Program Manager, I-Corps (INDUSTRY ALLNS SPEC 3)

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Under the general direction of the Venture Catalyst Associate Director, this role is responsible for managing all aspects of the UC Davis Campus NSF I-Corps program, which supports training and mentorship of innovators on the path from invention to commercialization. The National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) has established a Pacific Northwest Hub, encompassing 8 institutions spanning from UC Irvine to University of Alaska, managed by UC Berkeley. The purpose of the program is to identify and train high potential teams of students, faculty, and community members in critical skills for commercializing technology. Success for the UC Davis portion of the Hub is dependent on program participation, which depends on raising the awareness of and continually communicating the benefits of the program to constituents both internal and external to the University.

Responsibilities of this position include serving as a point of contact for all things I-Corps-related for internal and external constituencies, including: scouting, outreach presentations, 1:1 meetings, and other recruitment strategies for regional program participant teams; while supporting and monitoring teams eligible to advance to the National I-Corps program; and performing all grant reporting and administrative functions for successful program implementation. Activities associated with internal and external constituencies involve outreach and engaging them to maximize participation in and benefit from programs and events (includes faculty, staff, and students, alumni, local community startups, government, industry representatives, as well as the general public). Successful candidates are problem-solvers who can translate constituent needs and priorities into customized materials and programming to create, enhance, and sustain relationships in service of effective program delivery.

Apply By Date: March 14, 2025

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in physical or life sciences, engineering, or computer science, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3 years' experience in project or program management.
• At least 2 years' experience in client relationship or portfolio management including defining needs and expectations of the client and proactively problem-solving with and for them.
• At least 2 years' experience providing guidance on and/or engaging in technology commercialization (such as working in a startup, academic, and/or corporate environment).
• Experience using advanced skills in Word, Excel, and Power Point and other MS products and use of third-party databases.
• Active listening skills, including advanced critical thinking and analytical skills. Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues. Interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively and diplomatically with people from diverse ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds, including students, staff, faculty, distinguished visiting scholars, and the general public including representatives of industry, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. Maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times in accordance with the expectations and activities of the role, including organizational and time management skills to lead and execute multiple simultaneous projects, set priorities, track progress, meet deadlines, plan events, and meet performance targets. Working knowledge of or interest in learning about startups, non-dilutive and venture funding, and technology commercialization activities.
• Maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with various service units across campus, incubator partners, university-associated startups, and community stakeholders. Maintain strict confidentiality, exercise discretion, use independent and mature judgment, work efficiently without supervision. Commit to team building, quality assurance, and process improvements. Work and maintain flexibility in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and demanding workload. Support departmental goal of providing positive, innovative, timely and effective customer service through performance of job functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and executing strategic and tactical plans to design and deliver programs, and assess the success of the program in order to develop solutions and devise continuous improvements.
• Experience founding or working within a startup.
• Experience in business development, sales, or marketing.
• Knowledge of University of California policies and rules governing intellectual property, equity, licensing, technology transfer and related conflicts of interest and commitment policies and ethical requirements.
• Familiarity with the I-Corps and/or Lean Startup methodologies of teaching entrepreneurship.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Program Participant Recruitment & Relationship Management
• 25% - Industry Engagement
• 25% - Coordination of Programming (Events & Workshops)
• 10% - Metrics & Grant Administration

Department Overview

As part of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development at UC Davis (OIED), the Venture Catalyst department facilitates the translation and commercial impact of University research and technology by enabling the development of new ventures. Services and resources offered by Venture Catalyst include 1) proof-of-concept funding through the Science Translational & Innovative Research (STAIR) Grant program; 2) a suite of tools, resources, and services structured specifically for early-stage startups through the Smart Toolkit for Accelerated Research Translation (START) program; 3) a distributed network of thematically oriented business incubators and innovation centers integrated into the Distributed Research Incubation and Venture Engine (DRIVE); and 4) economic engagement activities, such as NSF I-Corps programming, to facilitate connections between startups and the regional innovation and economic development ecosystem.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $82,900.00 - $152,900.00/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: 23
• UC Job Title: INDUSTRY ALLNS SPEC 3
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 70%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: No
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Environmental Demands

• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

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.

Work remotely to meet deadlines and operational needs. Provide own transportation to off-site events and meetings.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

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, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don't meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks