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

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

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].  The cover letter should be page 1 of your resume and sent as one PDF.  The letter should specifically outline the reasons for your interest in the position and your particular skills and experience directly related to this position.

About CCST

CCST is a nonpartisan nonprofit created via the California Legislature in 1988 to provide objective advice from California’s leading scientists and research institutions on policy issues involving science.  California’s policies are stronger with science, and CCST is uniquely qualified as an expert organization, modeled after the National Academies of Sciences, to convene a statewide network of experts across disciplines and institutions.

CCST Values

Integrity – We are proud of all of our interactions and products – they represent the best of us.

Teamwork – We build on each other’s strengths and are generous with our time and expertise.  We help each other shine.

Innovation – We are empowered to try new ways to engage and connect science to policy.  We are building the future, not just maintaining the status quo.

Drive – We push ourselves to achieve more and better results.

Adaptability – We are nimble and flexible within a quickly changing landscape.

Humility – We are always learning, self-reflective, and seeking to be of service.

Laughter – Lots of it, especially when the chips are down.

Job Overview

The Science Fellows Program Manager will manage all aspects of the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Policy Fellowship Program by establishing program goals and processes; researching, interpreting and applying program and contract guidelines and requirements; formulating strategies; administrating resources; and continually innovating all aspects of the program. The Program Manager will need to use advanced concepts and organization objectives to resolve complex issues and/or rapidly unfolding events and issues in a constantly changing environment. This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of CCST.

Success in this position will require a candidate who sees the whole landscape in which CCST operates and thinks outside of the box for creative ways to engage and be of service, challenges the status quo, and readily discusses these new ideas or tweaks to the status quo in order to effectively implement them whenever possible.  You must also be a team player, skilled communicator, a hard worker, and savvy in building trust with external and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

20%  Serves as an institutional representative between alumni (98) and current Fellows (15) to provide the training and ongoing support needed to maintain 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.

20%  Oversees all aspects of complex external relations including:

• Coordinating all CCST Science Fellows related events, materials, policies, and processes.
• Working directly with the Director of Philanthropy 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 Program Associate.
• Coordinating and participating in outreach activities at conferences, individual campus events, technical shows, meetings, and other events.

25%  Manages all Fellows related activities included but not limited to recruitment, training, placement, mentoring, and alumni relations.

• Implementing recruitment process including reviewing submitted applications, determining qualified application packets, synthesizing data, and analyzing statistics.
• Participating in selection of the Science Fellows by analyzing information, summarizing and identifying trends in Sacramento.
• Working closely with CCST Selection Committee to select applicants to interview.
• Coordinating and delivering training including: identifying speakers, organizing sessions, coordinating the calendar and setting bootcamp learning goals and outcomes.
• Mentoring Fellows through determining their mentoring needs and supporting the Fellows’ success.
• Continually providing impartial, independent conflict resolution services to Fellows, mentors and staff.
• Assisting Science Fellows to identify potential professional development activities and outline professional development goals that meet grant guidelines.

15%  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, a majority of the time without precedence.
• Overseeing and reviewing data of the yearly online application process including oversight of recruitment.

10%  Key member of the CCST Major Gifts team – the incumbent helps develop case statements, present case and outreach materials to donors, assists with targeted donor and prospect research, and helps to review grant materials.

• Support the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) in follow-up actions with donors and prospective donors
• Staff the Executive Director or MGO for various fundraising committees/working group of the Board.
• Work on annual giving end of year campaign helping with appeals and strategy development.
• Lead CCST’s involvement in regional on-line giving campaign Big Day of Giving.
• Work with MGO and CCST Communications Program Associate on coordinating media related to fundraising, i.e. video schedule and videographers.
• Liaison with alumni for their participation in fundraising events and activities.

10%  Other duties as assigned including but not limited to other CCST Science Services in fulfillment of CCST’s mission to bring science into the decision making process.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS required or four years of equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A passion for mentoring people and helping them achieve their goals.
• Expert level written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including attentive listening skills.
• 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 in order to mitigate problems or issues.
• Ability to work as a team member within an established office structure.
• A strong sense of accountability, including commitment to organizing, prioritizing, and planning work activities according to established timelines and schedules, and the ability to anticipate issues in accomplishing work and communicating in advance to affected parties.
• Recognized ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.

Desired Qualifications

• A strong network within relevant policy making, university and philanthropic communities in California as well as experience continually building networks, facilitating effective meetings, and building capacity.
• Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a busy and motivated organization.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in California public policy.
• Desired experience in fellowship program(s).

Salary Range

$50,000 – $75,000

Benefits

• Competitive salary and 401K match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Snack-filled kitchen (mostly healthy, but very tasty)
• Huge nonprofit vision (we need you to build the future and do meaningful work every day that motivates you)

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Application review will begin January 2, 2020.