Public Programs Development Manager

The Tech; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tech Interactive in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a Public Programs Development Manager to lead the development and execution of engineering and maker‑related educational programs across the museum’s labs and gallery floors, aligning with the annual programming strategy.

You will oversee the program development team, mentor staff, define evaluation metrics, and foster partnerships to expand outreach to diverse youth, including after‑hours and offsite events; this is an on‑site,

Qualifications

• 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 for diverse youth audiences.
• 2-5 year experience engaging with and communicating technical topics to diverse groups.
• Flexibility to adapt in a constantly changing environment and with a changing audience.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual programming strategy for engineering and maker-related education.
• Prototype and execute engaging hands-on STEAM programs for diverse audiences.
• Oversee and mentor the program development team and conduct performance reviews.
• Develop metrics to measure program impact and inform evaluation tools.
• Coordinate outreach initiatives through partnerships and offsite events.
• Act as Manager on Duty (MOD) as scheduled.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Staff coaching

Engineering topics

STEM program design

Communication with diverse audiences

Adaptability

Education

B.S. in Engineering, Physical Science, or Education

Job description

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 [e-mail] or call [phone].

The pay range for this role is:

80,000 - 87,000 USD per year (The Tech Interactive)