Director of Fuel Policy (PROJECT POLICY ANL 5 RP)

Reporting to the Director of the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis) and the Director of the Energy Futures Research Program, this position provides executive-level leadership in the direct operational management of multiple major research initiatives, including personnel, contracts, budgets, reporting obligations, and overall program performance. The position additionally leads major research programs related to alternative fuels technology and policy, including the Biofuel Land Use Change Research Program (BLU-C) and the Low Carbon Fuel Policy Research Initiative. The position serves as a lead institutional resource on fuel-related policy issues, informing policy positions and stakeholders and contributing to funding development for multiple projects. It also links policymakers with UC Davis subject-matter experts on energy and environmental issues. The position provides executive-level leadership with delegated authority to set ITS-wide policy and research priorities related to sustainable transportation and alternative fuels, and to determine program direction across major institute initiatives.
The position exercises broad delegated authority to independently establish and adjust research and policy priorities, determine strategic direction for complex multi-partner initiatives, and make decisions regarding allocation of resources and program emphasis in response to emerging policy issues.

Apply By Date: 06/02/2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, transportation, environmental policy, economics, engineering, or closely related field, and/or equivalent combination of education and extensive progressively responsible experience.
• Demonstrated expert-level experience operating with substantial independence to lead complex policy or research initiatives with broad institutional, statewide, national, or international impact, including establishing strategic priorities, influencing policy decisions, and exercising delegated authority over program direction and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated experience directing large-scale interdisciplinary programs, including oversight of budgets, contracts, personnel, compliance requirements, performance outcomes, and multi-source funding strategies, while providing strategic leadership across complex initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience representing an organization as a trusted expert in high-level policy forums, building strategic stakeholder relationships, advancing policy engagement through research-informed recommendations, and leading, mentoring, and supervising interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated subject-matter expertise and ability to independently interpret, shape, and influence policy on politically sensitive, high-visibility issues, with demonstrated impact on policy development, implementation, or evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience influencing policy at the state, federal, or international level and working at the interface of academic research and public policy, including translating research into actionable policy outcomes and advancing equity, environmental justice, and inclusive policy development in transportation and energy systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with senior-level stakeholders and communicate complex policy analyses and strategic recommendations effectively through executive briefings, policy engagement, and public-facing interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advance degree in transportation, public policy, environmental policy, economics, engineering, or related field.
• Experience supervising graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and/or research staff in policy-relevant work, including mentoring and supporting research development.
• Record of influential publications, policy reports, or recognized contributions shaping transportation, energy, or environmental policy, and knowledge of university research environments, including sponsored research administration and compliance frameworks.
• Proven success securing and managing large, complex, multi-source funding portfolios (federal, state, foundation, industry), including developing funding strategies, and demonstrated experience convening and leading high-level policy forums, multi-sector collaborations, or advisory bodies.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Transportation Policy Development
• 25% - Research Leadership
• 20% - Research and Fundraising Engagement
• 20% - Operation and Administration

Department Overview

The UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) engages world-class university expertise to deliver credible, timely research and analysis to inform transportation, energy, and environmental policy. The Low Carbon Fuel Policy Research Initiative focuses on alternative fuels, fuel policy, and carbon markets. The Biofuel Land Use Change (BLU-C) program examines the impacts of biofuel policy on agricultural land use and regulatory tools to mitigate associated risks. This position works in close partnership with ITS centers and programs to produce high-quality research and engage stakeholders at the local, state, national, and international levels. ITS research prioritizes rapid greenhouse gas emissions reduction, reduction of environmental impacts, addressing equity considerations in transportation and energy systems, and supporting a just transition to a sustainable transportation future.

Department Specific Job Scope

This position provides senior leadership within ITS-Davis in advancing sustainable transportation and low-carbon fuel research and policy engagement. It operates at the interface of academic research and public policy, engaging stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to translate research into policy-relevant outcomes.
The position leads high-level policy engagement activities, including convening forums and briefings, and serves as an institutional resource for transportation and energy policy expertise. It supports the Institute's research mission through development of competitive funding proposals, coordination of interdisciplinary research teams, and supervision of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars engaged in policy-relevant research.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $94,700.00/yr. -$177,300.00/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: PROJECT POLICY ANL 5 RP
• UC Job Code: 005259
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8-5
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 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.

Work may occur outside standard 8AM-5PM schedule. Some in-state and out-of-state travel required.

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

• 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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