Job Posting: Emerging Technology Program Manager

Department of Technology

JC-516415
-
Emerging Technology Program Manager
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER II

$11,388.00 - $13,842.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 5/21/2026

Job Description and Duties

Telework is available.

*This position is pending budget approval. 

Under administrative direction from the State Chief Technology Innovation Officer (State CTIO), the Information Technology Manager II (IT Mgr II), Emerging Technology Program Manager, oversees and coordinates the California Department of Technology’s (CDT) efforts related to emerging technologies, including support for implementation of AI safety legislation and statewide Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, policy, strategy, and adoption activities. The incumbent manages program-level work related to research on Frontier AI developments, AI oversight, risk management practices, and evaluation of emerging technologies to ensure alignment with statutory requirements and responsible technology use across the state.

 

The IT Mgr II collaborates with CDT divisions, the Governor’s Office, the Government Operations Agency, state departments, and external partners including academia, civil society, the open-source community, industry, and other governments to support development of policy frameworks, contribute to governance standards, facilitates multi-stakeholder engagement, and provide analysis to inform evidence-based decision-making on AI and emerging technologies. Working closely with CDT leadership, the incumbent helps build organizational capacity in AI governance and risk management and supports efforts that contribute to the safe, transparent, and effective adoption of AI and other emerging technologies within the State of California.



Telework
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule within California based on departmental policy and operational needs. The telework policy is subject to change depending on business needs, and/or reporting to the work site may be required with minimal notification given. Pursuant to Executive Order, effective July 1, 2025, employees in this position will be required to report to the work site a minimum of two (2) days per week, increasing to four (4) days per week effective July 1, 2026. The specific on-site days will be determined by the department based on operational requirements.   

Visa Sponsorship 
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

CA Residency: 

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

  • Must pass a fingerprint background criminal record check completed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 
  • Works in a professional office setting or remote work environment.
  • May require extended hours to meet legislative or executive deadlines.
  • Prolonged periods of computer use and virtual meetings.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-516415
Position #(s):
695-544-1406-223
Working Title:
Emerging Technology Program Manager
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER II
$11,388.00 - $13,842.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Work Shift:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Work Week:
Monday - Friday

Department Information

The California Department of Technology (CDT) is the guardian of public data, a leader in information technology (IT) services and solutions and has broad responsibility and authority over all aspects of technology in California state government, including policy formation, interagency coordination, IT project oversight, information security, technology service delivery, and advocacy. 
 
As an industry leader, we are committed to partnering with state and local government and educational entities to deliver digital services, develop innovative and responsive solutions for business needs, and provide quality assurance for state government IT projects and services. Our success and legacy of service is reliant upon our highly talented, dedicated, and diverse workforce, for it is our individual cultural diversity, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and unique identities that spark our collaborative strength and innovative approach to serving the State of California. 

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave. 

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR. 
Department Website: http://cdt.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed state application (STD. 678) – For exam use only.  

Please do NOT include your Social Security Number on any of the submitted documents.  

Must pass a fingerprint background criminal record check completed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). You must provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Each individual response must be numbered and include the full text of the numbered items prior to your response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. Limit your SOQ to a maximum of three (3) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font. 

The SOQ serves as a key component of the examination and hiring process and will be used to evaluate your qualifications, as well as your written communication skills. The SOQ is considered a writing sample and must clearly reflect your own knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience. While tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) (e.g., ChatGPT), internet resources, or third-party reviewers may assist with research or preparation, by submitting your application you certify that your SOQ is your original work, written in your own words, and accurately represents your background and qualifications. Failure to submit an SOQ that is your own work, including the use of AI-generated or substantially AI-assisted responses that misrepresent your abilities, may result in disqualification from the examination or hiring process. If such misrepresentation is discovered after appointment, it may constitute dishonesty and could result in adverse action, up to and including dismissal from State service 

1. Program Management and Coordination:
Describe your experience leading complex programs related to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. In your response, please outline your experience engaging with  a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders at the highest levels, including the executive branch, the Legislature, and industry partners.
 
2. AI & Emerging Technology Policy Development and Engagement: 
Please describe your experience in managing initiatives related to AI policy, governance, and adoption, and related emerging technologies. In your response, please outline your experience and understanding of California and national AI policy landscape, knowledge of frontier AI developments, including AI safety and broader societal impacts, and best practices for AI adoption in public sector environments, including engagement with government entities, industry partners, academia, civil society and open source community. 
 
3. Strategic Communications:
Describe your experience using strategic communications skills to share the story, develop strategic narratives, strategic positioning about AI and emerging technologies as part of stakeholder engagement, and cross-departmental and cross-functional collaboration.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/21/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Technology
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources/HG - RPA 25-223/JC-516415
Selection Services Unit
P.O. Box 1810
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Technology
Drop Off 2nd Floor Security
Human Resources/HG - RPA 25-223/JC-516415
10860 Gold Center Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Required. Please see “Special Requirements” section for further information.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

  • Demonstrated experience developing, deploying, analyzing, and/or governing AI systems within government or highly regulated environments
  • Proven track record leading multi-stakeholder engagement and community-building initiatives across diverse audiences and sectors
  • Technical expertise in data governance, data classification, data loss prevention, and associated risk assessment frameworks
  • Experience with AI and emerging technology policy development, legislative analysis, or AI governance frameworks (federal, state, or international)
  • Experience coordinating across multiple government agencies or complex organizational structures with competing interests
  • Knowledge of California legislative processes and current AI policy landscape
  • Familiarity with AI safety, risk assessment, and transparency/accountability frameworks for frontier AI
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical concepts for policy and executive audiences
  • Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills; ability to serve as trusted advisor and honest broker across competing perspectives
  • Project and knowledge management experience; demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and drive multiple workstreams to completion.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://cdt.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Marianne Bietz
(916) 898-0468
marianne.bietz@state.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Melissa Carlin
(916) 460-9867
melissa.carlin@state.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Instructions

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. 


Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State Application (STD. 678) revised 10/2023. The position number and job control number must be identified in the job title line of the STD 678 (these numbers will auto-populate in the job title of the STD 678 if submitting an electronic application through CalCareers Account). The hard copy application MUST be signed. Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD. 678 may be disqualified.   


Note: Applications MUST include the “From dates“ and “To” dates, “Hours Per Week”, and “Duties Performed” fields for all job listed in the “Employment History” fields, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles). Applications that are submitted blank will be considered incomplete. Reference to a resume in place of a description of the duties will not be accepted. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview. 


Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application information once it is submitted. For all other questions regarding your CalHR CalCareer account, you may contact the CalCareer Unit at (866) 844-8671.


The Fine Print

If you have questions about the State Hiring Process visit our Career Opportunities webpage at https://cdt.ca.gov/career-opportunities/state-hiring-process.  

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job