Program Manager, Program Development and Operations

Program Manager For Program Development And Operations

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is a state agency created by California voters to accelerate stem cell and gene therapies for people with unmet medical needs. Since 2004, Californians have entrusted CIRM with $8.5 billion to accelerate promising discoveries through clinical trials, train a regenerative medicine workforce, strengthen the state's biotechnology economy, and expand access to transformative treatments. Today, CIRM is pioneering new models of therapy development and accelerating medical breakthroughs that change lives, in California and around the world.

CIRM is seeking a highly organized and experienced Program Manager for Program Development and Operations to support the planning, development, and effective operation of CIRM's scientific programs.

Reporting to the Chief Science Officer (CSO), the Program Manager works across CIRM's Programs organization to coordinate program development, improve operational consistency, track major activities and decision points, and identify issues that require attention or resolution. The position works closely with Program Leads, Project Managers and partner functions, including Review, Grants Management, Legal, Finance, Communications, and IT/Software Development.

The Program Manager provides operational management and direction within established processes and, in coordination with the CSO identifies where new or improved processes are needed and supports their development and implementation. The position maintains an integrated view across program areas, identifies gaps and dependencies, brings issues forward early, and helps ensure decisions are translated into clear actions and follow-through.

This role requires someone who can work across multiple teams, make sense of complex and sometimes competing priorities, and bring structure and clarity without adding unnecessary process.

Job Functions

• Program Development and Funding Cycle Coordination
• Cross-Program Operations
• Operational Planning and Process Improvement
• Organizational Visibility and Planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, healthcare, business, public administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in program management, operations, research administration, healthcare, life sciences, government, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex work across multiple teams or functions.
• At least 2 years in management consulting or strategy and operations consulting, with demonstrated ability to assess complex organizational problems, develop practical recommendations, and support implementation.
• Experience developing and improving operational processes, workflows, or program management systems.
• Strong project and program management skills, including planning, risk identification, dependency management, and follow-through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information for senior decision-makers.

Desired Skills/Abilities

• Experience in biomedical research, biotechnology, healthcare, regenerative medicine, scientific funding, or research administration.
• Experience working in a matrixed organization where responsibilities and dependencies span multiple functions.
• Experience coordinating program development, funding cycles, governance processes, or similar complex organizational workflows.
• Experience developing dashboards, SOPs, operational frameworks, and other tools that improve organizational visibility and consistency.
• Familiarity with project management platforms such as Monday.com or similar tools.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid environment, required to work two days in the South San Francisco office and three days remotely. In-person attendance of organizational meetings and board, subcommittee, and working group meetings as required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be willing to work in a high-rise building.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Be available to work outside of normal business hours.
• Require occasional travel for work-related events.

Supervision Received

The Program Manager, Program Development and Operations reports directly to the Chief Science Officer.

Supervision Exercised

None

Compensation

This position is expected to pay $121,946 - $165,462 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $121,946 - $230,736 annually, for the Program Manager job classification. It is uncommon for an individual to be offered a salary close to the upper end of the full range for a position. Salary for this position will reflect the final candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, in addition to being aligned with the internal leadership peer group.

Benefits

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the interview process should inform the interview scheduler at the time of scheduling.

For general questions regarding this position or inquiries specifically related to reasonable accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), please contact jobs@cirm.ca.gov.

Additional EEO Contact Information

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.