Program Benefits
The PMF program is a great way to “fast-track” federal career. As a PMF, you will receive all the health and retirement benefits of a regular federal employee, including the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement). You can find more information about federal benefits at these two web sites: www.opm.gov or www.govexec.com. Regulations have changed to allow the agencies to hire PMF candidates at any pay grade from GS-9 to GS-12. Each agency has discretion over its pay policy, but it must be justified to the PMF office based on the skill requirements of the position and the qualifications of the individual (not necessarily prior federal service). In the DC area, GS-9 starts at $44,850 and GS-12 starts at $65,048. These rates usually increase 3-4% each year. If you want to work outside DC, there are salary adjustments by location. You can see the salary tables at www.opm.gov. Promotions are no longer fixed by the amount of time you have worked, but agencies must establish promotion policies for PMF’s and have them approved by OPM and applicable unions.
When you enter the PMF program, you must prepare an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with your supervisor that sets out your training needs, career objectives, and two-year goals. You must receive at least 80 hours of training during each of the two years of the PMF program, including your PMF Orientation Training and Graduation Training, which should be covered in your IDP.
The PMF program also offers the opportunity for you to complete at least one rotation to another division, program, or agency during your two-year term. PMF’s rotate to Capitol Hill, to other federal departments, to different divisions or field offices within their agency in preparation for a management career, and even to state/local government if it’s applicable to your agency. Some PMF’s get one rotation, some get two or more. Rotations should be discussed prior to accepting a PMF position to make sure you are satisfied with the potential rotational opportunities available to you.
The Federal Student Loan Repayment program is a new benefit offered by individual agencies. This program is offered at the discretion of the agency, and is used as a recruitment or retention tool. An agency can pay up to $10,000 per year or $60,000 total in student loan repayments. Recipients must agree to remain in federal service for at least 3 years. Ask about the program during your PMF interviews, as each agency has individual discretion. See more at www.opm.gov/oca/pay/studentloan. Finally, the PMF program provides support and networking groups, called Career Development Groups (CDG) that help you through your transition from school to federal service. The CDG’s have advisors who are senior-level Federal Managers, and they meet and communicate throughout the program, as well as providing important networks after you leave the PMF program.