In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists.

Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all 9 Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning.

As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells - special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six (6) stem cell Centers led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors.

The Community Engagement Manager (CEM) maintains overall responsibility for the community outreach section of the Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center (SSCC) Alpha Clinic under the umbrella of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI). This role supports primarily San Diego and surrounding counties. Leads programmatic efforts to create community connections in underserved population for the purpose of providing equitable access to clinical research opportunities in the regenerative medicine space for a variety of indications, with a special focus on cancer, neurological and metabolic diseases. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships with community representatives, long and short range planning of programs, assessing the needs and desires of the community, and identifying outreach opportunities. The CEM has expertise in health disparities and underserved populations and collaborates with community leaders, federally qualifying clinics, and works with and builds Community Advisory Boards (CABs) to incorporate community members into resource allocation decisions and research design.

Oversees all community engagement and outreach activities in the Alpha Clinic including organizing mobile campaigns in the community aimed at community health education. Also solicits input form the communities on study parameters that affect patients. This individual will also coordinate efforts between the SSCCC Alpha Clinic, DEI advisors, community advisors, patient advocacy groups, trial experts, and medical network partners to support the expansion of trial access for patients in diverse and underserved communities. Develop trial recruitment campaigns and strategies. Resource for Alpha Clinic experts and investigators to provide data reports on diversity in clinical trials and write ups describing DEI strategies to be used in CIRM grant applications. Provide DEI summary for CIRM Alpha Clinic grant reports. Ensure all research staff have had adequate training in cultural sensitivity and develops or compiles training resources and curricula.

Uses advanced operational concepts and objectives to resolve highly complex issues. Regularly works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Primarily deals with programs and proposals with broad impact across the function, research initiative, program and / or organization. Participates with CIRM and other CIRM Alpha Clinic Network partners to develop DEI strategies in regenerative medicine that could influence state and national policies related to equity. Develops and oversees the implementation of new programs and processes. Adheres to guidance from the SSCI Marketing & Communications Director to ensure activities and plans are in alignment with SSCI marketing and communications strategy. Collaborates with the SSCI Marketing & Communications Director on all messaging, outreach campaigns, and events.

• Nine years of related experience, education/training, OR an Bachelor's degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training.

• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to work with local and state elected officials and key policymakers on developing and implementing policies and initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse community organizations, including non profit organizations, community collaboratives, and schools.

• Ability to perform basic data analyses and create data summaries.

• Advanced knowledge of common organizational- or research-specific and other computer application programs.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

• Advanced project management skills.

• Thorough knowledge of organizational or initiative processes, protocols and procedures.

• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.

• Advanced knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques.

• Advanced analytical / problem-solving skills.

• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated experience in managing a community health project. Experience in developing, implementing and maintaining protocols to meet project goals.

• Fluency in English and one other language.

• Knowledge of clinical research, specifically of study volunteer recruitment, eligibility criteria, pre-screening and screening procedures, informed consent, regulatory approval, and confidentiality of patient health information.

• Experience as a supervisor.

• Demonstrated experience with grant writing including project timelines and detailing proposed project design and methodology.

• Must be willing and able to travel.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Fluency in English and one other language preferred.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.