Participates in developing strategies, fostering relationships, and overseeing operations for University industry alliance programs, leads coordination efforts between UC Davis and external strategic partners for IIFH functions. Develops, assesses and monitors industry partnerships and collaborations which strengthen the University’s position at the forefront of major national and international scientific collaborative initiatives across the full spectrum of research disciplines. It is expected that the Director will support and assist with further development of the Institute’s Objectives and Key Results.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Faculty Director, the Director of Programs will have operational responsibility for execution of the Innovation Institute of Food and Health’s programs. Through its programs, the Institute will build the community that brings metabolic health knowledge and technology to the public through outstanding commercial products and services that deliver authentic health benefits. It is expected that that the Director be a leader and community developer in this regard.

The IIFH facilitates broad consultation with academic and external communities to develop and deliver commercial products that bring metabolic health to food products and services. We envision this leading to a world where easily attainable metabolic health leads to happier, healthier, longer lives for everyone.

The IIFH is founded on a unique academic-industry partnership and interfaces with both entrepreneurial and research domains. In its seventh year on campus, the institute has a mandate of inclusive interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral engagement. The successful incumbent will work to interface with academic and corporate stakeholders, and support the organization of interdisciplinary initiatives and research involving academic, community, government and industry representatives.

Manages a highly specialized technical function / team. Has significant responsibility to achieve broadly stated goals through subordinate managers. Determines objectives, directs programs, develops strategies and policies, manages human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with a high degree of autonomy. Proactively assesses risk to establish systems and procedures to protect organizational assets. Determines strategies for a program with organization-wide impact.

POSITION INFORMATION

Applicants will be screened on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS – N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience; Master’s degree and 6+ years of experience; Ph.D. or MBA degree and 5+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a company; demonstrated community building experience.
• Experience with word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, web editing, and presentation applications to complete assignments and provide written reports.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Effective communicator through all mediums and with all groups. Demonstrated persuasive ability to change the thinking of, or gain acceptance from, leaders in sensitive situations and create and maintain high profile professional collaborative working relationships.
• Demonstrated advanced skills to build relationships and work creatively with others; solicit and incorporate their ideas when appropriate; be critical about information and apply it appropriately; promote and develop others.
• Very strong ability to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution. Ability to solve problems when no precedent exists.
• Ability to develop business plans to stimulate international and institutional collaborations in research or education.
• Leadership skills to motivate staff, researchers, and industry professionals. Highly adaptive and works well under pressure. Proven ability to support decisions with facts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in company acquisition/sale.
• Experience working with venture capital firms.
• Experience engaging with international universities and/or organizations

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Advanced project management skills. Excellent ability to establish partnership metrics and employee goals which measure effectiveness of contributions and alliances.
• Ability to develop and maintain a network of industry contacts. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures with scientists, research sponsors, industry leaders and patent attorneys.
• In-depth knowledge of commercialization and licensing and ability to develop industry specific contracts and negotiations to acquire licensure. Knowledge of business development concepts and industry revenue sourcing and venture capital acquisition dynamics.

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.

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

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.