The Office of Grand Challenges provides dedicated leadership and facilitation for current and future research, education, and public service activities focused on UC Davis campus priorities for action to address the world’s wicked problems (herein “Grand Challenges”), including, but not limited to: emerging health threats, other obstacles to individual and community wellness, climate change, social and environmental justice, environmental degradation, and food systems. Grand Challenges is also planning a new built environment, conceived of as a special space that will be an ideal site for Grand Challenges programs and a focal point for transdisciplinary collaboration campus-wide.

Grand Challenges at UC Davis is a new campus initiative dedicated to facing the world’s complex and wicked problems, collaboratively and holistically. The Grand Challenges team connects, supports, and activates the campus community – amplifying the innovative work happening across all UCD schools and colleges. We are engaged in championing the strengths of UCD, facilitating the connection of diverse research areas, developing large grant proposals, and creating physical and virtual spaces where changemakers can come together to dream up and enact solutions. Working collaboratively, Grand Challenges will help UCD chart the course for a more connected, equitable, and healthier world in the 21st century and beyond.

Job Summary

As the leader of the technical proposal creation team, meet with campus leadership, including the Chancellor, the Provost, Vice Chancellors, Deans, Department Chairs, and key faculty leaders to gather ideas and perspectives to create winning grant and contract

proposals that will advance the impact of campus team research on Grand Challenges initiatives. Assist Vice Provost of Grand Challenges and Office of Research in identifying and executing on funding opportunities in a nimble and time-sensitive manner, as many strategic opportunities do not have much advanced notice. Facilitate the campus in achieving the goals of Grand Challenges by also building transformative proposals for philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other organizations in conjunction with Development and Alumni Relations.

Develop strategies and content related to Grand Challenges to solicit large-scale funding from relevant organizations and individuals and in response to notices of funding opportunities, especially to secure US federal funds for complex, transdisciplinary proposals in the range of $10-200M. Responsible for curating content and collecting information from diverse sources, including campus leaders, and drafting and editing large proposals, case statements, correspondence, and other written documents. Participate in multidisciplinary workshops to gather ideas and details from a diverse set of disciplines and stakeholder communities. Conduct research and gather background information from public resources and technical documents. Distill information from disparate sources into cohesive and compelling proposals. Develop proposals from concept to submission on tight timelines. Coordinate approval and timely dissemination of proposals and other fundraising documents. Create communications support materials, including templates, boilerplate language and other documents to be used in Grand Challenges fundraising efforts. Attend team meetings and strategic convenings and participate and lead discussions with program officers and donors, as appropriate.

THIS POSITION MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR HYBRID/REMOTE WORK ARRANGEMENTS.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Physical Demands: Sitting - Frequently
• Visual Acuity Requirements: Close Visual Acuity (e.g., viewing a computer screen; using measurement devices) - Frequently
• Equipment Used to Perform the Duties: Computer and Peripheral Equipment - Frequently

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Additional Minimum License/Certification:

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience in managing multi-step communications projects and in meeting multiple overlapping deadlines
• Bachelor’s degree in a field with a substantial academic writing component or equivalent experience

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to speak to and work with people from a wide range of disciplines, as well as individuals from the Chancellor level to new students and staff
• Demonstrated ability to craft compelling proposals for large-scale team research aimed at both federal agencies and private individuals. Ability to turn institutional objectives and messages into compelling proposals
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to evolving priorities and goals and produce quality materials under tight timelines, while juggling concurrent priorities in a complex, decentralized environment
• Skills to work in a team environment and on projects that involve input and feedback from multiple stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and different disciplinary languages
• Demonstration of high ethical standards and confidentiality with ability to exercise good judgment on behalf of Grand Challenges
• Familiarity with academic, scientific and/or technical subjects and a demonstrated ability to translate these into persuasive proposals and cases for support
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of writing major contract and grant proposals for team research

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Additional Preferred License/Certification:

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Understanding of and experience in the environment of private fundraising at a major public institution
• Experience working with page layout software such as InDesign

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Proficiency with computer software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and data base skills
• Excellent research, grammar, spelling, and proofreading skills
• Knowledge and skills related to university fundraising

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

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 is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. #LI-DNI