Project Management Engagement Specialist

University of California - Davis; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

100% on-site

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

University of California - Davis seeks a Project Manager Community Engagement Specialist to build campus-wide collaboration for the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Center. You will develop outreach plans, nurture partnerships with faculty, patients, families, community groups, foundations, and government agencies, and set engagement priorities with the CGT Center Director.

The ideal candidate brings strong PM skills, diplomacy, and a passion for cell and gene therapy, with independent

Qualifications

• Project management certification (PMP/CSM/ACP) or equivalent experience.
• Valid California driver's license or enrollment in Employer Pull Notice Program.
• Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience with patient advocates and community leaders, professional discretion.
• Experience with planning, strategic initiatives, and evidence-based PM tools.
• Strong organization, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to engage diverse community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead project management initiatives and program development for CGT outreach.
• Analyze and manage strategic partnerships and engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Development for philanthropic opportunities when present.
• Represent CGT and UC Davis professionally to diverse audiences.
• Coordinate multi-project visits, events, and planning with leadership teams.

Skills

Project management

Diplomacy & communication

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Confidential handling

Independent judgement

Community engagement

Executive presence

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Project management tools

MS Office / databases

Job description

Job Summary

The Project Manager Community Engagement Specialist is an experienced professional in building collaboration and partnerships across campus, fostering community relationships, and developing strategic and tactical outreach plans to advance the mission and impact of the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Center at UC Davis. Success for this position will be to broaden engagement for CGT with diverse stakeholders including faculty, patients and families, community, and special interest organizations, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

In partnership with the CGT Center Director, this position will set priorities regarding partnerships, identify opportunities for engagement, and collaborate with the Office of Development if a philanthropic opportunity emerges. The ideal candidate demonstrates expertise in project management with a preferred knowledge of cell and gene therapy.

Working independently, this position exercises excellent diplomacy, judgement, critical thinking, and strategic problem-solving to advance meaningful partnerships and engagement opportunities for the CGT Center. This position reports to the CGT Program Director and Program Manager and will work in close daily partnership with both.

Apply By Date: 10/16/2026 by 11:59pm

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

• Project management certification from a reputable organization such as PMP, CSM or ACP to include a qualifying exam and / or quality assurance processes like Six Sigma or Lean or equivalent project management experience required.
• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Prior experience working directly with patient advocates, influential community members, and organizational leaders, with the ability to represent the University with professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Experienced with project management and strategic planning experience.
• Prior experience using evidence-based project management tools and methodologies.
• Basic knowledge of project management principles, theories, and concepts.
• Demonstrated organization and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify opportunities, analyze value, organize and implement a plan, anticipate obstacles, and plan for contingencies.
• Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters that require independent judgement and strict discretion.
• Ability to recognize the need for, and to maintain, security of confidential and privileged information.
• Ability to connect with community members interested in cell and gene therapy.
• Ability to describe program goals and funding requirements to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated flexibility to respond to a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to establish goals, workload priorities, organizing and coordinating multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.
• Advanced ability to pay special attention to details and organizational skills in all areas of work.
• Advanced knowledge and ability of scheduling, coordinating, and managing multiple and complex visits, projects, and events with skill to reason and discern priorities when determining executive action.
• Advanced computer skills to apply various programs (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, etc.) to accomplish daily work and perform website maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to use interpersonal, customer service and communication skills to interact and communicate in-person, over the phone, through electronic e-mail, etc., and to positively represent the CGT Program to all guests, visitors, and university personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a highly professional representative of an executive leadership office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years preferred work experience with a broad range of community partners.
• Advanced knowledge of CGT initiatives and an understanding of potential impact on patients, research, clinical care, and the broader community.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp the science and clinical applicability of cell and gene therapies.
• Proven strong political acumen and ability to successfully operate within a diverse, complex organization.
• Proven ability to apply high ethical standards to business practices and decision making to ensure University policies and procedures are thoroughly communicated to provide context to leadership in the decision-making process.
• Advanced ability exercising political acumen and sensitivity to different perspectives and political circumstances throughout all levels of the campus as well as all internal or external constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, analyze and interpret complex written material and other data, and effectively communicate results.
• Analytical skills to anticipate/identify problems, to research and interpret data, to present analysis, and to develop solutions for resolution and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and analytically and to prioritize based on shifting dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% - Project Management/Program Initiative
• 45% - Analysis & Strategic Management
• 10% - Other

Department Overview

The UC Davis Cell and Gene Therapy Initiative spans basic, translational, and clinical research, as well as clinical delivery. The team is committed to finding treatments and cures for debilitating human diseases and injuries using human cell and gene therapies, and a variety of biomedical engineering techniques. Cell and gene therapy has been identified as strategic catalyst and key differentiator for UC Davis Health. The CGT Center is organizationally housed within the UC Davis School of Medicine Office of the Dean.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: 3,440.00 - $6,328.00
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 123
• UC Job Title: PROJECT MGT PROFL 3 RP
• UC Job Code: 005252
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Day
• Location: UCD Inst for Regenerative Cure (HSP041)
• Union Representation: RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• 100% on-site

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 by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

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
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional 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

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