Program Associate (AI Science Residency Program)

About CCST

The California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988 to provide science advice to the State of California. We connect state policymakers with leading experts in science and technology across our partner institutions, which include California’s top universities and laboratories. As a trusted advisor, CCST strengthens and informs California policy with scientific knowledge and innovation across technology, physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences. Guided by the core values of service, independence, partnership, and integrity, CCST works to improve the lives of Californians and sustain California’s leadership in technology and innovation for 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. Our program portfolio includes the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship and issue-specific href=”https://ccst.us/artificial-intelligence/science-residency/”>Science Residencies, which place scientists and engineers in the legislative and executive branch for a year of government service, and a diverse set of Science Services, including expert briefings, workshops, peer-reviewed reports, and Government Staff Academies. Collectively, our programs support informed decision-making in California state government in a rapidly changing world.

Each role at CCST contributes to advancing our 2025-29 Strategic Plan, guided by four goals:

1. Equip California policymakers with trusted and timely expertise.
2. Strengthen California’s science and technology policy talent pipeline.
3. Anticipate California’s future opportunities and challenges.
4. Integrate California’s science, technology, and policy communities.

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.

Job Overview

The Program Associate, AI Science Residency Program provides programmatic, technical, and logistical support for the design, delivery, and promotion of CCST’s AI Science Residency Program and, as needed, CCST’s Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program. Program Associates help ensure the smooth operation of activities that equip California policymakers with the scientific and technological knowledge needed to strengthen evidence-based state policy, and their work bridges public policy and cutting-edge science and technology in service of a more resilient and equitable future for all Californians.

CCST’s AI Science Residency Program places California’s first AI Science Advisors and Senior AI Fellows in the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Department of Technology (CDT) to support California’s executive branch in implementing recent legislation on frontier AI safety. Their advice helps the agencies optimize their AI governance efforts and establish new partnerships for improving AI safety with the best available science and technology.

CCST’s Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program has placed an annual cohort of 10-15 PhD-level scientists and engineers across the legislative and executive branches of State Government since 2009.

With a primary focus on CCST’s AI Science Residency and Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Programs, the Program Associate supports day-to-day program implementation, including selection processes, training and professional development, and travel and event coordination.

This position is currently a limited-term role through December 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability.

Reporting Relationship

The position reports directly to the Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives. Their work also entails significant engagement with the Science Fellows Program Manager and other CCST staff, CCST AI Science Advisor and Senior AI Fellows, external experts from CCST’s Partner Institutions, senior executive policymakers, elected officials, and other members of the State Capitol community.

Key Responsibilities

Program and Project Coordination (40%)

• Coordinate and support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of CCST’s AI Science Residency Program and, as necessary, CCST’s Science & Technology Policy Fellows Program.
• Support Program Managers and Program Officers in designing and implementing selection processes, training initiatives, stakeholder coordination, partner engagement, and small- to large-scale events.
• Collaborate with other CCST staff across teams to ensure seamless execution of project components.

Travel, Event, and Logistics Management (40%)

• Assist experts placed in the state government in coordinating their travel arrangements.
• Support the development of event objectives, timelines, and logistics in collaboration with CCST team members.
• Coordinate event logistics, including invitations, materials, and RSVP management, and delegate tasks to other team members when necessary.
• Coordinate event budgets, timelines, and advisory committees (e.g., ad hoc groups, working groups, subcontractors).
• Guide venue selection and event design to support programmatic goals.

Strategic Engagement and Program Development (10%)

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external partners, including the state government placement offices, CCST’s partner institutions, partners in the state legislature, professional organizations, and other experts.
• Represent CCST in meetings with executive branch staff, legislators, and other stakeholders.
• Help to identify and pursue new project opportunities, funding sources, and strategic partnerships.

Marginal Duties (10%)

• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support the organization, cover staff absences, or balance operational workloads as directed by management.
• Special Projects: Conduct special tasks, assignments, or administrative projects upon management request.
• Meetings and Training: Attend general staff meetings, participate in ongoing internal training, and serve on ad-hoc committees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of professional experience in science or government affairs.
• Demonstrated experience in program/project management or policy-related work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Proficient in standard administrative tools (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with team members.
• High degree of organization and accountability; able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Commitment to discretion, professionalism, and maintaining confidentiality.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Policy or technical experience in AI.
• Prior experience in a similar role (e.g., program associate) in government, nonprofit, academic, or consulting settings.
• Knowledge of or experience working at the intersection of science, policy, and public service.
• Experience with, or interest in, California policy.
• Experience working in a cross-functional team environment.
• Commitment to and experience with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional settings.
• Self-starter who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Salary Range

$50,000 – $60,000 annually.

Location

Sacramento, California. 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.

Benefits

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.

• Competitive salary and 403b match after 1 year of employment
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Two weeks of paid vacation for new employees
• Three volunteer service days annually
• Flex Spending accounts for dependent care, parking, and transit
• Professional development support: individual support and quarterly team-based professional development engagements
• $20/month stipend for phone/internet
• Snack-filled kitchen
• Huge nonprofit vision (we need you to help build the future and do meaningful work every day that inspires and motivates you)

To Apply

Apply for this position by submitting a cover letter, CV, and names of 3 professional references 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 processes to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work full-time in the United States as a U.S. citizen or national, asylee, refugee, lawful permanent resident, or other holders of Employment Authorization Documents. CCST will not sponsor a work visa.

CCST 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.

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 August 24th, 2026 will be prioritized for review. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Apply

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About CCST
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. Modeled on the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), CCST is a unique, impartial resource for science and policy partnerships with California policymakers, such as those within the Governor’s Office, Agencies, and the Legislature. 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.