Department Purpose           

The Agricultural Sustainability Institute’s (ASI) mission is to ensure access to healthy food and to promote the vitality of agriculture today and for future generations. We do this through integrative research, education, communication, and early action on big, emerging issues. The Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis brings together the expertise of more than 70 UC Davis faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate student researchers, and undergraduate student assistants to address big and emerging issues related to food and farming sustainability.

We partner with farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, non-profits, policy makers, and local communities to ensure that our research and teaching respond to the needs of the people of California and the world.

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision the Program Manager is responsible for managing a full range of complex functions associated with program management, research and analysis, external relations, and strategic communication and branding activities. In collaboration with the director, design and implement ongoing programs and special events, such as stakeholder gatherings, and external advisory board meetings. Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis, and with regional, national, and international partners in academia, industry, governments, and non-profits. Collaborate with the director and key stakeholders on creating ASI’s strategic plan and meet the goals and outcomes planned within. Develop project management plans, execute projects and deliver outcomes.
Track program and overall budgets, summarize and consolidate financial reports. Support strategic planning and visioning efforts for ASI and priority setting for the program. Design strategic communication plans for targeted audiences. Work closely with ASI director to plan, execute, and evaluate a variety of initiatives, including outreach events, grant proposals, and other engagements. Provide administrative and high-level analytical support to the ASI Director. Manage a variety of communication and outreach efforts for ASI.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·       Ability to frequently sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Minimum Education/Experience

·       At least 3 years experience with program and project management.

·       Interpersonal and communication skills, professional experience, and political acumen to interact and communicate efficiently, to handle sensitive or difficult situations diplomatically, to represent high level executives with tact and discretion, and to work effectively and sensitively with constituents from diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives.

·       Writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce correspondence and other written materials that reflect the high standards and professionalism of an executive office; experience editing copy for correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

·       Knowledge of federal and private grant budgeting, financial reporting, and policies regarding use of grant funds.

·       Skills to understand and interpret sponsor guidelines, terms and conditions

·       Organizational, analytical, planning and problem-solving skills to multi-task with minimum oversight in a fast-paced work environment with shifting priorities and to effectively manage the work flow to maximize working efficiency and effectiveness.

·       Computer skills including word processing, database management, presentations, electronic mail, and internet as well as experience in using social media and other communications and engagement platforms.

Preferred:

Preferred Education/Experience    

·       Experience building relationships with program stakeholders such as government, industry, non-governmental organizations, and university representatives.

·       Experience working in a higher education environment, including with faculty, staff and leadership from a variety of disciplines.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

·       Knowledge of UC policies, procedures and guidelines including specific campus procedures to interpret inquiries and requests to formulate appropriate action.

·       Analytical and evaluative skills to research and assess data, identify problems, generate alternatives and recommend/implement course of action in addressing a variety of complex issues.

·       Familiarity with campus-wide offices, administrative contacts, campus structure and resources.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here.

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.