Director of Climate Project Portfolio , Innovative Genomics Institute

Director of Climate Project Portfolio (0566C), Innovative Genomics Institute - 83997

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity‑focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan. At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full‑time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is a partnership between the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, San Francisco. The IGI envisions a world in which genome‑engineering innovations benefit humanity and are accessible to all. The Institute's mission is to accelerate genome discovery and translation of resulting technologies in order to ethically and equitably improve human health and sustainable agriculture.

Combining the fundamental research expertise and the biomedical talent, the IGI focuses on unraveling the mechanisms underlying CRISPR‑based genome editing and applying this technology to cure disease, combat climate change, ensure food sustainability, and provide additional benefits for current and future generations.

The IGI consists of four central programs:
Human Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Advancing Genome Engineering, and Public Impact. Unlike the first three, the Public Impact program does not involve laboratory research but instead focuses on accomplishing the goal of IGI founder, Jennifer Doudna, to ensure that genome engineering makes the world a better place. To complement the laboratory work, the Public Impact Program places special emphasis on connecting the science of genome engineering to the world.

The role of the Public Impact program is to engage in societal research, public and stakeholder engagement, outreach, and policy to align genome editing applications with societal needs and values, ensuring that benefits are ethical, accessible, and desirable.

The Director of Climate Project Portfolio provides strategic leadership for climate initiatives across UC Berkeley, UCSF, and UC Davis, in partnership with domestic and international collaborators. The incumbent is a recognized expert who independently applies advanced knowledge of climate policy and program management to evaluate new opportunities, manage a comprehensive portfolio of projects, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities and global sustainability goals.

This position carries substantial consequences for organizational reputation and impact, requiring vision, political acumen, and proven leadership in multi‑institutional and international contexts. The role helps translate high‑level vision into actionable outcomes.

This role reports to the IGI's Chief of Staff and works closely with the Executive Director and the IGI's Health Program Manager.

The First Review Date for this job is: 02/11/2026.

• Lead and oversee a coordinated portfolio of climate‑related projects across the IGI's partner campuses (UC Berkeley, UCSF, and UC Davis), ensuring strategic alignment, collaboration, and…