Public Service Exploration Manager

Job Description

The Evans School of Public Policy & Governance (Evans School) is a nationally top ranked school of public policy and governance. Its purpose is to inspire public service and democratize public policy by advancing a mission of educating leaders, generating knowledge, and hosting communities to co-create solutions to pressing societal problems. We currently implement an array of impactful learning programs for professionals and will be continuing to broaden that array. The Evans School promotes diversity and inclusivity among out staff, faculty and students; we seek applicants for this position who are committed to these principles and whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion and have given them the confidence to fully engage with audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and life journeys.

 

The Evans School has an outstanding opportunity for a Public Service Exploration Manager to join thePublic Service Leadership Pathways (PSLP) team.

 

About this Opportunity

 

Reporting to the Director of PSLP, the Public Service Exploration Manager is responsible for developing and delivering high-impact programs and engagement opportunities that connect students with public service sectors, careers, professionals, and experiences. They work closely with members of the Student Affairs, Learning, Teaching & Innovation (SALTI) teams and collaborates with faculty and staff across the Evans School to advance student learning, leadership, and career exploration.

Work is performed on the Seattle Campus in Parrington Hall, primarily in a shared workspace, with regular student-facing interactions and collaboration with faculty, staff, and campus partners. The role involves facilitating programs, events, meetings, and workshops in a variety of settings and may require occasional schedule flexibility (may need to work some nights and weekends) to support student engagement and program activities. The position will benefit from a hybrid-work schedule with three days in the office and two days eligible for telework per week.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Curriculum and Program Development 30%

Design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Summer Policy Academy, NextGen/Civic Health Pathways, Policy Camp, and related programming

NextGen Summer Policy Academy (SPA)

• • Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the annual SPA curriculum and program experience.

• • Collaborate with faculty, instructors, national partners, and peer institutions to strengthen curriculum, learning objectives, and participant experience.

NextGen Civic Leader Corps / Civic Health Pathways

• • Under the strategic direction of the Director of PSLP and NextGen Steering Committee, support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the NextGen Civic Leader Corps/Civic Health Pathways portfolio.

• • Develop and coordinate a portfolio of micro-programming and engagement opportunities that advance the broader Civic Health Initiative ecosystem, including but not limited to the Policy Competition, Cx3, Student Advisory Board (SAB), Civic Health Scorecard, badging/credentialing, High impact signature events, and leadership development experiences.

• • Conduct focus groups and gather student and community input to inform portfolio development and ensure programming responds to emerging needs and opportunities.

• • Use assessment findings and stakeholder feedback to refine, strengthen, and expand the portfolio.

Policy Camp

• • Support the design and implementation of Policy Camp in collaboration with regional community colleges and other higher education institutions

• • Develop program experiences that introduce students to policy and public service and connect them to Evans School undergraduate and graduate academic pathways.

Program Operations & Administration — 30%

• Planning, logistics, budgets, staffing, communications, policies, assessment, and reporting
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of annual and recurring programs, including NextGen Summer Policy Academy (SPA), NextGen Civic Leader Corps/Civic Health Pathways, and Policy Camp.

• Manage program operations, including logistics, budgets, timelines, communications, and administrative processes.

• Coordinate with faculty, instructors, guest speakers, student employees, campus partners, and external stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain program policies, procedures, communications, and operational systems.

• Supervise student employees and jointly support program staff, as assigned.

• Coordinate with national partners and peer institutions on recruitment, participant selection, program implementation, and program improvement.

• Lead program assessment and evaluation; prepare reports and use findings to support continuous improvement.

Student Engagement & Institutional Partnerships — 30%

Student advising and mentoring, recruitment and outreach, campus and community partnerships, and academic and career pathways

• Design and manage student engagement programs, signature events, mentoring, leadership development, and other co-curricular experiences.

• Advise and mentor students exploring public service, civic leadership, policy, and related academic and career pathways.

• Partner with SALTI career development, advising, and outreach staff to connect students with academic, career, and professional opportunities.

• Build and maintain partnerships with campus units, community organizations, alumni, national partners, and other stakeholders.

• Convene and coordinate the tri-campus NextGen Community of Practice and participate in the national NextGen network.

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to strengthen student engagement and pathways to public service.

• Promote equitable access and inclusive participation, particularly among students historically underrepresented in public service and leadership.

Culture and service (10%)

Cross-campus initiatives, committees, special projects, university-level collaboration

• Collaborate on cross-campus undergraduate initiatives and special projects.

• Serve on University and Evans School committees supporting student success, public service, civic engagement, and equity.

• Contribute to strategic initiatives that advance the Evans School and PSLP's broader undergraduate and civic engagement goals.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

 

 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, education, social sciences, communications, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination, program management, student engagement, education, public service, or related field.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and evaluating programs or initiatives.

• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders, including students, faculty/staff, community partners, and external organizations.

• Experience managing programoperations, including budgets, logistics, timelines, communications, and reporting.

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, advise or mentor students, and facilitate collaborative partnerships.

• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, civic engagement, public service, policy, or student leadership development.

• Experience designing and managing student-centered programs, co-curricular initiatives, or leadership development programs.

• Experience working across campus units, institutions, and community and national partners.

• Experience with program assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Experience advising, mentoring, or supporting diverse undergraduate and graduate students.

• Knowledge of public policy, civic health, civic engagement, or pathways to public service.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to changing priorities, and work effectively in a dynamic organizational environment.

• Demonstrated flexibility, agility, initiative, and sound judgment, with the ability to identify opportunities and respond effectively to emerging needs.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and expanding access to public service and leadership opportunities.

 

Working Conditions

The Evans School is a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative environment committed to addressing society’s most persistent challenges. This position requires someone who thrives in an evolving environment, embraces innovation and new approaches, and adapts effectively to shifting priorities and emerging opportunities. Success in this role depends on flexibility, collaboration, initiative, and a willingness to continuously learn and respond to the changing needs of students, partners, and the broader public service community.

Work is performed on the Seattle Campus in Parrington Hall, primarily in a shared workspace, with regular student-facing interactions and collaboration with faculty, staff, and campus partners. The position requires frequent movement throughout the campus and occasional meetings at other locations with students, community partners, and external stakeholders. The role involves facilitating programs, events, meetings, and workshops in a variety of settings and may require occasional schedule flexibility(may need to work some nights and weekend) to support student engagement and program activities. The position will benefit from a hybrid-work schedule with three days in the office and two days eligible for telework per week.

Additional Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department.

 

Please address the following in your cover letter:

• Describe a significant initiative, program, or opportunity you helped bring to life that demonstrates your ability to think strategically, lead collaboratively, and translate vision into impact.
  • What need or opportunity did you identify, how did you build support and develop an approach, and how did you navigate the complexities of implementation?
• In your response, address how you engaged students and partners, managed competing priorities or ambiguity, assessed results, and adapted along the way.
  • What did you accomplish, what did you learn, and how does this experience reflect the kind of leadership you would bring to this role?
    

About the Team

The Public Service Leadership Pathways (PSLP) team at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance cultivates the next generation of public service leaders. Through an integrated, student-centered ecosystem of programs, partnerships, experiential learning, and career development opportunities, PSLP helps students discover their interests, explore career pathways, build leadership skills, gain professional experience, and launch meaningful public service careers.

The team fosters connections among students, alumni, public service professionals, and community partners, building a lifelong community where graduates return as leaders, mentors, and contributors who help shape pathways for future generations.

 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$69,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$76,200.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or

dso@uw.edu

. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.