Mentor program for local government professionals
The Metro Managers Mentor Program connects seasoned local government professionals with emerging leaders to support career growth and expand regional networks through structured mentor and mentee relationships.
The Metro Managers Mentor Program is now accepting applications for mentors (coaches) and mentees (protégés) for the 2026 cohort.
How it works
The current class of the Managers Mentorship program is underway and will conclude in January 2026.
Three months before the start of a new cohort, MARC will seek volunteers to serve as mentors and accept applications from prospective mentees. More information about the program and how to apply is available below.
A one-time fee of $199 will be assessed to mentees to help cover administrative costs of the program. There is no fee for mentors to participate.
- Program goals
- Support the professional and personal development of emerging local government managers in the Kansas City region.
- Foster regional relationships and problem-solving by expanding participant networks across county and state lines.
- Aid mentees in developing goals and pathways toward a growing career in city/county management.
- Create an environment where mentors can share knowledge and wisdom about local government and city/county management effectively and efficiently.
- Match seasoned chief or deputy administrative officials with aspiring future managers for a 12-month learning experience.
- Program process
- MARC will verify mentee eligibility and pair each mentee with one mentor based on matching criteria such as shared interests or exposure to different communities in the region.
- MARC will contact mentors and mentees to confirm the matches.
- MARC will facilitate an initial meeting for introductions and to review program expectations.
- Mentors and mentees will meet every six to eight weeks as outlined in the program.
- MARC will periodically check in with mentors and mentees to assess progress toward program goals.
- MARC may host a networking event for participants depending on class size and interest.
- Mentees and mentors will complete a program evaluation.
- Mentors and mentees will receive a completion certificate at the end of the program.
- Program conclusion
Upon completion of the program, mentees and mentors complete an evaluation regarding their experience and the utility of the program. All participants receive a certificate of completion, which will officially mark the end of the program.
- Program fees
Mentees are assessed a one-time fee of $199 to help cover the program administration costs. There is no fee for mentors to participate.
Program requirements
Mentor/Coach
- Must have availability and be willing to meet every 6-8 weeks for 12 months.
- Must be available for initial orientation to meet the mentee on Aug. 28. 2026.
- Must be available for periodic phone or email contacts between meetings (if mutually desired).
- Must be a chief administrative official (CAO) or deputy/assistant (not less than three years of experience) in the nine-county MARC region. Interest from managers in neighboring counties will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Retired or retiring managers are encouraged to apply.
- Must be enthusiastic and eager to share knowledge and aid the mentee in their development.
Mentee/Protégé
- Ideally, mentees should have been in the local government workforce for at least five years to demonstrate a commitment to public service. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Must work in a community in the nine-county MARC region. Applications from neighboring counties will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Mentees are encouraged to apply if they recently relocated to the Kansas City region.
- Must be eager and enthusiastic to learn from assigned mentors.
- Must be interested in a career as a city/county manager.
- Must have availability and be willing to meet every 6-8 weeks.
- Must attend first meeting administered by MARC to meet mentor.
Layer Title
2026-2027 Cohort Timeline
Table
2026-2027 Cohort Timeline
| Event |
2026 Timeline |
| Applications open |
June 1, 2026 |
| Mentee applications due |
July 15, 2026 |
| Matches assigned |
August 7, 2026 |
| Program orientation |
Fri. Aug. 28, 2026, 10 a.m.-p.m. |
| Graduation |
August 2027 |
| Networking event for current and past participants |
October 2027 |
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