Akamai Program Manager

$82,300 - $117,000/Yr

University of California - Santa Cruz, CA

Part-time - Mid Level

Remote - Santa Cruz, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Akamai Program Manager will oversee the daily operations of the Akamai Internship Program, which is a collaborative initiative between the University of California Observatories (UCO) and the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH). This role is crucial for managing various aspects of the internship program, including recruitment, application processing, selection, and placement of participants. The Akamai Internship Program is designed to enhance workforce development for astronomical facilities in Hawaii, providing valuable experiences for interns in STEM fields. The Program Manager will leverage their technical and scientific expertise to assist prospective mentors in defining potential internship projects, aligning applicant qualifications with project needs, and coaching interns on how to effectively present their project outcomes. The position requires a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, as the program aims to support underrepresented and underserved groups in STEM. The Program Manager will work closely with a team of educators and professionals to implement effective training and mentoring practices, ensuring that all participants receive the support they need to succeed. This role also involves conducting site visits to internship locations, evaluating the overall experience of interns, and maintaining communication with program participants throughout the internship period. In addition to managing the internship program, the Program Manager will coordinate short courses and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of interns and other participants. This includes developing training sessions that incorporate effective teaching methodologies and equitable learning environments. The position is based in Hilo, Hawaii, with some opportunities for remote work, but requires frequent travel across the state and to California, particularly during the spring and summer months when the internship program is in full swing.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Akamai Internship Program and related initiatives.
• Collaborate with the ISEE team to implement internship programs and workshops.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program participants during the internship.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate the overall experience of interns at hosting organizations.
• Train interns in both oral and written communication skills.
• Develop and execute strategies for program announcements and applicant recruitment.
• Establish connections with colleges and organizations to generate a diverse applicant pool.
• Review intern applications and make recommendations based on qualifications and project fit.
• Coordinate a team of instructors for training courses and workshops.
• Utilize project management practices to ensure smooth program implementation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field related to observatories such as engineering, computer science, astronomy, or physics, or equivalent experience.
• Thorough knowledge of training, teaching, or mentoring college-level or early career individuals in STEM.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by diverse backgrounds in STEM careers.
• Experience with training programs outside formal education systems.
• Strong interest in astronomy and workforce development in Hawaii.
• Excellent analytical skills for managing application and selection processes.
• Proficient in formal and informal STEM communication practices.
• Strong organizational and collaborative skills.
• Proficient with Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides).

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree in a STEM field related to observatories.
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and equitable learning environments.
• Experience managing training programs outside formal educational systems.
• Experience at an observatory or tech organization.
• Familiarity with the Akamai Internship Program or similar STEM training programs.

Benefits

• Full benefits package available for employees.