Chair, Board of Directors

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next Board Chair. This is a volunteer position. This individual will guide the organization in fulfilling its core mission: to provide independent, nonpartisan scientific advice to California policymakers. Established by the California State Legislature in 1988, CCST is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes the state’s leading experts in science, engineering, technology, and medicine to inform decision‑making on complex policy issues. Through its partnerships with premier academic institutions and federal research centers, CCST strengthens California’s capacity to craft forward‑thinking, evidence‑based policy. CCST’s Partner Institutions include: California Community Colleges California Institute of Technology Stanford University University of California University of Southern California Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory NASA’s Ames Research Center NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Sandia National Laboratory SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory About the Role The Board Chair will be a highly respected leader in California’s science, engineering, medicine, and/or education communities with significant senior leadership experience. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to public service and a deep understanding of science and technology policy at the state and/or national level. Previous experience with CCST, a comparable science and technology policy organization, or a Partner Institution, particularly in a governance or leadership capacity, is highly desirable. Provide strategic leadership and direction to CCST’s Board of Directors in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities Supervise, support, and evaluate the work of the Chief Executive Officer Collaborate with the CEO and staff to shape and advance the organization’s strategic vision and programming in accordance with the policies and priorities approved by the Board Authorize urgent Board decisions when full Board action is not feasible Facilitate effective governance practices and lead Board and Executive Committee meetings Serve as a resource to Board members and staff, fostering engagement and collaboration Participate in and work with the CEO on fundraising activities to increase CCST’s financial capacity Support CCST’s commitment to its core values of service, independence, partnership, and integrity Collaborate with the CEO and staff to engage diverse stakeholders and institutions across California, and promote equitable access to resources, training, science, and policy opportunities Support the recruitment and career development of exceptional staff and CCST Fellows in support of the CCST mission in a non‑discriminatory and inclusive manner The Chair will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing CCST’s flagship programs, including: The CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows Program Expert briefings and peer‑reviewed reports Statewide workshops and policy convenings Longer‑term projects such as the Disaster Resilience Initiative Desired Qualities Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills An inclusive approach that builds trust across partner organizations and diverse stakeholders The stature and credibility to represent CCST in high‑level policy and scientific communities Upholds the highest ethical standards and practices in all board activities and decisions Commitment This is a high‑impact, high‑visibility volunteer leadership role. It requires a meaningful commitment of time, including travel, and active engagement in Board meetings, fundraising, and external representation of CCST. Impact As CCST continues to expand its influence, the Board Chair will be instrumental in enhancing the organization’s reputation for providing high‑quality, impartial scientific advice. The Chair will also help chart CCST’s future direction — advancing its reach, cultivating philanthropic support, and ensuring California remains a global leader in evidence‑based policymaking. About the California Council on Science and Technology The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature — making California’s policies stronger with science and technology since 1988. We engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers — ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation. #J-18808-Ljbffr