Director of Industry Engagement (INDUSTRY ALLNS MGR 1)

Reporting to the Chief Ventures Officer (CVO) and serving within UC Davis Health Ventures (Health Ventures) in the Innovation and Economic Development Office, the Director of Industry Engagement will lead efforts to connect the health sciences faculty of UC Davis with industry partners to accelerate innovations toward clinical and commercial impact. The Director of Industry Engagement will be responsible for driving co-product development with industry partners, leveraging patents, know-how, and data licensing to accelerate innovation and commercialization. A central focus of this work will be the establishment of a UC Davis Health clinical test bed, enabling the co-development and validation of emerging technologies in a real-world clinical environment. As part of this role, the Director will also expand UC Davis Health's industry sponsored research portfolio, further advancing the institution's position among America's leading academic health systems.

The Director of Industry Engagement will collaborate closely with UC Davis stakeholders including the Research and Industry Sponsored Agreements Office, Technology Transfer Office, Foundation and Corporate Engagement Office, and others, to expand industry engagement and develop partnerships in strategic growth areas with strong clinical and commercial impact. These thematic areas include cell and gene therapy, neuroscience, oncology and other high-impact focus areas identified by Health Ventures.

Key priorities for the Director of Industry Engagement include:
1. Identifying researchers, initiatives, technologies, and other assets with potential for further commercial development and industry collaboration.
2. Coordinating with the UC Davis centralized database managed by Foundation and Corporate Engagement to capture and track interactions with industry partners and related business development activities.
3. Designing innovative concepts to establish a UC Davis Health clinical test bed, enabling industry partners to codevelop and validate emerging technologies within a leading health system.
4. Collaborating across the UC Davis and UC Davis Health ecosystem to strengthen industry partnerships and support
regional economic development.

The Director of Industry Engagement will eventually build and lead a team of business development professionals who work across Health Ventures' thematic areas on behalf of the health campus, facilitating industry collaborations - including through master research agreements that address intellectual property, including know-how.

In addition, the Director of Industry Engagement will play a central role in advancing a new pilot program to establish a clinical product test bed within UC Davis Health. This initiative is designed to enable collaboration with industry partners, including startups, in product innovation and commercialization. It will also serve as a platform to advance innovations originating directly from UC Davis Health. By expanding and diversifying revenue streams, this initiative will align with the institution's mission of delivering Tomorrow's Health Care Today.

Apply By Date: November 25, 2025 at 11:59p; screening and selection can begin any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in business, engineering or related field and/or equivalent training and experience.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible and demonstrated experience implementing strategic initiatives and/or business development opportunities, with proven business planning expertise.
• Direct experience in the health care, life sciences, or related biomedical fields, with the ability to understand and communicate the unique challenges and opportunities of industry partnerships in these domains.
• In-depth knowledge of business development concepts, best practices, and functions to achieve measurable results in a diverse stakeholder landscape, balancing competing and sometimes conflicting interests.
• Advanced negotiating and analytical skills with demonstrated ability to manage complex agreements involving intellectual property, know-how, and data licensing, and to assess multifaceted issues to develop creative, effective solutions.
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills to build, lead, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including faculty, clinicians, administrators, and industry partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the institution to external stakeholders, including senior executives in industry, government, and academia.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or similar environments where collaboration, team building, inclusiveness, and working cooperatively are highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

Industry Engagement Development and Management (80%)

• Cultivate a robust pipeline of UC Davis Health innovations including patents, know-how, data, and other assets with compelling value propositions to attract and sustain industry partnerships.
• Drive business development efforts to execute co-product development initiatives, industry-sponsored research, and licensing opportunities with strategic partners.
• Collaborate closely with the Foundation and Corporate Engagement Office, Industry Sponsored Agreements Office, and Technology Transfer Office to ensure seamless coordination of business development efforts, agreements, and relationship management activities.
• Manage relationships with both established and emerging industry partners, skillfully navigating agreements through negotiation processes and UC Davis workflows. Collaborate proactively with other University offices to identify and resolve challenges that could hinder partnership success.
• Provide guidance and support to UC Davis Health faculty in navigating internal policies and processes pertinent to industry partnerships, including matters related to intellectual property, data licensing, know-how, conflicts of interest, and compliance.
• Manage and lead the development of strategic marketing and communication plans to heighten awareness of UC Davis Health's capabilities and opportunities for collaboration among regional, national, and global industry stakeholders.
• Serve as an ambassador for UC Davis Health, representing the institution at regional, national, and international medical, scientific, and economic development conferences.
• Foster collaboration across the UC Davis and UC Davis Health campuses to coordinate and strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and translational research programs.

Clinical Test Bed Pilot Development and Implementation (20%)

• Collaborate closely with UC Davis and UC Davis Health leadership to assess constraints, opportunities, and institutional priorities associated with establishing a UC Davis Health Clinical Test Bed. This initiative is designed to accelerate the commercialization of high-impact intellectual property portfolios from both UC Davis
  Health innovators and external industry partners.
• Create and manage a comprehensive concept document for the Clinical Test Bed, outlining preliminary goals, budgetary projections, governance considerations, and staffing models required for successful implementation.
• Engage with faculty innovators, clinical leaders, and industry partners to define and refine use cases for the Clinical Test Bed, ensuring alignment with translational research priorities and unmet medical needs.
• Work with internal offices including the Industry Sponsored Agreements Office, Technology Transfer Office, and Foundation & Corporate Engagement Office to establish pathways for co-product development, intellectual property considerations, data/know-how licensing, and compliance requirements.
• Develop an initial operating framework, including metrics for evaluating pilot success, mechanisms for scaling, and strategies for sustaining long-term partnerships and revenue generation.
• Identify and cultivate early industry partners and pilot projects that can validate the Clinical Test Bed concept and demonstrate its
  value to UC Davis Health, UC Davis faculty, and the broader innovation ecosystem.
• Oversee the further implementation and growth of the Clinical Test Bed program, expanding its scope, increasing industry participation, and ensuring its integration into UC Davis Health's broader innovation and commercialization strategy.

Department Overview

UC Davis Health Ventures is the human health innovation and commercialization hub within the Innovation and Economic Development Office. Based at Aggie Square, it connects researchers, clinicians, investors and industry partners to accelerate the development of human health-focused discoveries into market focused solutions. Health Ventures oversees a collaborative network supporting translational funding programs, industry partnerships, intellectual property commercialization and operates a dedicated Health Venture Studio and Fund. By fostering collaboration across campus and the Sacramento region, it helps advance breakthrough technologies from the lab to the market.

Position Information

• Full Salary Grade Range: $122,300.00 - $259,900.00
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: 27
• UC Job Title: INDUSTRY ALLNS MGR 1
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8-5
• Location: Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: No
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work, requiring local residency)

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 - 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
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 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) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Able to be flexible and comfortable managing sensitive and complex matters in an environment of constant change.

Special Requirements

• 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

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