Fellows in the Muehlstein Institute generally range in age from 25 to 40, have been working in the field of Jewish communal service approximately two to seven years, and have completed at least one full year of employment within their sponsoring agency by the start of the institute. Appropriate candidates have professional job responsibilities that afford them an opportunity to apply the learning from the institute to their work settings. Educational credentials include a bachelor's degree and, in many cases, a master's degree.

Identified by their organizations as emerging professional leaders, fellows represent a variety of professional disciplines and a veritable cross-section of Jewish communal agency settings. As such, they bring to the institute a rich array of backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge bases through which all learn and benefit. The small group size assures individual attention and fosters interaction among fellows from these various sectors.

The institute takes place over an 18-month period, and there will be approximately 26 to 28 days of release time from work, as well as several evening and Sunday programs. Fellows are expected to make every effort to participate in all aspects of the institute program.