Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Manager

at California Data Collaborative

🏢 About California Data Collaborative

The California Data Collaborative (CaDC) is a mission-driven organization that empowers water agencies across California with open-source data and tools for sustainable water planning. Working here means contributing to a critical environmental cause while leveraging data science to solve real-world water challenges. The team is small, collaborative, and remote, offering flexibility and direct impact.

About This Role

As Program Manager, you will orchestrate the lifecycle of applied data science projects from proposal to delivery, coordinating with technical staff, member agencies, and partners. This role is impactful because your work directly enables informed water policy and management across California, helping to secure a sustainable water future.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a check-in with the technical team to review progress on a data dashboard project, followed by drafting a grant proposal for a new initiative. Afternoon could involve a partner coordination call with a water agency to align on project scope, then updating project timelines and budgets. You'll also spend time writing progress reports for funders and preparing materials for an upcoming stakeholder workshop.

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🎯 Who California Data Collaborative Is Looking For

  • You have 5+ years managing programs in nonprofit, public sector, consulting, or utility-adjacent settings, with a preference for water or environmental work.
  • You have a proven track record of writing successful grant proposals and administering grants or contracts, including budget management and compliance.
  • You excel at managing multi-stakeholder projects with competing priorities and limited staff, keeping things on schedule and on scope through clear communication.
  • You are a strong writer and communicator who can translate complex technical concepts into accessible updates for diverse audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to California Data Collaborative

1

Tailor your resume to highlight grant writing success and multi-stakeholder project management, using specific metrics (e.g., 'secured $500K in grants').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to water or environmental data projects, even if indirectly, by emphasizing transferable skills.

3

Research CaDC's open-source tools (e.g., Water Data Library) and mention how you could help expand their impact.

4

Since it's a remote role, demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage distributed teams in your application.

5

Avoid generic language; use phrases like 'partner coordination,' 'grant compliance,' and 'applied data science' to mirror the job description.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with grant writing and administration, including specific examples of securing and managing funds.', 'Your ability to coordinate technical teams and external partners, especially on data-driven projects.', 'Your passion for environmental sustainability and water issues, and how this role aligns with your career goals.', 'Your communication skills, particularly in translating technical work for non-technical stakeholders.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore CaDC's website and read about their open-source tools, such as the Water Data Library and Urban Water Reporting Streamlining initiative.
  • → Review recent news or reports on California water policy, especially related to sustainable groundwater management (SGMA) and urban water use.
  • → Look into CaDC's partner organizations (e.g., water agencies, nonprofits) to understand their network and stakeholders.
  • → Familiarize yourself with common grant sources for water projects in California (e.g., DWR, SWRCB, federal grants).

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a project with conflicting stakeholder priorities. How did you keep it on track?
2 How do you approach writing a grant proposal? Walk us through your process from research to submission.
3 What experience do you have with data science projects? How do you ensure technical work aligns with program goals?
4 How would you handle a situation where a project is falling behind schedule due to limited staff?
5 What do you know about California's water challenges, and how do you think data can help address them?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention water or data; show you've done your homework.
  • Overlooking the grant writing requirement; if you lack direct experience, emphasize related skills like proposal development.
  • Focusing only on project management without addressing the technical data aspect; CaDC values bridging program management and data science.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to California Data Collaborative!

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