California Council on Science and Technology
Managing Director
California Council on Science and Technology, Sacramento, California, United States, 95828
Managing Director at the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST)
Hybrid work schedule based in Sacramento, CA
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 serve as a trusted, independent source of expert science and technology advice for California policymakers. Representing and connecting the state science and technology ecosystem, 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, training academies, and 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, partnership, and integrity 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.
Integrity:
We uphold the highest standards of scientific rigor, transparency, and ethical conduct, ensuring our work is trustworthy and our recommendations are grounded in evidence.
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.
Position Description CCST’s
Managing Director
serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the leadership team, responsible for ensuring organizational excellence across all dimensions of CCST’s work. This role encompasses broad operational leadership—from overseeing internal operations and managing senior staff to leading board governance, driving organizational culture, and advancing financial sustainability through strategic fundraising and partnership development. The Managing Director maintains deep knowledge of California’s policy landscape and science and technology ecosystem, using this expertise to identify opportunities, cultivate relationships with pivotal stakeholders, and position CCST as a trusted voice at the intersection of science and policy.
The ideal Managing Director brings both strategic vision and operational excellence to this multifaceted role. They are an exceptional relationship-builder who can engage authentically with diverse audiences—from board members and state policymakers to research partners and philanthropic leaders. They champion a collaborative, values-driven organizational culture where staff are empowered to do their best work, while simultaneously maintaining the systems, processes, and strategic foresight that enable CCST to respond nimbly to opportunities and challenges in a dynamic political environment. This leader asks incisive questions, anticipates needs, removes obstacles, and ensures that CCST’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy work in concert to advance the organization’s mission of connecting science with policy for the benefit of all Californians.
Reporting Relationships
This position reports directly to the CEO and collaborates closely with the leadership team, staff, board of directors, funders, and other CCST stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities Leadership and Strategy The Managing Director oversees all internal operations to ensure CCST functions effectively and efficiently in pursuit of its mission. Working closely with and supporting the CEO, they align the organization’s strategic initiatives, operational systems, and staff activities with CCST’s goals, ensuring seamless execution of research and policy engagement, diverse funding strategies, and delivery of innovative and rigorous science services. They apply strategic foresight to anticipate challenges and opportunities in California’s rapidly changing political and policy landscape, positioning the organization to respond with agility and impact.
Provide strategic support to the CEO and Board of Directors on priorities and key decisions.
Work with senior leadership to develop, monitor, execute, and evaluate a strategic plan.
Lead high-priority special projects or new initiatives that cut across departments or fall outside existing organizational structures.
Serve as Acting CEO when the CEO is unavailable.
Management and Oversight The Managing Director supervises the Director of Science, Director of Policy Engagement, Director of Communications, and Director of Strategic Implementation to ensure that objectives and project timelines are met and status reports are shared with the CEO and Board Leadership regarding ongoing projects and operations.
Daily management of the team, including check-ins, monitoring and evaluating the status of projects, and identifying and resolving
Identify opportunities to increase the impact of services and ongoing projects and initiatives.
Work with senior leadership to develop organizational policies and communicate to all staff.
Support the CEO in workforce planning and professional development efforts, evaluation of ongoing needs, and personnel processes and decisions.
Internal Communications and Organizational Culture The Managing Director is the primary driver of cultivating a collaborative and high-performing organizational culture by facilitating transparent communication, creating opportunities for staff engagement in decision-making, championing professional development, and fostering a values-driven workplace that enables staff to contribute their best work toward CCST’s mission.
Facilitate engaging and productive all-staff meetings that inform, inspire, and align the team, incorporating opportunities for knowledge sharing, celebration of accomplishments, and discussion of organizational priorities and challenges.
Oversee organizational systems, tools, and processes and enhance efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring appropriate technology infrastructure and information management systems are in place.
Create structured opportunities for staff input and participation in organizational decision-making processes, ensuring diverse voices and perspectives inform strategic choices and operational improvements.
Champion professional development by identifying growth opportunities for staff, facilitating access to training, conferences, and learning experiences, and supporting career advancement pathways aligned with both individual aspirations and organizational needs.
Science & Technology Policy Fellows Program Guide and support the fellowship program by managing and providing advice to the Director of Policy Engagement, who manages and oversees the Science Fellows Program Manager responsible for the day-to-day operations of the fellowship program.
Provide guidance and oversight to Fellowship program staff.
Facilitate and finalize key strategy and implementation decisions for the fellowship program.
Develop ideas and guide efforts for promotion and growth of the fellowship program.
Oversee engagement and support of the alumni network.
Organizational Sustainability The Managing Director will work in close partnership with the CEO to ensure CCST’s long-term financial sustainability by diversifying and expanding revenue sources, strengthening relationships with funders and donors, and positioning the organization as a thought leader in science and technology policy. While administrative staff handle contracting and grant compliance details, the Managing Director provides strategic leadership to create a unified, organization-wide approach to resource development.
Collaborate with the CEO to identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities that align with CCST’s mission, including foundation grants, government funding, cross-sector partnerships, and individual donor prospects.
Coordinate and align staff contributions to fundraising efforts, ensuring program staff effectively articulate the value and impact of their work to funders, and fostering a culture where all team members understand their role in organizational sustainability.
Cultivate and steward relationships with existing and prospective funders, including government agencies, foundations, and individual donors, representing CCST’s mission and impact with authenticity and strategic insight.
Oversee reporting requirements and compliance obligations across all funding sources, ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables that demonstrate impact and build funder confidence, while working with administrative and programmatic staff who manage implementation details.
Board Governance The Board is composed of Partner Institution representatives and Independent Board Members, arising from academic, industry, nonprofit, and other sectors. As the lead administrator of board coordination, the Managing Director ensures effective governance, strategic alignment, and productive partnership.
Collaborate with the CEO, Executive Assistant, senior leadership, and other staff to plan and execute full Board meetings and select committee meetings, including developing agendas, preparing materials, and ensuring timely distribution of information.
Oversee the development and tracking of board actions, resolutions, and decisions, maintaining comprehensive records and follow-up systems to ensure accountability and implementation.
Coordinate the scope and workflow of board committees, facilitating communication between committees and the full Board.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior significant experience in a management role overseeing and directing staff activities.
Advanced academic degree (master’s degree or greater) in a STEM-related discipline preferred, or equivalent experience working in science and technology policy, research institutions, or related fields. Advanced degree plus experience preferred.
A broad understanding of and curiosity for science and technology across fields, disciplines, and industries.
Experience working with the State of California and a strong understanding of legislative processes, including Robert’s Rules of Order.
Demonstrated experience in senior leadership roles with responsibility for organizational strategy, change management, or strategic planning.
Experience building and sustaining high-performing, collaborative organizational cultures.
Experience in board governance, board relations, or serving as staff liaison to an organizational board.
Experience with fundraising, grant development, or donor relations in a nonprofit, academic, or research setting.
Strong analytic, critical thinking, and communication skills (written and verbal), with ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences including policymakers, funders, and community stakeholders.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups including board members, staff, funders, policymakers, and academic partners.
Ability to represent the organization in the community including frequent networking and professional events and occasional public speaking.
Desired Skills And Experience
PhD in a STEM-related discipline.
Recent experience serving in the California
Prior experience serving in a nonprofit organization.
Track record of successfully managing and developing senior staff.
Prior experience working with research institutions.
Experience with Asana (or similar) project management software.
Salary Range $150,000 – $175,000
Our comprehensive benefits package includes a 403b match (following one year of employment); 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.
To Apply Please apply through the application portal . The first review date for this job is 10/31/2025.
All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.
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.
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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 serve as a trusted, independent source of expert science and technology advice for California policymakers. Representing and connecting the state science and technology ecosystem, 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, training academies, and 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, partnership, and integrity 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.
Integrity:
We uphold the highest standards of scientific rigor, transparency, and ethical conduct, ensuring our work is trustworthy and our recommendations are grounded in evidence.
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.
Position Description CCST’s
Managing Director
serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the leadership team, responsible for ensuring organizational excellence across all dimensions of CCST’s work. This role encompasses broad operational leadership—from overseeing internal operations and managing senior staff to leading board governance, driving organizational culture, and advancing financial sustainability through strategic fundraising and partnership development. The Managing Director maintains deep knowledge of California’s policy landscape and science and technology ecosystem, using this expertise to identify opportunities, cultivate relationships with pivotal stakeholders, and position CCST as a trusted voice at the intersection of science and policy.
The ideal Managing Director brings both strategic vision and operational excellence to this multifaceted role. They are an exceptional relationship-builder who can engage authentically with diverse audiences—from board members and state policymakers to research partners and philanthropic leaders. They champion a collaborative, values-driven organizational culture where staff are empowered to do their best work, while simultaneously maintaining the systems, processes, and strategic foresight that enable CCST to respond nimbly to opportunities and challenges in a dynamic political environment. This leader asks incisive questions, anticipates needs, removes obstacles, and ensures that CCST’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy work in concert to advance the organization’s mission of connecting science with policy for the benefit of all Californians.
Reporting Relationships
This position reports directly to the CEO and collaborates closely with the leadership team, staff, board of directors, funders, and other CCST stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities Leadership and Strategy The Managing Director oversees all internal operations to ensure CCST functions effectively and efficiently in pursuit of its mission. Working closely with and supporting the CEO, they align the organization’s strategic initiatives, operational systems, and staff activities with CCST’s goals, ensuring seamless execution of research and policy engagement, diverse funding strategies, and delivery of innovative and rigorous science services. They apply strategic foresight to anticipate challenges and opportunities in California’s rapidly changing political and policy landscape, positioning the organization to respond with agility and impact.
Provide strategic support to the CEO and Board of Directors on priorities and key decisions.
Work with senior leadership to develop, monitor, execute, and evaluate a strategic plan.
Lead high-priority special projects or new initiatives that cut across departments or fall outside existing organizational structures.
Serve as Acting CEO when the CEO is unavailable.
Management and Oversight The Managing Director supervises the Director of Science, Director of Policy Engagement, Director of Communications, and Director of Strategic Implementation to ensure that objectives and project timelines are met and status reports are shared with the CEO and Board Leadership regarding ongoing projects and operations.
Daily management of the team, including check-ins, monitoring and evaluating the status of projects, and identifying and resolving
Identify opportunities to increase the impact of services and ongoing projects and initiatives.
Work with senior leadership to develop organizational policies and communicate to all staff.
Support the CEO in workforce planning and professional development efforts, evaluation of ongoing needs, and personnel processes and decisions.
Internal Communications and Organizational Culture The Managing Director is the primary driver of cultivating a collaborative and high-performing organizational culture by facilitating transparent communication, creating opportunities for staff engagement in decision-making, championing professional development, and fostering a values-driven workplace that enables staff to contribute their best work toward CCST’s mission.
Facilitate engaging and productive all-staff meetings that inform, inspire, and align the team, incorporating opportunities for knowledge sharing, celebration of accomplishments, and discussion of organizational priorities and challenges.
Oversee organizational systems, tools, and processes and enhance efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring appropriate technology infrastructure and information management systems are in place.
Create structured opportunities for staff input and participation in organizational decision-making processes, ensuring diverse voices and perspectives inform strategic choices and operational improvements.
Champion professional development by identifying growth opportunities for staff, facilitating access to training, conferences, and learning experiences, and supporting career advancement pathways aligned with both individual aspirations and organizational needs.
Science & Technology Policy Fellows Program Guide and support the fellowship program by managing and providing advice to the Director of Policy Engagement, who manages and oversees the Science Fellows Program Manager responsible for the day-to-day operations of the fellowship program.
Provide guidance and oversight to Fellowship program staff.
Facilitate and finalize key strategy and implementation decisions for the fellowship program.
Develop ideas and guide efforts for promotion and growth of the fellowship program.
Oversee engagement and support of the alumni network.
Organizational Sustainability The Managing Director will work in close partnership with the CEO to ensure CCST’s long-term financial sustainability by diversifying and expanding revenue sources, strengthening relationships with funders and donors, and positioning the organization as a thought leader in science and technology policy. While administrative staff handle contracting and grant compliance details, the Managing Director provides strategic leadership to create a unified, organization-wide approach to resource development.
Collaborate with the CEO to identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities that align with CCST’s mission, including foundation grants, government funding, cross-sector partnerships, and individual donor prospects.
Coordinate and align staff contributions to fundraising efforts, ensuring program staff effectively articulate the value and impact of their work to funders, and fostering a culture where all team members understand their role in organizational sustainability.
Cultivate and steward relationships with existing and prospective funders, including government agencies, foundations, and individual donors, representing CCST’s mission and impact with authenticity and strategic insight.
Oversee reporting requirements and compliance obligations across all funding sources, ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables that demonstrate impact and build funder confidence, while working with administrative and programmatic staff who manage implementation details.
Board Governance The Board is composed of Partner Institution representatives and Independent Board Members, arising from academic, industry, nonprofit, and other sectors. As the lead administrator of board coordination, the Managing Director ensures effective governance, strategic alignment, and productive partnership.
Collaborate with the CEO, Executive Assistant, senior leadership, and other staff to plan and execute full Board meetings and select committee meetings, including developing agendas, preparing materials, and ensuring timely distribution of information.
Oversee the development and tracking of board actions, resolutions, and decisions, maintaining comprehensive records and follow-up systems to ensure accountability and implementation.
Coordinate the scope and workflow of board committees, facilitating communication between committees and the full Board.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior significant experience in a management role overseeing and directing staff activities.
Advanced academic degree (master’s degree or greater) in a STEM-related discipline preferred, or equivalent experience working in science and technology policy, research institutions, or related fields. Advanced degree plus experience preferred.
A broad understanding of and curiosity for science and technology across fields, disciplines, and industries.
Experience working with the State of California and a strong understanding of legislative processes, including Robert’s Rules of Order.
Demonstrated experience in senior leadership roles with responsibility for organizational strategy, change management, or strategic planning.
Experience building and sustaining high-performing, collaborative organizational cultures.
Experience in board governance, board relations, or serving as staff liaison to an organizational board.
Experience with fundraising, grant development, or donor relations in a nonprofit, academic, or research setting.
Strong analytic, critical thinking, and communication skills (written and verbal), with ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences including policymakers, funders, and community stakeholders.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups including board members, staff, funders, policymakers, and academic partners.
Ability to represent the organization in the community including frequent networking and professional events and occasional public speaking.
Desired Skills And Experience
PhD in a STEM-related discipline.
Recent experience serving in the California
Prior experience serving in a nonprofit organization.
Track record of successfully managing and developing senior staff.
Prior experience working with research institutions.
Experience with Asana (or similar) project management software.
Salary Range $150,000 – $175,000
Our comprehensive benefits package includes a 403b match (following one year of employment); 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.
To Apply Please apply through the application portal . The first review date for this job is 10/31/2025.
All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.
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.
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