Science Fellows Program Manager at the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Sacramento, California

OVERVIEW
We are a nonpartisan group delivering independent science and technology advice to policymakers so they can make more fiscally-sound and science-based laws that improve the lives of all Californians—especially those who are underserved and underrepresented. We translate and communicate policy-relevant science through our expert briefings, workshops, and peer reviewed reports. We also bring scientists and engineers for a year of government service and leadership training through our fellowship program and place them at the Capitol to work alongside lawmakers.

Our team is collaborative and inclusive.  We believe more minds, with different perspectives and lived experiences, lead to greater impact. We are entrepreneurial and pursue opportunities that meet the greatest needs. Agile, flexible, and responsive, we thrive in the rapidly changing landscape in which we operate. We have a growth mindset and are continuously improving our approach. We care about each other as people.

Every year, California policymakers must make critical decisions on a number of complex and dynamic issues facing our state, such as the state’s water supply, energy grid, and public health. The Science Fellows Program Manager will manage all aspects of the CCST S&T Policy Fellowship Program to successfully recruit 15 PhD scientists and engineers annually to help provide expertise to policymakers in Sacramento as they make these critical decisions. During their year of public service, these scientific minds get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of policymaking in California. The CCST Science Fellows Program Manager plays a key role in ensuring the CCST Science Fellows gain valuable training and experience in public policy and leadership while in turn, policymakers gain access to science savvy staff who can inform policy discussion with scientific perspectives and expertise.

The successful candidate will have problem-solving skills, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a talented, motivated, and dynamic team. They will be comfortable challenging the status quo and discussing creative ideas or changes to existing processes.  They will also possess professional skills to manage stakeholders at all levels, toward the goal of delivering an impactful and relevant fellowship program to State policymakers.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of CCST and works closely with CCST staff and other CCST stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

35%  Manages all Fellows related activities included but not limited to recruitment, training, placement, and mentoring.

• Own recruitment strategy and process to drive awareness and interest via job board postings, university/group outreach, and promotional coordinations with Communications team and alumni.
• Implement recruitment process including reviewing submitted applications, determining qualified application packets, synthesizing data, and analyzing statistics.
• Review, analyze, and summarize key trends in Sacramento and in policy to help guide the selection process.
• Work closely with CCST Selection Committee to select and schedule applicant interviews.
• Coordinate and deliver training including: identifying speakers, organizing sessions, coordinating the calendar and setting bootcamp learning goals and outcomes.
• Mentor Fellows by determining their mentoring needs and supporting their success.
• Continually provide impartial, independent conflict resolution services to Fellows, mentors and staff.
• Assist CCST Science Fellows to identify potential professional development activities and outline professional development goals that meet grant guidelines.

20%  Manages the collection and curation of data and information pertaining to performance of the Fellowship Program, recruitment goals, and impact of the Fellowship Program on Fellows, mentors, and placement offices through:

• Collecting data from a variety of methods including exit interviews and surveys of Fellows and Host Office mentors.
• Maintaining up-to-date, comprehensive, and well-curated records and databases of Fellowship Program activities and data.
• Analyzing, summarizing, and/or reviewing data, and reporting the findings.
• Interpreting results and/or making recommendations.
• Providing analysis of unique issues/problems, most of the time without precedence.
• Overseeing and reviewing data of the yearly online application process including oversight of recruitment.

20%  Serves as an institutional representative between key policymakers, fellowship alumni  and current Fellows to provide the training and ongoing support needed to maintain and improve the program.

• Works directly with the California State Legislature and Executive Branch as an ambassador of CCST and manager of the CCST Science Fellows program to place and support Fellows.
• Works closely with legislative and executive branch representatives regarding placement, office compatibility issues, and other coordination and placement issues.
• Provides ombudsman support functions designed to facilitate early intervention in potential impediments to Fellows placement, personnel matters affecting hosting legislative and executive branch offices, and facilitating assignment or reassignment of Fellow candidates as appropriate.

25%  Oversees all aspects of complex external relations including:

• Coordinating all CCST Science Fellows related events, materials, policies, and processes.
• Working directly with the fundraising team to regularly update on the Fellowship status.
• Planning and identifying external communication needs and developing informational materials and events to properly inform potential applicants, state government representatives, funders, and other interested parties in coordination with the CCST Communications team.
• Coordinating and participating in outreach activities at conferences, individual campus events, technical shows, meetings, and other events.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or minimum of four years demonstrated experience in managing projects.
• A passion for mentoring people and helping them achieve their goals.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including attentive listening skills and ability to synthesize information to reach diverse audiences.
• Ability to quickly identify and develop strategies to effectively communicate CCST’s message.
• Skilled at recognizing and effectively addressing and resolving potential concerns from stakeholders to mitigate problems or issues.
• Ability to work as a team member within an established office structure.
• A high degree of accountability, including recognized ability to manage a project transparently and meet multiple deadlines by organizing, prioritizing, and planning work activities according to established timelines and schedules. Must be able to use sound judgement in responding to issues and concerns.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience working as a program manager or similar in a relevant field.
• Experience continually building networks, facilitating effective meetings, and building capacity.
• Experience in fellowship program(s).
• Experience leading organizational change to integrate the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into culture, process, and communications.

SALARY RANGE

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary and 403b match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Hybrid work schedule based in Sacramento, CA

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume through our application portal.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Application review will begin March 13, 2023.

The California Council on Science and Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions based on qualifications, merit, and our organization’s business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any such status protected under federal, state, or local law.