Career Pathways Program Manager

LBL$129K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of five years in academic personnel or workforce development roles.
  • Experience managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across teams.
  • Experience planning and executing professional development events.
  • Ability to analyze program data and make data-driven decisions.
  • Strong communication skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

Responsibilities

  • Support implementation of career advancement policies and programs.
  • Develop and deliver training materials and communications for career progression.
  • Plan and execute career development programs and events.
  • Manage internal review processes for fellowships and awards.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to implement career advancement initiatives.
  • Analyze program metrics to evaluate and improve effectiveness.
  • Represent the office in committees and professional events.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule option with onsite and remote flexibility.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Access to unique resources and networking within a national lab context.
Full Job Description
The Career Pathways Office (CPO) within the Laboratory Directorate at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is seeking an innovative and collaborative Career Pathways Program Manager. Reporting to the Career Pathways Office Director and working under limited direction, this role advances Berkeley Lab's scientific workforce by administering career advancement programs, review and promotion processes, and workforce development initiatives that support the development, recognition, and retention of world-class scientific talent.

In this role, you will ensure the effective implementation of career advancement policies and programs by collaborating closely with scientific divisions, Human Resources, and Laboratory leadership. You will deliver robust program management, communications, training, and operational support that strengthen career pathways across the Lab, directly impacting the growth and success of researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and early-to-mid-career scientific staff.

You will:
  • Support the implementation and continuous improvement of Berkeley Lab's Scientist & Engineering (S&E) career framework by updating hiring and promotion materials, developing manager resources, preparing communications, and coordinating change management activities.
  • Develop, maintain, and deliver engaging communications, presentations, guidance documents, training materials, web content, and organizational resources that support career advancement, academic review, and CPO initiatives.
  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of CPO programs and events, including the Scientific Leadership & Management Skills Course, Postdoc Career Symposium, Berkeley Lab Research SLAM, and mid-career engagement initiatives in partnership with the Mid-Career Advisory Board.
  • Manage the full lifecycle call and internal review processes for postdoctoral fellowship opportunities, early-career awards, and scientific recognition programs, including managing timelines and application materials.
  • Partner with Human Resources, scientific divisions, and multidisciplinary stakeholders to implement career advancement policies, offer process guidance, and foster networking opportunities with alumni and employers.
  • Collect, analyze, and report program metrics to evaluate effectiveness, track outcomes, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive data-informed decision-making.
  • Represent the Career Pathways Office on Laboratory committees, working groups, and professional association events.


Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, STEM, Education, Organizational Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience administering academic personnel, faculty affairs, career development, workforce development, higher education, or similar institutional programs.
  • Experience coordinating complex programs or processes involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and established institutional policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams, provide programmatic guidance to leadership, and partner effectively with cross-functional partners.
  • Track record of planning and implementing workshops, professional development programs, conferences, or institutional events in both in-person and virtual environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze program data, evaluate effectiveness, track outcomes, and leverage technology and AI tools to streamline administrative processes while maintaining confidentiality and sound judgment.
  • Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills, along with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Google Workspace, project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet), and institutional databases.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with expertise in creating clear guidance documents, presentations, training materials, and web content.


Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Advanced degree in Higher Education Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, STEM, Education, or a related field.
  • Experience supporting academic review, promotion, faculty affairs, scientific workforce, or academic personnel programs within a national laboratory, research university, or complex research organization.
  • Experience with change management, policy implementation, or organizational communications.
  • Experience administering competitive review, award, fellowship, or recognition programs.
  • Experience developing and delivering both in-person and virtual training programs.


Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 21, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
  • Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $129,000 - $150,000, which fits into the full salary of $114,324 -$192,936 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
  • Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.


Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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