Corporate Partnership Manager; Industry ALLNS SPEC SV

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Corporate Partnerships Manager will maintain and grow our ecosystem of industry collaborators. This role will balance reactive lead management with targeted business development, while also collaborating with marketing to ensure the Institute’s work is visible to the broader industry. This position serves as the dedicated relationship lead and resource for our corporate partners, acting as their bridge to UC Davis’s world‑class research and talent.

March 20, 2026

• Bachelor’s degree in business and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working at the interface of academia and industry in marketing, communications, business development or similar.
• Experience in both managing inbound pipelines and executing targeted outreach to corporate prospects.
• Strong background in account management or client success, with proven ability to maintain regular, high‑touch communication (bi‑monthly/monthly).
• Proven ability to coordinate complex logistics, such as campus visits and multi‑stakeholder meetings; advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; tact and political acumen to effectively communicate professional correspondence, partner communications and other materials.
• Thorough research, analytical and critical thinking skills, including sound judgment and decision‑making skills and skill to correctly identify real and potential problems, advising management as required, proposing effective strategic resolutions.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.

• An MBA or master’s degree is a plus.
• A demonstrated passion for and professional experience in food systems, nutrition science, or biotechnology. Previous experience working within an academic institution and within university ecosystems.
• Confidence in self and in the partnership offerings that enables an ability to interact with C‑level executives as a peer and a partner.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with marketing teams to support brand visibility and partner promotion.
• Experience with GANNT, RACI and PERT charts is highly preferred.

• 35% - Partnership Development
• 10% - Marketing Collaboration & Visibility
• 35% - Account Management
• 15% - Research & Talent Coordination
• 5% - Events & Network Engagement

The Innovation Institute for Food and Health (IIFH) at UC Davis partners with companies strategically committed to scientific research and technology‑based innovations at the nexus of food, human health, and planetary health. Our vision is to make the food we love healthier for all people and the planet. Cultural Alignment:
Our culture is who we are and is the foundation for every project we undertake. Innovative:
Our focus is on pioneering research that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible to make food healthier. Collaborative:
The IIFH stands as a collaborative nexus between academia and industry, transforming research into market‑ready, delicious, healthy, and sustainable products. Impactful:
We are dedicated to creating solutions that have a tangible impact on people’s health and well‑being. Ethical:
Ethical considerations are the foundation upon which all our decisions rest. To learn more about us: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Salary or Pay Range: $32.42 - $57.71/hour (Department budgeted salary range: $32.42 - $45.07/hr commensurate with experience.)
• Salary Frequency:
  Hourly
• Salary Grade: 122
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  INDUSTRY ALLNS SPEC 2 SV
• UC Job Code: 004995
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type:
  Contract
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8AM-5PM
• Location:
  
  Davis, CA
• Union Representation:
  Yes - SV - STDT SVS & ADV PROF (SSAP)
• Benefits Eligible:
  Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work).

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