Going into "transition" is a very difficult situation that all too many members face at some point in their local government careers. Any job change is difficult, but when it's forced on someone for reasons that often have nothing to do with their job performance, it can be traumatic. We want to be sure you are aware of the resources ICMA and its valued partners make available to members who are between jobs.
Remember that You are Not Alone
Participate in our bimonthly conference calls for MITs
Stay Engaged with ICMA and the ICMA member network
Maximize Your Job Search
Take Advantage of the ICMA Senior Advisors Program
Make Plans to Continue Your Professional Development
Learn from the Experiences of Others
Stay engaged with ICMA and the ICMA member network.
You are still very much a part of the international ICMA network.
Be sure to keep us current on your home and e-mail addressesso membership materials reach you promptly. ICMA recognizes how important it is that you continue to receive your member communications including Leadership Matters (member edition) with its job ads, PM magazine, and access to the password-protected sections of icma.org.
Remember that your membership belongs to you, not to your employer. If your membership dues come up for renewal while you're in transition, just note that on the invoice, return it to our attention, and ICMA will waive your membership dues for up to three years.
Additionally, reach out to your state association; many states offer in transition members additional benefits and services.
- Contact ICMA Member Services any time you feel the need for personal support or counsel at 800-745-8780/202-962-3680 or membership@icma.org.
- Learn more about state association support for members in transition.
ICMA strategic partner ICMA-RC has developed a series of resources for plan participants facing employment transition, including an employment transition action plan and financial planning assistance.
Maximize your job search.
Consider the job search and career resources available through the ICMA Career Network, which offers members a database of current job openings in the local government management profession, an online resume service, and online ICMA publications. Of particular interest may be:
- ICMA’s Job Hunting Handbook for Local Government Officials
- ICMA’s Acting Manager’s Handbook. (If you are considering interim assignments)
Take advantage of the ICMA Senior Advisor program.
The counsel, experience, and support of respected, retired managers is available to you. Senior Advisors have "been there" and experienced many of the same problems, frustrations, and conflicts that you have. All discussions are on a confidential, no-fee basis. The Senior Advisors have offered to volunteer their time to counsel, brainstorm, and, most of all, listen. ICMA and the state associations in over 20 states share their travel, phone, and postage expenses. Get the details here.
Through the generous support of ICMA strategic partner Waters & Company, the Career Navigator tool is available to ICMA Members In Transition free of charge. This assessment measures seventeen critical competency and management traits that you can use as a development guide.ext
Make plans to continue your professional development.
Come to the ICMA Annual Conference, with complimentary registration for you and your partner. Instructions for "in transition" members are included on the registration form. Members in transition are also given the opportunity to access travel and lodging assistance scholarships. For those who still cannot attend, archived virtual conference materials are provided free of charge after the conference.
ICMA also provides complimentary, unlimited access to ICMA University webinars priced at $149.00 to members in transition.
- Register online for a webinar as you would normally. Because we have you listed as a member in transition the fee will balance out to zero at the end of the process.
Learn from the experience of others.
The ICMA.org Career Resources topic page provides a platform to gain access to several downloadable resources that may be of assistance to you, including tips on how to make the most of your membership while in transition, a listing of Career Resources, and several job loss articles from PM magazine. Here are just a few:
