Photonics Learning Program Manager

Purpose of the Position

The Photonics Learning Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the creation, execution, and analysis of educational events and activities. This role combines project management, resource development, and relationship building to illuminate pathways and foster growth within the photonics community. The Photonics Learning Program Manager will collaborate with the Photonics Learning team to develop innovative educational approaches, internal departments to secure supporting resources, and the Director of Photonics Education to shape strategies and execution plans to generate sustained impact.  

Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and coordinate educational events, including task delegation and performance assessment of team members.  
• Establish and nurture key relationships with academic institutions, corporations, technical societies/associations, and government agencies to support short-term event creation/follow up and long-term continuity of the program.
• Lead and mentor team members to continually enhance quality, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustained impact.  
• Support the development of certifiable educational experiences over a diverse portfolio of photonics concepts. 
• Engage with academic institutions to initiate and facilitate educational events. 
• Track and manage spending to align with annual budget, and project costs for future events to propose yearly budget.  

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. Will need to be able to setup and breakdown events, including a fold-out trailer.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience within the photonics field.
• 3+ years of experience creating photonics curriculum. 

Education:

• Master’s or PhD degree in a photonics related field. 

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and experience creating work force development programs for a photonics related field.
• Able to bridge communication gaps between industry and academics.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.

• Ability to adapt and work independently while also contributing to a cross functional collaborative team.
• Able to identify and address potential obstacles that may hinder the development of the initiative.
• Create and track key performance indicators and metrics.
• Highly proficient in the MS Office Suite of products: especially SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to fluently write and speak English.

Other:

Travel for mobile photonics event support and relationship building up to 50%.

Thorlabs values its 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. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few..