Position Overview:
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for an Associate Director/Academic Coordinator II with the UC ANR Policy Institute.
Location Headquarters: UC ANR, Davis, CA.
Purpose:
The Associate Director/Academic Coordinator II will provide statewide coordination and leadership for activities of the UC ANR Policy Institute. Specifically, this position will collaborate with the Director to develop new sources of funding including preparing grant applications and engaging with donors. This position will also communicate science-based research, pursue new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers internal and external to UC ANR, oversee contracts and grants, build relationships with local, state, and federal policymakers, and serve as a resource for UC academics engaging in science-to-policy work.
The UC ANR Policy Institute (Policy Institute), housed within the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, will be the one-stop shop for policymakers to find and easily access scientists and cutting-edge research on issues critical to California. The Policy Institute will also connect affiliated researchers to work across specialty areas, serve as a resource for UC academics interested in expanding policy-relevant work and communications, and will establish a policy advisory board to help identify priority research areas, grant opportunities, and partnerships. The Policy Institute will also conduct original research and real-time economic analyses to remain relevant and responsive to timely, critical issues.
Alignment. As described in UC ANR's Vision 2040, California faces a complex, ever-changing regulatory environment in which science-based input and community engagement are needed to inform policy decisions and implementation. Now more than ever, solutions are needed to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and other disasters, advance more efficient methods of agriculture production, further sustainable land stewardship, strengthen food systems, and build resiliency to future impacts of social, political, and ecological challenges. As these challenges increase in complexity so, too, do their solutions. Local, state, and federal policies and regulations must adapt and be responsive, taking into consideration current scientific and technological advances.
This position will help UC ANR achieve its mission of cultivating thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California through development and sharing of equitable and collaborative science-based solutions that have national and global impact. Through research, education, extension, and outreach, this position will contribute to each of UC ANR's Public Value Statements.
Clientele. The UC ANR Policy Institute's clientele is necessarily broad given that it conducts a wide variety of activities, from conducting original research, calculating real-time economic analyses, and communicating science with policymakers. The Associate Director/Academic Coordinator II will primarily work with UC researchers and local, state, and federal policymakers, as well as partner organizations and stakeholders.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
* Provide statewide coordination for activities of the UC ANR Policy Institute.
* Lead and contribute to effective communication efforts (e.g., develop and maintain websites, social media, blogs, and other media).
* Develop, adapt, implement, and evaluate program activities, training, curriculum, and other educational activities and multi-media materials aligned with strategic plan and/or clientele needs.
* Write policy briefs and support academics in writing policy briefs.
* Develop proposals for extramural funding (e.g., grants, contracts, gifts/donations).
* Effectively communicate science-based research to a variety of audiences.
* Collaborate with other UC ANR academics, campus-based specialists and faculty and/or others, to address priority issues.
* Oversee contracts and grants.
* Serve as a resource for UC academics engaging in science-to-policy work.
* Design and deliver professional development opportunities for academics engaging in science-to-policy communications.
* Create a positive environment that supports the success of the unit team and team members - includes modeling and supporting a good team working environment. Sets goals and target outputs for shared clarity of vision.
* Represent UC ANR in a professional manner. Liaison representation with other agencies and institutions in the public and private sectors.
* Be an effective listener and communicator, take responsibility for own actions, motivate others, and keep commitments.
* Interact with UC ANR Program Teams, specialists, campus based Agricultural Experiment Station faculty and others within the research/extension network to develop, strengthen and expand Policy Institute goals.
* Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with federal, state and county governmental agencies, non-government organizations and others.
* Represent UC ANR in a professional manner. Maintain positive relationships with stakeholders and clientele. Meet with and provide responsive communications with key stakeholders (e.g., industry partners, donors, policymakers and elected officials, and others as required).
* Commitment to ongoing self-improvement both professionally and personally; interest in continued and lifelong learning.
* Promote and operationalize UC ANR's Principles of Community (https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr/About_ANR/Principles_of_Community/)
Reporting Relationship:
The Associate Director/Academic Coordinator II reports to the Director of the UC ANR Policy Institute who is responsible for supervision and evaluation of the position, and works closely with Associate Directors within the UC ANR Policy Institute on programs and projects. This position also collaborates with UC ANR academics, Cooperative Extension staff, other UC academics, Vice Provost of Academic Personnel, Associate Vice-President, and Vice-President.
Qualifications Required:
Required Qualifications
A minimum of a Master's degree in agricultural, environmental, social sciences, or related field, with coursework or experience relevant to agricultural extension and public policy is required at the time of appointment. Doctoral degree is preferred.
Skills Required:
To be successful, Academic Coordinators require skills in the following:
Technical Competence
* Demonstrated ability to prepare, deliver, and evaluate research, educational materials, and extension programming.
* Ability to maintain literacy in internet communications and with computer software.
* Administrative experience including managing contract and grant budgets, reporting and evaluation, and understanding and following institutional policies.
* Demonstrated ability to secure and manage extramural funding.
Communication
* Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including website development and management.
* Demonstrated ability to listen, communicate, and extend complex information in a format tailored to diverse audiences (policymakers, funders, partners, and other external stakeholders).
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility
* Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams and provide leadership for research and education activities.
* Self-directed, responsible, and internally motivated.
* Adapts to changing conditions, prepared to capitalize on opportunities and work around potential threats, shifting focus as times and organizational needs change.
* Demonstrated ability to model and support effective teamwork and remain open to exploring new ideas and innovative solutions.
Interest in Continued and Lifelong Learning
* Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement both professionally and personally.
Additional Requirements
* Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.
* We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.
* This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. In accordance with UC ANR Flexible Work Guidelines flexible work agreements are available upon approval by supervisors and periodic re-evaluation.
* As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Desired Experience:
* Familiarity with local, state, and federal policies and agencies.
* Professional accomplishment in applied, stakeholder-driven research in a field such as agricultural or environmental economics, or another relevant discipline.
* Strong diplomatic skills to engage in dialogue and creative problem-solving with diverse groups of stakeholders and partners.
* Experience working across multiple disciplines in whole systems approaches that consider multiple elements of agricultural and food systems as complex coupled human and natural systems.
Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review (including Professional Competence, University and Public Service) at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/files/355229.pdf
About UC ANR:
UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 250 UC ANR academics conduct research, extension, and education serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations, including county-based UCCE offices, 13 statewide programs and institutes, and 9 research and extension centers. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people's lives.
Learn more about:
* UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
* UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams.
* UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.
* UC ANR UC ANR uses seven Public Value statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.
* UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to UC ANR's Affirmative Action policy
* UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary: The salary will be in the Academic Coordinator II series from Step 1 - $84,246 to Step 5 - $101,425 annually. The Step placement in this series is based on experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding the Academic Coordinator series salary scales, please refer to https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-scales/t36-ii.pdf
This appointment is a limited term appointment. The merit cycle is every two years. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. The position will be extended based on the continued need for the position, performance and availability of funding.
Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
How to Apply:
If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-04)
Closing Date: To ensure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 13, 2025 (open until filled).
Questions?
Contact Katie Kilbane via email: klkilbane@ucanr.edu
University of California Cooperative Extension
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
$84,246.00 / yr
paid holidays, sick time
Oct 11, 2025