Department Purpose

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.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, provide administrative support to the Grand Challenges team, challenge areas and champions (as needed). Coordinate and support strategic convenings and department events, travel arrangements, and special projects.

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, 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.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience providing administrative functions in a fast paced, executive level office to support a complex and high-level research unit, with the ability to execute multiple tasks and projects assigned by multiple team members, that involves feedback from multiple stakeholders
• Experience managing dynamic calendars, scheduling and coordinating large complex meetings and special events.
• Experience maintaining a high degree of discretion, integrity, and sensitivity to confidentiality and privacy
• Intermediate experience working with computer platforms (Mac and Windows), and software, including Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Ability to adapt to evolving priorities and goals and maintain organization throughout
• Skills to work in a team and hybrid environment and on projects that involve feedback from multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy in dealing with others and to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships, while maintaining a high degree of discretion, integrity, and sensitivity to confidentiality and privacy

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience and political acumen to handle sensitive or difficult situations diplomatically to represent high-level executives with discretion
• Experience coordinating and organizing events or large meetings
• Experience using project management skills to forecast, plan, and support complex needs of the team
• Experience with UC Davis software systems; Aggie Travel, Aggie Buy, and University Catering

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, active listening, critical thinking, multi-tasking and time management skills
• Work effectively and sensitively with constituents from diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives
• Proficiency with database management
• Skills to promote internal collaborations and problem-solving communication efforts across centers and work flow functions
• Knowledge of complex organized research units within a higher educational setting and university policy and procedures

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.