Data Science Officer at the California Council on Science and Technology

Data Science Officer
California Council on Science and Technology (CCST)
Location: Sacramento, California (hybrid)
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OVERVIEW

The California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. Its goal is to connect leading experts in science and technology with state policymakers. As a trusted advisor, CCST strengthens and informs California policy with scientific knowledge and innovation across technology, physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences. This helps improve the lives of Californians, ensures the state remains a leader in technology and innovation, and guides global progress towards a healthy economy, society, and environment.

CCST provides independent science advising to help policymakers craft policies that benefit all Californians, including those who are underserved and underrepresented. We synthesize and communicate policy-relevant science through expert briefings, workshops, peer reviewed reports, and our other science services. Our Science Fellows program selects scientists and engineers for a year of leadership training and government service in the California Capitol, supporting informed decision-making in a rapidly changing world.

CCST’s core values of service, independence, and partnership are rooted in commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion:

• Service: We aim to apply science and technology to public policies that benefit all Californians.
• Independence: As a nonpartisan entity, CCST operates free from influence by those with a stake in policy outcomes.
• Partnership: We collaborate with academic, research, governmental, philanthropic, and other communities to leverage diverse expertise and perspectives.

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.

The Data Science Officer is a key member of our Science Services team and will focus on managing projects and evaluating programs. CCST is seeking a Data Science Officer with experience in the applications and/or policy implications of data science and technology, including expertise in one or multiple of the following topics: artificial intelligence, machine learning, data security, data analytics, business intelligence, data management tools, data communication, or related topics. This role includes managing people, project ideation, resources, and contracts. The duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Management of experts, partners, and other stakeholders
• Strategy and process design
• Management of project budget and resources, including contracts
• Data collection/compilation and analysis
• Oversight of planning, writing, and editing of project deliverables
• Writing project proposals and summary documents

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to the Science Services Manager and collaborates closely with the Director of Science Services, Deputy Director, Program Associates, CCST staff, and other CCST stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Project Management

Manage projects, including those pertaining to data science and technology, to deliver timely, credible, and independent S&T advice, informed by considerations of equity, diversity and inclusion, to inform key policy decisions by the State relevant to science and data services.

• Perform outreach, conduct literature reviews, and lead development of the scope of work for requested projects (e.g., peer-reviewed reports, expert briefings, and expert convenings).
• Manage staff and expert participation, project budget timelines, and evaluation.
• Direct all subcontractors on projects through clear communication, ownership of deadlines, and deconfliction and prioritization of tasks. When appropriate, write significant sections of project reports as the Lead Author and provide significant support to the Project Director.
• Coordinate regular project steering committee meetings, including the preparation of associated materials.
• Manage peer review process, layout, and technical editing processes for publications.
• Manage and direct other CCST staff working on a project which includes tracking event timelines, requiring updates from key staff, coordinating team meetings, and driving the workflow to ensure a successful project completion.
• Work with CCST Communications staff to develop marketing and media materials related to projects.

Outreach & Partnerships

Conduct outreach and build academic/research, private sector, and philanthropic partnerships to proactively identify emerging data science and technology opportunities and priority needs for S&T advice to inform policy.

• With the Directors of Policy Engagement and Science Services, foster relationships and connections within the Sacramento policy landscape and with Partner Institutions to understand decision maker and partner needs. Seek out and develop project and program opportunities to support science-informed decision making that meet these needs.
• Engage with thought leaders, including policymakers, S&T experts, philanthropists, and community leaders to understand information needs and identify gaps.
• Collaborate with funders to identify resources and common focus issues.
• Present CCST’s work at conferences and other professional meetings to support information exchange, expand CCST’s network, and raise the profile of the organization.
• Monitor and analyze the external environment for trends, state and national issues, and proposed legislative and regulatory changes affecting the environment for science and technology in California and when needed provide recommendations to CCST Leadership.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree (bachelor’s degree or greater) in a STEM-related discipline, preferably in data science and technology, together with 2 years of relevant experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data security, data analytics, business intelligence, management tools, data communication, or other related topics. Advanced degree can be used to satisfy experience
• A broad understanding of and curiosity for science and technology across fields, disciplines, and industries.
• Experience in California public policy.
• A high degree of accountability, including recognized ability to manage a project transparently and meet multiple deadlines by organizing, prioritizing, and planning work. Must be able to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, critical and analytic thinking skills, and ability to synthesize information to reach diverse audiences and build consensus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to continuous learning and collaboration, with ability to work as a team member within an established office structure, as well as ability to work in a remote or virtual environment as necessary. 

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD or equivalent work experience (5+ years) in a data science and technology-related discipline, with expertise in artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning, data security, data analysis and management tools, data communication, or related topics.
• Prior experience in public policy including working with legislature, state, or federal agencies.
• Prior experience serving in a not-for-profit organization.
• Prior experience working with research institutions.
• Ability to represent the organization in the community including frequent networking and professional events and occasional public speaking.
• Experience with Asana (or similar) project management software.

SALARY: $70,000 – $90,000 annually

Our comprehensive benefits package includes a 403b match; medical, dental, and vision insurance options; relocation assistance; and opportunities to telework. We are driven by a huge nonprofit vision, inviting you to contribute meaningfully to building the future, making a positive impact every day, and fostering personal and career growth in a supportive work environment.

LOCATION: Sacramento, California (Hybrid)

CCST has a hybrid work policy for our team, working from home on Mondays and Fridays and working in person on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in our downtown Sacramento office.

TO APPLY

Apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and CV through our online portal. The cover letter should explain your interest in the position and your relevant skills and experience. Please consider answering the voluntary questions on demographic data and where you learned about this position – this information helps us understand how we can continue to improve our recruitment and hiring processes to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce.

For additional information about the opportunity, please contact Christy Shay at [email protected]. All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications received by Monday December 9th, 2024, will be prioritized for review. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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.