About ASCB
Are you looking to join an organization with a mission that supports scientific discovery? For over 60 years, ASCB member scientists have been studying the cell, the fundamental unit of life. We are an exciting, international community of biologists dedicated to advancing scientific discovery.

Position Summary
This Program Manager position at the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) will assist with the organizing, planning, and execution of professional development and educational programming, including networking, mentorship, and skills training for STEM professionals across all career stages. The Program Manager works closely with internal and external stakeholders to meet the professional needs of the community and advance the ASCB’s goal of supporting a diverse workforce in the cell sciences.  This position reports to the Director of Professional Development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage the grant-funded and non-grant-funded professional development programs aimed at diversifying the STEM workforce, working closely with program leadership to support the goals to successfully execute the activities and ensure resources are allocated efficiently and in compliance with ASCB policies and funder guidelines.
  • Create and execute virtual and in-person education programs, such as seminars, workshops, virtual events, or live webinars, ensuring they align with the organization’s objectives, budget parameters, and target audience needs.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, such as volunteer planning committees and corporate partners, to develop educational content and identify opportunities for collaboration, sponsorships, and customized training programs.
  • Work with vendors to implement hotel logistics for grant/PD program events, including rooming list, food and beverage selection and orders, audio-visual equipment orders, room set-ups, guarantees, onsite vendor management, supporting preparation, and execution of event specifications.
  • Prepare all documentation needed for each grant/PD program events, including program schedules, reports, agendas, budgets, social items, function sheets, and event “specification” documents.
  • Monitor the success of current grant/PD programs and sponsored programs, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide periodic reporting insights to team.
  • Communicate with confirmed speakers to collect bios, headshot photos and provide logistical information and reminders.
  • Continuously seek opportunities to improve program effectiveness and efficiency. Analyze data and feedback to identify areas for enhancement and implement necessary changes.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Team to communicate program news and achievements to internal and external stakeholders and to develop effective marketing campaigns and promotional materials for professional development programs.
  • Ensure ASCB professional development and educational offerings support the organization’s priority of developing a diverse workforce in the cell sciences.
  • Provide administrative support, including internal meeting support, website content updates, materials and resource development, database updating and data management, invoice and reimbursement processing. Provide administrative support for and execute the technical production of webinars and virtual courses using the Zoom platform.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Background and Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or commensurate with work experience.
  • 3-5 years of related work experience.
  • 2 years of meeting and event planning experience for an association, non-profit or corporate organization.
  • Experience with federal funding policies and guidelines preferred.
  • Familiar with web content management systems, such as WordPress.
  • Experience with relevant systems, including association management (iMIS), project management software (SmartSheets) and budget management/expense tracking is preferred.
  • Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office with an advanced understanding of Excel and Google Sheets.
  • Ability to travel up to 20% of the time, including weekends.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline required. A Master’s or Ph.D. in the sciences strongly preferred.
  • At least 3 years of demonstrated project administrative experience. Advanced education/degrees will be considered in lieu of years of work experience.
  • Demonstrates an interest in DORA’s vision
  • Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia
  • Knowledge of scholarly publishing, assessment of research
  • Strong written and verbal communication including the use of social media
  • Comfortable with technology and able to learn new processes quickly

Desired Competencies

  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and independently with limited instruction.
  • Ability to prioritize, organize, and multi-task in a flexible and fast-paced environment to effectively meet deadlines.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work across multiple digital platforms and adapt to new technology and systems.
  • Strategic and creative problem-solver.
  • Strong project management skills and proven ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to work effectively with hybrid or remote teams.
  • Brings new ideas and can work cross-functionally to successfully execute projects.
  • Passion for supporting and training a diverse workforce.
  • Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Working at ASCB
The ASCB Headquarters are located in Rockville, MD. Full-time employment with ASCB offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health benefits, 403(b) with employer match, generous leave plan, and employer-paid life and disability insurance. Full-time employees at ASCB are currently working remote-first and report to the headquarters office one day a week.

This position is funded in part through grants from the National Science Foundation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to hr@ascb.org.

ASCB is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.