Program Manager, Tech Policy & Workforce Development (5257C) - CITRIS

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

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We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.

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The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS) leverage the research strengths of the University of California campuses at Berkeley, Davis, Merced and Santa Cruz, and operate within the greater ecosystem of the University and the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley. We strengthen bridges between world-class laboratory research, state and national policymakers, and companies and startups creating new applications and reshaping entire industries. CITRIS and the Banatao Institute facilitate interdisciplinary work among hundreds of University of California faculty members, students, corporate partners, and international institutions. Together with these public and private partners, we are shaping the future of technology in ways that cross traditional boundaries.

The Program Manager serves as a key member of the CITRIS Technology Policy Initiative, leading program operations and supporting research, education, and public-sector engagement activities. Working closely with faculty, students, California state agencies, and external partners, the incumbent manages flagship programs, conducts policy research, develops briefing materials, coordinates academic activities, and contributes to major research proposals and strategic initiatives. The position requires excellent judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to synthesize complex technical and policy issues for diverse audiences.

This position is ideal for someone with strong project management skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and an interest in emerging technology policy issues, including artificial intelligence, digital governance, privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible technology.

The First Review Date for this job is: August 28, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Responsible Technology Fellows Program and Workforce Innovation Program

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Responsible Technology Fellows program and Workforce Innovation Program, in partnership with California state agencies, industry partners and campus labs.
• Coordinate recruitment, selection, onboarding, and placement of student fellows.
• Serve as the primary liaison among fellows, faculty, state agency partners, and CITRIS leadership.
• Organize orientations, professional development activities, and program events.
• Track program outcomes, collect metrics, and prepare reports for sponsors and stakeholders.

Academic Program Support

• Support the delivery of the fall 2026 course Engineering Responsible Systems: AI, Platform Governance, and Global Technology Policy offered through the College of Engineering.
• Coordinate guest speakers, logistics, student communications, and course-related events.
• Assist with curriculum resources and other instructional activities as needed.

Research and Policy Analysis

• Conduct background research on technology policy topics.
• Prepare literature reviews, briefing papers, policy summaries, presentations, and other research products.
• Monitor developments in technology policy at the state, federal, and international levels.
• Support faculty research projects and special initiatives.

Proposal Development and Strategic Initiatives

• Assist in the development of research proposals, grant applications, and reports.
• Coordinate proposal timelines, gather supporting materials, and help prepare narrative sections.
• Contribute to the development of new program concepts and strategic partnerships.

Communications and Administration

• Draft correspondence, newsletters, website content, and other communications.
• Coordinate meetings, workshops, and public events.
• Maintain program documentation, budgets, schedules, and reporting requirements.
• Represent the Technology Policy Initiative in interactions with university, government, and external partners.

Other Duties

• Coordinates efforts with a variety of external and internal contacts; researches organizational structures, policies and procedures and summarizes best practices in field. Provides technical guidance and quality assessment.
• Researches and analyzes processes and procedures, summarizes findings, policies and organizational structures in order to develop and / or implement changes and to provide consultative services to department administrators, partners and external stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, engineering, computer science, information science, communications, or a related field.
• Knowledge of common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
• Strong skills in analyzing, researching and synthesizing large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant proposals / analyses.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Strong policy analysis techniques.
• Two or more years of relevant professional experience in program management, research administration, public policy, higher education, or a related environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise reports and presentations.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across diverse teams.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Experience planning conferences, workshops, or public events.

• Master's degree in public policy, public administration, engineering, law, information science, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with government agencies, universities, or nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with technology policy issues, including artificial intelligence, digital governance, cybersecurity, privacy, or responsible innovation.
• Experience supporting grant proposals, sponsored research, or foundation-funded initiatives.
• Experience coordinating student programs, internships, or fellowship programs.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. 

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $78,435 to $105,000 yearly ($6,536.25 to $8,750.00 monthly); the full salary range for this title (PROJECT POLICY ANL 3 RP) is $78,435 to $139,545 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

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

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.