Program Manager

University of California, Davis; Remote; USD 82,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in California seeks a Program Manager to oversee budgeting and logistics for research initiatives in quantum science, cybersecurity, and more. The successful candidate will coordinate between multiple campuses, necessitating outstanding organizational and communication abilities. You will engage in significant projects that advance collaborative science. This position is 100% remote with competitive benefits.

Benefits

High quality medical plans

Dental and Vision insurance premiums covered

Extensive leave benefits

Continuing Education allowance

Access to professional development courses

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in project or program management, ideally in higher education or research.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-institutional environment.
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting and accounting.

Responsibilities

• Lead tracking of budgets and logistics for major research initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-campus engagement on various research topics.
• Ensure effective communication and public relations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Project coordination

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, or related field

Tools

Asana

Concur

Google Workspace

Canva

Box

Job description

Overview

Job Summary Under the direction of Executive Director, the Program Manager will serve as the operational lead for tracking budgets, managing logistics, and facilitating cross-campus engagement around major research initiatives, such as quantum science, computational health, cybersecurity, and brain health. This role requires exceptional organizational, communication, and analytical skills to support the mission of advancing collaborative, high-impact science across the University of California system.

Apply By Date: February 17, 2026

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in project or program management, ideally in higher education or research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-institutional environment
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, accounting, and strong skills in project coordination, budget tracking, and stakeholder communication
• Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project and financial management tools (e.g., Asana, Concur), cloud-based collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Canva, Box)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public administration, business, or a related field
• Experience working within the UC system or other large academic research institutions
• Familiarity with extramural funding processes, UC budgeting, and research administration
• Background in organizing academic events, workshops, or proposal reviews

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Program and RFP Coordination
• 20% - Budgeting and Financial Tracking
• 20% - Communications & Public Relations

Department Overview

The UC Noyce Initiative is a collaborative effort across five UC campuses: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Francisco, and UC Santa Barbara. The Initiative supports cross-campus and cross-disciplinary research in digital innovation, data science, technology and innovation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computational health and life sciences, quantum computing, and related societal implications. It provides competitive grants and builds community through annual symposia and other events. For more information, please visit the UC Noyce Initiative website.

The UC Noyce Initiative seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented Program Manager to support the day-to-day coordination and implementation of its multi-campus research programs.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $82,900.00 - $152,900.00/year
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: ADMIN OFCR 4 CX
• UC Job Code: 004801
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Remote Worksite (REMOTE)
• Union Representation: Yes - CX-Clerical/Admin
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% remote

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the 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 health, wellness, financial and career goals. For details, refer to the Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page. If represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California and your union and finalized in a contract.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans
• 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 UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities
• WorkLife and Wellness programs
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to mental health services
• Supplemental insurance options
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Retirement benefit options including Pension and other plans

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) are prohibited on UC Davis property.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, employment contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

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: 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. 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: hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks