Community Engagement Program Manager; Alumni External REL SPEC

Job Summary

The Community Engagement Program Manager for the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG) will develop and implement specialized programs, events, and communications designed to inform and engage key constituencies. Key APG constituencies include the general public, community volunteers, pipeline donors, students, and other campus and community partners and representatives. This position will work closely with the Arboretum and Public Garden Director and Assistant Director of Development in implementing partnerships and programs to help grow support of the Arboretum and Public Garden.

Applicants will be screened after two weeks, then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the application by date.

08/03/2026 by 11:59 pm

• Bachelors Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience planning and implementing community engagement programs and events. Ability to support and enhance community relations.
• Experience creating positive working relationships with adult volunteers including recruiting, training, identifying engaging roles and projects, and recognizing accomplishments.
• Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications, tact and political acumen to effectively represent the Arboretum and Public Garden and UC Davis, including in highly sensitive situations.
• Thorough research, analytical and critical thinking skills, including sound judgment and decision‑making skills. Problem‑solving skills to correctly identify real and potential issues, advising management as required, and proposing effective strategic solutions.
• Organizational and project management skills, including program/event planning and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example, fostering teamwork and an open culture focused on service, innovation, and collaboration.

• Experience supporting fundraising activities including relationship building, donor stewardship, events, and communications.
• Experience with supporting earned‑income activities such as membership programs, dedication programs and/or merchandise sales.
• Experience working with and fostering leadership in young people (e.g., college students).
• Experience working with a volunteer board or other group of leadership volunteers.
• Knowledge of the university environment and ability to work effectively with other campus units. Knowledge of museums and informal learning environments.
• Knowledge of Arboretum and Public Garden mission, horticultural programs, plant collections, volunteer opportunities and practices.
• Ability to initiate new strategies, partnerships, and approaches.

• 75% - Community Engagement, Membership, and Volunteer Program Management
• 25% - Community Engagement Communications

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG) holds responsibility for managing the entire campus landscape. The goals of the APG are to create a more visitor‑friendly campus, transition to a more sustainable and resilient campus landscape that is adapted to our future climate, make the academic programs of UC Davis visible to campus visitors, build environmental leadership in students and community partners, engage the public in lifelong learning opportunities, and leverage campus financial and human resources.

Key programs of the APG include the UC Davis GATEways Project, the Learning by Leading Program, and the Living Landscape Adaptation Plan. The GATEways Project transforms the campus into physical and programmatic portals for the public to engage in the riches of UC Davis. The Learning by Leading Program builds environmental leadership skills with students through hands‑on, real‑world projects and programs involving mentorship by staff, faculty and community members.

The Living Landscape Adaptation Plan charts a course for sustaining a thriving campus landscape in the face of significant climate change disruptions.

• Salary or Pay Range: $69,600.00 - $
• Salary Frequency:
  Annual
• Salary Grade:
  Grade 21
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 3
• UC Job Code: 006299
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type:
  St…