Program Manager - Postdoctoral Education and Development

Position Summary

Scheduled

Hours:

40 hours. The WashU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is seeking a Program Manager for Postdoctoral Education and Development, who reports to the OPA Director and works collaboratively with other members of the OPA team. The Program Manager for Postdoctoral Education and Development is responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing postdoctoral education programs and initiatives that support professional, career, and skill development.

This role leads the execution, evaluation and continuous improvement of a competency-based postdoctoral education curriculum. The Program Manager serves as an expert advisor for postdocs, faculty, and staff, manages educational digital platforms, and identifies accessible advising resources. The role also establishes and maintains on- and off-campus partnerships and represents the OPA on internal and external committees. This position requires strong program design, analytical, and collaborative skills to advance high-quality postdoctoral education and career development.

The OPA serves around 1,000 postdoctoral appointees on both the Danforth Campus and the Medical Campus. As an active unit within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the OPA works to ensure that postdoctoral appointees have the support they need to grow as scholars and make meaningful contributions to the university and beyond. We serve as experts on postdoctoral appointments, administer postdoctoral policy, advocate for postdoctoral issues, help postdocs reach their career and professional goals, and collaborate with institutional and national partners to create a lively, supported, and inclusive postdoctoral community.

• Program Development and Evaluation: Develops, implements, and assesses strategic initiatives for postdoctoral professional, career, and skill development following national best practices in postdoctoral education. Leads the implementation and refinement of a competency-based postdoctoral education curriculum. Develops and implements program evaluation plans, ensuring accurate tracking of participation, outcomes, and alignment with educational goals. Stays current on emerging trends and needs in the job market and the research community to inform curriculum design and programming.
• Thought Leadership and Partner Management: Contributes to the OPA leadership team providing specialized knowledge and skills to set and achieve organizational, programmatic, and operational goals. Establishes and maintains partnerships with key campus and local partners, professional societies, and national organizations involved in postdoctoral affairs. Represents the OPA on internal and external committees, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Advising and Technology Management: Acts as a resource expert and advisor for postdocs, staff, and faculty regarding procedures, postdoc career guidance, and complex situations in the postdoctoral experience. Manages educational digital platforms and maintains expertise in technology- and AI-assisted learning, including appropriate and ethical use. Identifies and curates multi-platform digital advising resources that support postdoctoral education and career development.

• Job Location/
  
  Working Conditions:
  
  Occasional conference travel overnight. Onsite, with possibility of hybrid schedule.
• Physical Effort:
  Typically sitting at a desk or table. Occasional lifting, carrying, or pulling (up to 50 lbs.).
• Equipment:
  Office equipment.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
• Work Experience: Relevant Experience (3 Years).
• Skills: Not Applicable.
• Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

• Competencies in university-community partnership.

• Education: Master’s degree.
• Certifications/Professional Licenses: No additional certification/professional licenses unless…