AIFS Manager of Strategic Engagement, Education and Communications (MARKETING SPEC 3)

Reporting to the Associate Director of AIFS, the Manager of Strategic Engagement, Education, and Communications will lead AIFS integrated portfolio of external engagement, event strategy and execution, marketing and communications, outreach, education support, partnership development, and project management. This role prioritizes high-quality program execution of AIFS events and external engagement activities, with communications serving as a supporting function to amplify those efforts. This position will play a central role in further increasing the visibility, reach, and impact of AIFS across academic, industry, government, philanthropic, nonprofit, student, media, and public audiences. The incumbent will work closely with AIFS leadership to develop and implement strategies that elevate AIFS research and programs, strengthen the institute brand, expand stakeholder engagement, support education and workforce-development activities, and advance relationships with external partners and potential funders.

Apply By Date

06/04/2026 by 11:59 pm

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, business, education, event management, project management, public administration, science communication, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, events, outreach, external engagement, program management, partnership development, or related work.
• Demonstrated experience leading and prioritizing multiple complex events, workshops, conferences, stakeholder meetings, or public programs from planning through execution, adhering to deadlines, budgets, and planned deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies, content calendars, newsletters, websites, social media, campaigns, and public-facing materials.
• Experience supporting external partnerships, sponsorships, business development, donor/funder engagement, or stakeholder relationship management.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, PowerPoint, Excel, Zoom, event registration tools, email marketing platforms, social media platforms, website content systems, and analytics tools.
• Ability to translate technical, scientific, academic, or policy content into clear communications via writing, presentation, and storytelling for diverse, non-specialist audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, research institutes, nonprofit organizations, agriculture, food systems, AI, data science, biotechnology, climate, sustainability, or STEM fields.
• Experience working in a multi-institutional, grant-funded, or researchintensive environment.
• Experience developing partnerships with industry, government, philanthropy, nonprofit, or academic organizations.
• Experience with sponsorship development, proposal support, donor/funder communications, or corporate engagement.
• Experience supervising staff, student assistants, vendors, consultants, or contractors.
• Experience creating executive-level briefings, strategic plans, reports, pitch materials, and partner-facing communications.
• Experience with media relations, public affairs, or science communication.
• Experience working in communications and digital media for organizations of various sizes (<10 people to 500 people) in a field relevant to AIFS (e.g., Information Technology, Biotechnology, Food Science, etc.).
• Significant experience with making an impact on the growth of an organization through communications and branding via digital media.
• Experience with university-based research concepts, principles, and conduct of research.
• Familiarity with UC Davis policies, procedures, event systems, brand guidelines, purchasing, travel, accessibility, and campus operations
• Knowledge of campus policies and procedures to interpret inquiries and requests to formulate appropriate action or response.

Key Responsibilities

• 25% - Strategic Engagement and External Relations
• 50% - Event Strategy, Planning, and Execution
• 25% - Marketing, Communications, and Brand Management

Department Overview

The USDA/NSF AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS) is a partnership of 6 organizations (UC Davis, UC Berkeley, Cornell, UIUC, UC ANR, USDA) with a mission to empower the next generation with sustainable production, processing, and distribution of nutritious food through transformative AI technologies. Headquartered in Davis, CA, AIFS is one of the national institutes funded by NSF and USDA in thematic areas of strategic importance to the nation. AIFS activities involve faculty, staff, students, and other professionals working on research, education, outreach, and engagement programs across a nationwide network of partners and local offices. This position is responsible for leading integrated engagement, events, outreach, communications, and partnership-development activities for AIFS. The role coordinates across a multi-institutional research institute involving faculty, staff, students, partner organizations, vendors, and external stakeholders. The position requires strategic leadership and hands-on execution, including event planning, digital communications, research storytelling, stakeholder engagement, business-development support, project management, and coordination of student assistants, contractors, vendors, or future support staff as assigned.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $77,100.00 - $139,900.00
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 22
• UC Job Title: MARKETING SPEC 3
• UC Job Code: 007552
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8AM-5PM
• Location: Davis, Ca
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 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
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 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 #CA-CB