RSCH GNT PRG OFCR 3 (Research Program Manager)

The Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis (ITS-Davis) is the leading university center in the world on sustainable transportation, hosting the National Center on Sustainable Transportation (NCST) since 2013, and managing large research initiatives on energy, environmental, and social issues. It is home to more than 60 affiliated faculty and researchers, and more than 120 graduate students, and, with its affiliated centers, an annual budget of more than $20 million. We have a strong commitment not just to research, but interdisciplinary education and engagement with government, industry, and non-governmental organizations.

The NCST is a part of the University Transportation Centers Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The NCST is led by UC Davis in a consortium comprised of California State University Long Beach, Georgia Institute of Technology, Texas Southern University, UC Riverside, the University of Southern California, and the University of Vermont. The NCST provides national leadership in advancing environmentally sustainable transportation through cutting-edge research, direct policy engagement, and education of our future leaders. The NCST’s research program is working toward equitable decarbonization of the transportation sector through high-priority projects that inform policy in the public and private sectors and that address the needs of diverse communities. The NCST supports a wide array of activities in the areas of research, education, and engagement, and has an annual budget of $4 million in federal funding and $4 million in matching funds from state agencies and other sources. UC Davis is also a partner in the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center, led by the University of Southern California.

In 2017, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1), which significantly increased state support for university research. SB 1 provides the UC ITS (UC Davis, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, and UCLA) an annual allocation of $5 million dollars to support research that will help the Golden State maximize the economic, environmental, and social benefits of transportation investments. The UC ITS SB 1 funding is split roughly equally among the four ITS branches, with ITS-Davis receiving an annual allocation of approximately $1.3 million.

Job Summary

Under direction of the National Center for Sustainable Transportation (NCST) Assistant Director, the Research Program Manager will oversee, manage, and support all aspects of various complex, multi-site, multi-disciplinary, and extramurally funded research projects and programs. The Program Manager will assist with the day-to-day activities of the NCST, the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis) Statewide Transportation Research Program (aka SB 1 Program), and the UC Davis partnership in the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center (PSR). The position is responsible for administering the research programs, including overseeing development and facilitation of requests for proposals to fund research, technology transfer, and professional/workforce development activities; maintaining oversight of all projects; developing and implementing data collection systems for performance metrics; supporting relationships with funding agencies; assisting with compliance with reporting requirements; coordinating and facilitating meetings; and otherwise assisting the Assistant Director in managing program activities. The position is also responsible for providing support for management of financial and human resources of the programs, and developing processes to improve the Centers’ workflow, operations, and accountability. This is a two-year contract from the date of hire with possibility of extension and/or transition to career, upon existing funding.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Lift office supplies and marketing materials weighing up to 25 lbs. (hand cart available).
• Up to 25 Pounds (Light) - OCCASIONALLY

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Occasional travel.
• Work flexible schedule with occasional overtime hours during peak periods or to meet operational or project needs or deadlines.
• Hours including weekend work.
• Valid Driver’s License to drive alternative fueled vehicles provided by the university.
• 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:

• A bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary projects and/or programs, and applying project management principles and concepts.
• Experience working on issues that require analysis of data and/or an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. 
• Experience developing and overseeing the implementation of new programs and processes. Experience in program and budget management. Demonstrated experience troubleshooting data quality issues and recommending strategies to manage and correct data collection issues.
• Experience overseeing and administering policies, programs and proposals which are complex in nature and diverse in scope; Experience administering contracts and complying with reporting requirements.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Strategic planning and evaluation skills to analyze, define, and assess problems, issues, and needs, and define needed actions; Strong organizational, problem-solving, planning, and decision-making skills. Advanced analytical / problem-solving skills; Advanced communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with all levels of staff and stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and have self-direction in a team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:             

• Experience implementing the principles of performance management, multiculturalism and diversity, and coaching skills to enhance staff contributions to department mission.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• A broad understanding of transportations systems, policies and challenges, either from education and/or professional experience.
• Quantitative and analytical skills to prepare statistical reports, budgets and projections and to interpret reports prepared by others.
• Strong writing skills to prepare written progress reports and communications content.
• Analytical skills to review current university and unit policies, procedures, and to recommend potential unit changes to improve efficacy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20 . 

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