State Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Under direction of the Senior Program Manager (Senior PM) and reporting to the NCST/PSR/CERCET Director (Director), the Program Manager will support the day-to-day operations of various complex, multi-institutional, multidisciplinary, and extramurally funded research projects and programs. The Program Manager will contribute to managing the National Center for Sustainable Transportation (NCST), the ITS-Davis's legislatively-funded California research programs, the UC Davis partnership in the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center (PSR), and the Center for Efficiency, Resiliency, and Community Engagement in Transportation (CERCET). The position is responsible for contributing to the administration of the research programs, including supporting the development and facilitation of requests for proposals to fund research, technology transfer, and professional/workforce development activities; maintaining oversight of all projects; implementing data collection systems for performance metrics; supporting relationships with funding agencies; assisting with reporting requirements compliance; coordinating and facilitating meetings; and otherwise assisting the Senior PM and Director in managing program activities. The position is also responsible for providing support for management of financial and human resources of the programs ,and developing processes to improve the Centers' workflows, operations, and accountability, as needed.

Apply By Date: August 6, 2026

Qualifications

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

• Advanced degree in transportation, public policy, environmental policy, economics, engineering, or relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary projects and/or research programs, applying project management principles, and exercising judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to achieve program objectives.
• Experience analyzing data and evaluating variable factors to identify issues, troubleshoot data quality concerns, and recommend corrective actions and process improvements.
• Experience coordinating complex research programs involving multiple stakeholders, funding sources, contracts/subcontracts, and reporting and compliance requirements.
• Strategic planning and evaluation skills to creatively and independently analyze, define, and assess problems, issues, and needs, and define needed actions.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and the ability to work independently and have self-direction in a team environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with all levels / diverse groups of internal and external personnel (including peers and supervisors) and stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing the principles of performance management, Principles of Community, and coaching skills to enhance staff contributions to department mission.
• Experience in budget management.
• Experience overseeing and administering policies, projects, programs, and proposals which are complex in nature and diverse in scope.
• Experience developing and overseeing the implementation of new programs and processes.
• A broad understanding of transportation systems, policies, and challenges, either from education and/or professional experience.
• Quantitative and analytical skills to prepare statistical reports, budgets, and projections, and to interpret reports prepared by others.
• Analytical skills to review and implement current university and unit policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• 75% - FEDERAL PROGRAMS OPERATIONS
• 20% - STATE PROGRAM OPERATIONS
• 5% - ITS-DAVIS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

Department Overview

The Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis (ITS-Davis) is a leading research center focused on sustainable transportation and interdisciplinary research addressing transportation, energy, environmental, and social challenges. ITS-Davis supports research, education, and engagement with government, industry, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The institute includes more than 60 affiliated faculty and researchers and more than 120 graduate students and manages more than $20 million in annual research funding through its affiliated centers and programs.
ITS-Davis hosts and supports major federally and state-funded transportation research programs, including the National Center for Sustainable Transportation (NCST), the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center (PSR), the Center for Efficiency, Resiliency, and Community Engagement in Transportation (CERCET), and other state-funded research initiatives.

The Program Manager supports the administration and coordination of multiple complex, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary transportation research programs, including NCST, PSR, CERCET, and state-funded research initiatives.
The role supports proposal development and project selection processes, including coordinating requests for proposals, managing review processes, and supporting research project selection activities. The position also supports program operations by maintaining project tracking systems, collecting and analyzing performance data, and ensuring compliance with reporting and funding requirements.
Responsibilities include coordination with faculty, researchers, students, consortium partners, and funding agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and Caltrans. The position supports education and workforce development activities, including student programs, professional development initiatives, and research dissemination efforts.
The role also contributes to financial and operational coordination, including supporting project and program reporting, assisting with budget and resource tracking activities, and helping improve program workflows, systems, and accountability.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $89,775.00 - $165,165.00/year (Department budgeted salary range: $89,775 - $99,000/yr. Commensurate with experience.)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: RSCH GNT PRG OFCR 3 RP
• UC Job Code: 005277
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8-5
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• 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 - 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
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 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.
Occasional travel. Work flexible schedule with occasional overtime hours during peak periods or to meet operational or project needs or deadlines. Hours including weekend work.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position