Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JOB POSTING
*** This is a Career appointment, with an end date: August 31, 2027.
Position includes work of occasional or frequent evenings and/or weekends, depending on the season.
NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION.
ISEE is a unit within the University of California Observatories.
UC-ISEE
UC Observatories
HOW TO APPLY
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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)
UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .
The IRD for this job is: 07-01-2026
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Institute for Scientist & Engineer Educators (ISEE) is part of the University of California Observatories (UCO) and prepares early-career scientists and engineers to be productive educators and professionals, with graduate students being the primary ISEE audience. ISEE includes a suite of programs focused on effective and inclusive teaching, including mentoring, and also includes training in professional skills such as communication, teamwork, collaboration, and leadership.
More information can be found at: https://uc-isee.org/
JOB SUMMARY
The Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of astronomy-related education and professional development programs offered through the University of California Observatories (UCO). These programs include the Professional Development Program, which trains graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in effective teaching and mentoring techniques; the AstroTech instrumentation summer school for undergraduates and graduate students; and ASTRAL programs, which engage Bay Area college students and faculty members in working with Lick Observatory. The Program Manager may work on other related programs as well, which are all aimed at college level and above, including professionals, and are run outside of the formal classroom. Management of programs includes recruitment, application, selection, and placement of program participants, as well as coordinating instructional teams, communicating with participants, and playing a core onsite role while programs are running. There are opportunities for the Program Manager to be involved in curriculum development and instruction of programs. The Program Manager position is essentially a project manager for programs requiring a high degree of organizational and management skills, and close collaboration with teams that include program directors, event coordinator, and another program manager. The Program Manager works under the direction of the ISEE Director, with co-supervision from Lick Observatory Director of College Partnerships.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 / Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits
Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day, and occasional Weekends and Evenings

Employee Classification: Career appointment
Job End Date: 08-31-2027, with the possibility of extension
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
Union Representation: RP - RESEARCH AND PUBLIC SERVICE PR
Job Code Classification: 005214 (ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 3 RP)
Travel: Up to 25% of the time
JOB DUTIES
30% - Short Course and Workshop Coordination

• Coordinates with teams of instructors to teach program workshops or short courses, including managing the development of agendas, arranging and facilitating meetings, preparation of teaching plans, and coordinating visiting speakers or stakeholders involved in workshops.
• Works with instructional teams to identify facility and meeting room needs.
• Applies knowledge of effective and equitable teaching and mentoring practices to develop training sessions, workshops, and other program components.

30% - Program Implementation

• Works in a collaborative manner with others on the program team, which includes other staff, faculty, contractors, and volunteers to manage and share tasks involved in implementing programs or workshops, some at Lick Observatory (Mount Hamilton).
• Applies organizational skills and project management practices to organize details and anticipate problems required for a smooth-running program.
• Serves as point of contact for program participants while program is running.
• Demonstrates good judgment in notifying the Program Director of any participant health and safety issues while program participants are under the auspices of the program.
• Drives a vehicle to program sites.

15% - Program Announcement and Applicant Recruiting

• Applies project management practices to identify and complete tasks required to announce details of programs and open application, including dates, facilities eligibility, selection criteria, housing, transportation, and description of program experience.
• Establishes connections to and utilizes a vehicle to visit colleges and graduate programs, courses, faculty, clubs, and student organizations to generate interest that translates to diverse and qualified applicant pools.
• Monitors applications, follows up, answers questions, adjusts recruiting strategies as applicant pool is developing.

15% - Participant Selection and Acceptance

• Reviews program applications, evaluates qualifications, and makes recommendations.
• Evaluates and monitors logistical aspects of program participant placements, such as lodging, transportation, and funder requirements.
• Coordinates selection committees and processes.

10% - Program Infrastructure and Administration

• Participates in program staff meetings and planning, and utilizes existing program management infrastructure.
• Uses administrative skills to perform related miscellaneous tasks.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in astronomy, physics, or a related field and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough knowledge of training, teaching, or mentoring college-level or early career people pursuing STEM degrees.
• Experience participating or assisting with training programs that operate outside of formal education systems.
• Strong interest in astronomy and observatories, and contributing to education and local workforce development for the observatories that taps into the diverse populations.
• Thorough analytical skills to manage application, selection, and placement processes, demonstrating organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough knowledge and skills in formal and informal STEM communication practices.
• Strong collaborative skills.
• Experience effectively managing tasks for multiple concurrent programs/efforts.
• Thorough knowledge and skills with Google suite, including Drive, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Sites, and Slides.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in astronomy or a related field such as engineering, computer science, physics and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough knowledge of applying adult learning theories and what is known about creating effective, equitable learning environments.
• Experience managing training programs that operate outside of formal educational systems.
• Experience at an observatory.
• Experience conducting professional development and knowledge of characteristics of effective professional development.
• Experience with any of UCO/ISEE's education or workforce development programs, such as the Professional Development Program, AstroTech, the ASTRAL consortium, the Akamai Workforce Initiative, and/or equivalent STEM training programs.
• Experience with WordPress, including using templates.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• This position requires the ability to report to campus to work in-person as operationally required, with reasonable notice as determined by your manager; travel expenses not covered.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT
All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/ .
This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriag