Program Assistant

Program Assistant at the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) in Sacramento, CA

How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume through our application portal. The cover letter should explain your interest in the position and your relevant skills and experience.
 
About CCST
California’s most pressing public policy issues require solutions that engage the State’s extraordinary research and innovation enterprise. The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) works to meet this need. 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 and technology (S&T). Despite California’s rich intellectual capital and long tradition of crafting future-facing policies, structural barriers prevent its policymakers from readily accessing the S&T expertise in research institutions resident in the state. CCST works with a range of government, research, and philanthropic partners to build more agile, inclusive, and impactful S&T advisory frameworks; elevate policymaker awareness of the S&T contributions of California’s research institutions; and foster a more diverse and inclusive network of S&T-savvy policy leaders.

For more information, please visit CCST.us.
 
Core values
The pillars of our organizational identity, our core values of service, independence, and partnership are anchored in our foundational commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Service: We are driven by a desire to serve and see S&T applied to public policies that provide all Californians with opportunities to participate and prosper. We connect our diverse network of S&T experts with policymakers to help them fulfill their missions.

• Independence: As a nongovernmental, nonpartisan institution, we operate independently of organizations and individuals with a stake in the outcome of State policy decisions. We engage inclusively with S&T experts from a broad range of disciplines and lived experiences, serving as honest brokers of their knowledge and perspectives.

• Partnership: We work across institutions, partnering with academic, research, governmental, philanthropic, and other communities to leverage their collective expertise and diverse perspectives to fulfill our mission.

POSITION OVERVIEW: PROGRAM ASSISTANT
 
The Program Assistant provides program support to the design, delivery, and promotion of CCST studies, workshops, briefings, and other science advisory services. They play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of activities required to provide information to enable California to strengthen its policies with science and technology. Their work strengthens the interface between public policy and cutting-edge science and technology—toward the goal of a more resilient and equitable future for all Californians and in support of California’s continued leadership in research and innovation.

This position focuses on day-to-day program implementation, ensuring that deadlines are met and objectives are achieved. The position is located in Sacramento.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports directly to the Director of Science Services and one of CCST’s Senior Science Officers. This position works closely with CCST staff, partner institution staffs, experts, and other CCST stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

70% Disaster Resilience Initiative Program Support. Provide high-level administrative support to CCST Science Services by supporting Diector of Science Services and Science/Program Officers on project work required for the successful operation and implementation of projects and programs.

• Planning and administering all administrative operations of large multi-faceted contracts.
• Coordinating weekly steering committee or working group meetings, including scheduling, preparing materials, and taking notes.
• Plan and coordinate any field trips or in-person steering committee meetings as required for projects.
• Lead virtual event and meeting logistics through Zoom.
• Prepare meeting notes and minutes for all projects.
• Manage peer review process for CCST reports, including receiving comments, organizing & anonymizing comments, assuring that the comments are directed to the correct author(s), confirming all comments are addressed, and that edits are made to the report as needed.
• Background research as needed to support projects and programs across the organization, including expert briefings, reports, partner outreach, legislative activity, and more.
• Help coordinate advertisement and promotion strategies and timelines for projects and events.

 
20% Assists with logistical needs for CCST events including workshops, receptions, annual Science & Technology Week, and other CCST events.

• Work with other team members to develop event strategies and timelines.
• Assist in developing invitations, programs, agendas, talking points, and other materials for CCST events.
• Collect and maintain RSVP lists.
• Work with CCST’s Executive Assistant to coordinate travel plans and schedules for CCST guests.
• Assist with booking event spaces and developing event materials.
• Work with Program Associates to coordinate all event logistics.

10% Assist in broadening CCST’s engagement with science and technology experts across the
state and developing innovative ways to engage CCST’s network of experts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of professional experience in science, science communications, or government affairs.
• Excellent writing under tight deadlines and quick-response situations; ability to distill complex and/or technical topics for diverse, non-expert audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, including the ability to work as a member of a collaborative and inclusive team. Maturity and emotional intelligence to work effectively with leaders and outside stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
• Recognized ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization while also remaining flexible.
• Ability to quickly learn tools in use by the CCST team to contribute to projects.
• Ability to work productively in a remote or virtual environment as necessary.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality
• Passion for the mission of CCST and commitment to upholding our core values and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our team and work.
• Flexibility and adaptability

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with, or interest in, California policy.
• High degree of initiative and a history as an accomplished self-starter.
• Basic knowledge of graphic design, photography, digital video, creative direction, and
• web publishing, and/or experience working with professional vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement work projects, including by designing timelines and schedules and coordinating with other staff and stakeholders.

SALARY RANGE

• $40,000 – $55,000

 
BENEFITS

• Competitive salary and 403b match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Flexible, hybrid remote/on-site work schedule
• 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 February 27, 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.