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Public Programs Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Coastal Roots Farm

Director of Programs

Encinitas, CA · On-site

Director of Programs Status: Regular, Full Time, Exempt Hours: 40 hours Mon-Fri. Requires regular ... Coastal Roots Farm was incubated by the Leichtag Foundation in 2014 and received 501(c)(3) public ...

Coastal Roots Farm

Director of Programs

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Director of Programs Status: Regular, Full Time, Exempt Hours: 40 hours Mon-Fri. Requires regular ... Coastal Roots Farm was incubated by the Leichtag Foundation in 2014 and received 501(c)(3) public ...

Coastal Roots Farm

Director of Programs

Encinitas, CA · On-site

Director of Programs Status: Regular, Full Time, Exempt Hours: 40 hours Mon-Fri. Requires regular ... Coastal Roots Farm was incubated by the Leichtag Foundation in 2014 and received 501(c)(3) public ...

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All JobsPublic Programs JobsPublic Programs Jobs in California

Public Programs information

See California salary details

$24K

$54.8K

$104.8K

How much do public programs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for public programs in California is $54,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,741.00 and $59,243.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are public programs?

Public programs are organized initiatives, events, or services offered by government agencies, museums, libraries, or other institutions to serve the public interest. These programs can include educational workshops, cultural events, community outreach, and informational sessions designed to engage, inform, and benefit the community. The goal of public programs is to foster learning, cultural enrichment, and community engagement. They are often free or low-cost to ensure accessibility for a wide audience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public programs?

To thrive in Public Programs, you need a background in program development, event planning, and community engagement, often supported by a degree in education, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools, data tracking systems, and event management software is typically required. Exceptional communication, organizational skills, and cultural sensitivity help professionals connect with diverse audiences and stakeholders. These skills are vital to effectively design, implement, and evaluate programs that meet community needs and achieve organizational goals.

What types of teams and departments do public programs professionals typically collaborate with, and how does this impact daily work?

Public Programs professionals often work closely with departments such as education, marketing, communications, and curatorial teams, especially in cultural institutions like museums or community organizations. Their role involves coordinating events, workshops, and outreach initiatives, which requires frequent cross-departmental communication to ensure programs align with institutional goals and audience needs. This collaboration fosters a dynamic work environment where adaptability and strong interpersonal skills are critical, as professionals must balance creative ideas with logistical and budgetary considerations.

What is the difference between Public Programs vs Public Policy?

AspectPublic ProgramsPublic Policy
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in public administration, social sciences, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related areas
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, community organizationsGovernment offices, think tanks, advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageImplementing services and programs for the publicFormulating, analyzing, and influencing policies
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Programs vs Public Policy

Public Programs focus on executing and managing services for communities, while Public Policy involves developing and analyzing policies that guide those programs. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or non-profit sectors, but their core functions differ: one implements, the other strategizes and influences policy decisions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Programs jobs in California?

The most popular types of Public Programs jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Public Programs jobs?

Cities in California with the most Public Programs job openings:

Public Programs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Programs job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,835 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Public Programs Development Manager

The Tech Interactive

San Jose, CA • On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Who We Are
Since opening in 1998, The Tech Interactive has been an integral part of the San Francisco Bay area and is proud to serve families and young people through hands-on activities, experimental labs, and design challenge experiences.
Here at The Tech our mission is to inspire the innovator in everyone! We are a team of diverse individuals committed to creating learning experiences that empower young folks to innovate with creativity, curiosity, and compassion. We believe that technology is leading and transforming lives all over the world and we want to help develop the next generation of problem-solvers.
If you join our team, we know you will have a fulfilling and rewarding role focused on giving back to our community, especially those that have been historically marginalized and underserved.
Position Overview
The Public Programs Development Manager is primarily responsible for the management and execution of the annual programming strategy, including the development and maintenance of engineering and maker-related educational programs run in The Tech's science labs and on the gallery floor, as well as contributing toward advancing outreach initiatives through partnerships and programming. This role will also be responsible for the management and development of the program development team, ensuring program development is in alignment with the annual programming strategy. This exempt (salaried) role reports to the Senior Director, Interactive Learning Programs.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Interactive Learning Programs and Bio Programs Manager to develop the annual programming strategy, including but not limited to seasonal programs and events, exhibit and IMAX tie-ins, and ongoing pop-up and hands-on programming throughout the museum and at offsite programming events.
  • Develop, prototype, and execute innovative and engaging hands-on, design-based STEAM learning programs and activities for diverse audiences.
  • Oversee and manage the program development team, including but not limited to ongoing skill development and mentorship, performance reviews, and project assignments.
  • Develop metrics and evaluation frameworks to measure program impact, collaborate with Bio Programs Manager to implement observation tools for Interactive Learning Programs.
  • Conduct needs assessments and evaluate emerging trends to inform program development within the Tech's educational programs, including science lab programs and other facilitated experiences.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development training and staff meetings, generally taking place outside normal shift hours.
  • Act as Manager on Duty (MOD) as scheduled.
  • Complete additional related tasks or duties as assigned by the supervisor/manager.

Requirements and Skills
  • B.S. in Engineering, Physical Science, or Education.
  • Strong ability to evaluate and coach staff, management experience is a plus.
  • 2-5 years experience developing and designing hands-on, interactive STEM programs or experiences geared towards diverse youth audiences.
  • 2-5 year experience in engaging with and communicating technical/scientific topics to diverse groups with varying levels of exposure to and knowledge of the subject.
  • Flexibility to adapt in a constantly changing environment and when working with a constantly changing audience.

Working Conditions and Schedule
  • This is an on-site role with the possibility of flexibility for working some days at an alternative work location. Flexibility will vary depending on the needs of the job.
  • Availability will vary based on The Tech's operating schedule, including weekends, nights, and offsite events.
  • Frequently move objects up to 50 pounds.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) at The Tech
Our success is dependent on building teams that include people from different backgrounds and experiences who challenge each other's assumptions with fresh perspectives. To that end, we look for a diverse pool of applicants including but not limited to those from historically marginalized groups - women, people with disabilities, people of color, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or nonconforming, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Tech will provide an equal opportunity in recruitment and employment to all individuals and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Any applicant with a disability may contact The Tech Interactive to arrange for accommodations. Please contact the Tech at careers@thetech.org or call (408) 795-6248.
The pay range for this role is:
80,000 - 87,000 USD per year (The Tech Interactive)

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