Foundations Partnership Manager (INDUSTRY ALLNS SPEC 2 SV)

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Foundation Partnerships Manager will lead our engagement with philanthropic organizations and grant-making institutions. This role will manage our existing portfolio of large foundation partners while driving business development for new relationships. This position serves as the primary architect of our funding narratives for our Foundation partners, translating complex scientific concepts into compelling proposals and managing the deliverables for our most critical funding sources.

Apply By Date: March 20, 2026

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in agricultural science, food science, related fields and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working at the interface between academia and non-profit organizations in development, grant writing, or program management occurring in either an academic or non-profit setting.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; tact and political acumen to effectively communicate professional correspondence, sponsor 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 and database software programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree is preferred
• Proven ability to take loose concepts or technical scientific data and structure them into polished, persuasive written narratives.
• Experience managing high-value relationships with foundations or large organizations, including the tracking of complex deliverables.
• Experience in creating effective scientific content for successful public communication initiatives, awarded grants, presentations, among others, for internal and external audiences, including but not limited to governments, institutes, leadership, and funders.
• Deep understanding of how major foundations operate, including their grant cycles, reporting requirements, and internal decision-making processes.
• Familiarity with the complexity of university research environments and the ability to partner with diverse academic stakeholders.
• A demonstrated passion for or professional experience in food systems, nutrition science, metabolic health, or biotechnology. Experience with GANNT, RACI and PERT charts highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• 25% - Foundation Partner Stewardship
• 30% - Development and Outreach
• 25% - Grant Writing and Content Synthesis Support
• 15% - Collaboration and Coordination
• 5% - Events & Network Engagement

Department Overview

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. We seek candidates who share our values.
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: https://foodandhealth.ucdavis.edu/

POSITION INFORMATION

• 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 - Student Service Advising Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks