Excel. Intermediate level computer programming skills in languages such as JavaScript, Python, R are a favorably considered. Finally, a fellow must be able to apply time management skills to effectively manage and prioritize delegated tasks.

A work plan will be provided for the fellow upon hire. The work plan will include responsibilities for specific projects developed by BPIO management. Examples of work plan items are listed, but not limited, to the points below:

  • Observe city employees at the facility maintenance storeroom to create a current-state process model of the paper goods delivery operation.
  • Determine inputs necessary to establish a third-party delivery processes with a contracted vendor to accelerate delivery processes.  And implement a third-party delivery operation with minimal impact on relevant functional groups.
  • Perform field visits with technicians in the Mobile Technician Pilot project to determine operational inefficiencies or process improvement opportunities.
  • Build workflows, and establish electronic means of document management, communication with supervisors, and work history to eliminate unnecessary technician travel time.
  • Perform data analysis on work order volumes and impact on facilities with respect to predetermined and new key performance indicators. Produce a report for BPIO and Facilities Maintenance management.
  • Assist in the development of databases and unique IT products to meet operational needs.

The work plan will be accompanied by a performance evaluation document. From the point of hire, a direct supervisor will evaluate the fellow to determine impact on operations. The performance evaluation plan will be structured with key performance indicator criteria to quantify the level of impact. After the fellowship term, the direct supervisor (project manager) and the BPIO director will review the performance evaluation to determine a future relationship with the fellow. At this point, the fellow may request term extension.

Application Process:  All application documents should be sent via email to the following address:  BPIO.Fellowship@baltimorecity.gov

  • Application requirements include a resume, cover letter, and list of completed courses at an accredited university.

A response to a candidate’s application can be expected within 5—10 business days. If the BPIO decides that a candidate is eligible based on their resume and cover letter, an interview will be scheduled.

What is Offered: the BPIO is offering a unique fellowship experience. The fellow will gain practical experience in business development, operations, analytics and project management. The fellow will interact with multiple divisions and functional groups and develop a diverse knowledge base related to municipal operations. At the end of the fellowship, the performance evaluation will be published with a list of accomplishments. The accomplishments will be verified and authorized by the program director. This verified experience can be useful for future employment.

Qualifications: the following list provides some background qualifications that the BPIO is searching for in a fellow:

  • Communication skills: must have strong verbal and written communication skills. Professional business writing is highly valued.
  • Research skills: can clearly understand research directions and objectives. Diligent at organizing and conducting research from multiple sources. Can clearly communicate the findings of the research to project managers.
  • Technical Savviness: intermediate understanding of Microsoft Office Suite software. Can create/read/organize/analyze data in Microsoft Excel. Skillful in report formatting in Microsoft Word. A basic level of understanding in database management is preferred.
  • Time Management: ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects. Ability to handle change in project/task priority.
  • Experience/Education: at least a junior standing in an undergraduate program. BPIO is open to both undergraduate and graduate level candidates.