Innovation Program Manager Davis or Irvine, CA,

Position: Innovation Program Manager  Davis or Irvine, CA, Job ID 86066
Innovation Program Manager Davis or Irvine, CA, Job

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

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 $/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…