Innovation Program Manager - Davis or Irvine, CA,

Job Description

The Innovation Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational execution of UC ANR Innovates industry-facing innovation and commercialization platform. Reporting to the Innovation Program Director, this position independently manages implementation of commercialization programs such as Innovate Build, Innovate Connect. programming statewide, with support from UC ANR partners and other UC ANR Innovate staff.


The incumbent coordinates startup cohorts, industry engagement activities, and field validation efforts in collaboration with UC ANR Program Teams, UCCE advisors, Research and Extension Centers, and campus-based researchers. The role ensures standardized program delivery, consistent participant experience, and effective cross-campus coordination to translate UCANR Innovate's strategy into measurable outcomes.


This position is responsible for maintaining partnership engagement workflows, tracking commercialization milestones, collecting and analyzing program metrics, and preparing reports aligned with California AgTech Network and UC ANR Innovate requirements. The Program Manager ensures compliance with grant and funding deliverables, maintains operational dashboards, and supports continuous improvement of program processes.


Working under general direction, the incumbent exercises independent judgment in resolving operational issues of diverse scope, sustaining productive industry-university relationships, and ensuring that programming delivers scalable impact across California's agrifood innovation ecosystem.


The UC ANR Innovate Statewide Program and Office of Innovation advances transformative solutions at the intersection of climate, food, farming, energy, and the bioeconomy. Through industry partnerships, applied research commercialization, and workforce development, the program accelerates the translation of innovation into real-world impact. UC ANR Innovate supports scalable, place-based agrifood innovation ecosystems across California, strengthening economic resilience, sustainability, and global competitiveness.


This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed with funding that ends on 1/31/2028, with the possibility of extension if funding permits.


The home department is the Office of Innovation. While this position is primarily based in Davis, CA, it could also be based in Irvine, CA (South Coast REC). This position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.


Pay Scale: $84,100.00/year to $119,400.00/year


Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 5/20/2026.


Key Responsibilities:

30%

Program Operations & Implementation


• Independently manage day-to-day operations of The Innovation Program statewide.


• Implement standardized processes and workflows for Build, Connect, and Advance programming.


• Develop and maintain program calendars, timelines, SOPs, and operational documentation.


• Coordinate internal planning meetings and track progress against deliverables.


• Monitor program throughput and participant progress to ensure timely advancement.


• Identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions within established program framework.


25%

Build, Connect & Advance (Field Trial) Track Execution

Build :


• Coordinate participant recruitment, intake, screening logistics, and cohort onboarding.


• Support workshop delivery, mentor coordination, and cohort communications.


• Track company milestones, commercialization progress, and engagement outcomes.


Connect :


• Facilitate structured introductions between startups, industry partners, and UC researchers.


• Coordinate meetings, follow-up actions, and documentation of partnership activity.


• Maintain CRM records and ensure continuity of partner engagement.


Advance (Field Trials) :


• Coordinate with UCCE advisors, campus faculty, and REC directors to facilitate field validation trials.


• Support execution of trial logistics, agreements, scheduling, and communications.


• Track trial milestones and ensure data collection and reporting processes are followed.


15%

Industry & Academic Engagement Coordination


• Sustain working relationships with startups, industry partners, and UC ANR academics.


• Serve as liaison between participants and UC ANR Program Teams.


• Coordinate engagement with UCCE and Research & Extension Center academics statewide.


• Support Industry Advisory Board meeting logistics and preparation.


• Identify opportunities to improve alignment between industry needs and research capabilities .


15%

Metrics Tracking, Reporting & Grant Compliance


• Lead collection and maintenance of program metrics across all programs .


• Develop and maintain dashboards tracking participation, partnerships, field trials, and commercialization outcomes.


• Prepare regular reports for UC ANR Innovate leadership and the California AgTech Alliance team.


• Ensure documentation aligns with Jobs First, Go-Biz, and other grant requirements.


• Monitor program performance indicators and recommend process improvements.


10%

Partnership Development & Outreach Support


• Conduct research on prospective startups and industry collaborators.


• Prepare briefing materials, partner profiles, and meeting summaries.


• Support outreach initiatives initiated by the Innovation Program Director.


• Maintain and expand industry contact database and engagement records.


• Follow up on partnership discussions and track progression of opportunities.


5%

Communications, Events & Program Support


• Coordinate events, demo days, roundtables, and partner meetings.


• Support development of newsletters, promotional materials, and webpage updates.


• Maintain participant communication channels and distribution lists.


• Ensure consistent messaging aligned with UC ANR Innovate branding and program objectives.


Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business, agriculture, engineering, life sciences, public policy, economics, or related field .
• Deep understanding of industry alliance development, applied research commercialization, and innovation ecosystem strategy.
• Proven ability to identify, cultivate, negotiate, and manage complex strategic partnerships.
• Broad knowledge of industry alliance development, applied research commercialization, and startup engagement within a university or innovation ecosystem environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and sustain collaborative working relationships with faculty, Cooperative Extension advisors, Research & Extension Centers, startups, and industry partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical or research concepts into clear, partner-relevant messaging.
• Proven organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and ensure consistent operational execution.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report program metrics and commercialization outcomes to support grant compliance and leadership reporting.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information and navigating diverse stakeholder interests.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Experience working with industry partners, startups, research institutions, or applied research programs .

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  
  
  
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
    
    
    
    • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

About Us

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.


Collaborating to solve problems.


Connecting to serve communities.


For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.


It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.


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