Research Program Manager

Job Summary
The California Strawberry Commission’s (CSC) Research Department is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Research Program Manager (RPM) to efficiently coordinate the activities and programs of CSCs Research Department located in Watsonville, CA. CSC runs a multi-million-dollar research program that funds projects focused on improving production efficiency, minimizing damage due to pests and diseases, and increasing the sustainability of the California strawberry production in the areas of strawberry breeding and genetics, plant pathology, entomology, horticulture, and automation technology. The RPM will report directly to the Vice President of Research, but will work closely with the Production Research Manager, the Director of Automation Engineering, the Director of Grower Education, and the Director of the Strawberry Center. The RPM will have direct responsibilities in the administration of the Research Department’s request for proposals (RFP), contract management, technical editing and publishing of CSCs Annual Production Research Reports, purchasing and invoicing, meeting and event planning, and other operational duties as needed.

Duties

Grant program administration

• Prepare and disseminate CSCs Request for Proposals (RFP); Track and organize submitted proposals for review by CSCs Scientific Advisory Committee and Research Committee; Notify applicants of funding decisions; Work with receiving institution grants offices to execute research contracts and agreements (e.g., University of California, USDA-ARS and Cal Poly University); Collect annual reports
• Maintain all research contract files, ensure timely billing and invoice processing, and ensure that awardees are following the reporting requirements of the contracts
• Proofread, edit (technical), and publish CSCs Annual Production Research Reports. CSC currently typesets their Annual Production Research Reports through a 3rd party vendor, and publishes the report on CSCs Industry Portal

Meeting and event planning

Each year the CSC Research Department hosts an Annual Production Research Meeting, a Scientific Advisory Committee meeting, and a two-day, off-site Research Committee meeting. In addition, we hold two additional Research Committee meetings, and we share responsibility for several University of California Production Meetings and Breeding Field Days and for the Cal Poly Strawberry Field Day. For these meetings, duties will include:

• Identify and secure the venue, dining, and lodging for the Annual Production Research Meeting, Scientific Advisory Committee meeting, and the two-day Research Committee meeting. Assist growers and industry personnel with meeting logistics (including travel when necessary) through phone calls or email, and process invoices (reimbursements) in a timely manner.
• Assist the VP of Research, committee members, and presenters in scheduling and preparation of meeting agendas, reports and presentations.
• Take and prepare the minutes for Research Committee meetings and other meetings as needed.

Program Operations

• Work with CSC Departments and University researchers to produce Production Guidelines, and research updates and/or articles for distribution/publication in CSCs Berry News Weekly, University newsletters and blog posts, and CSCs website
• Assist in the preparation of applications to secure outside funding as directed by the VP of Research. This includes State and Federal agencies, manufacturers and other potential sources of revenue. For funded projects, submit reimbursement requests in compliance with grant guidelines and document results with grantors. Coordinate submission of progress reports to funding agencies
• Handle the day-to-day activities of the Research department including general phone inquiries, contracting, billing, and document editing.
• When needed, provide administrative support for the Marketing, Communication and Public Policy Departments. The CSC also provides grower education and training in the areas of food safety, pesticide safety, labor and compliance, and production through our Grower Education Department.

You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting California strawberry growers, shippers, and processors. In this role, you will help foster the innovation and technology to improve strawberry production, foster sustainability, and promote continuous improvement across the industry while building meaningful relationships and making a statewide impact.

Please send cover letter with resume to the attention of Dr. Bill Turechek.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The California Strawberry Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment) against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), domestic violence, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. We will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination or harassment by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and all areas of employment including, but not limited to hiring, recruitment, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled applicants and employees as well as pregnant employees upon request.

***The CSC is an E-Verify Employer***

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000