Hybrid Research Operations & External Partnerships Lead

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onboarding assistance

Job summary

The Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks an Assistant Director of Research Operations and External Engagement to lead research administration and develop industry partnerships. This role combines strategic leadership with day-to-day management and staff supervision.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will work with faculty to advance research priorities, provide guidance on sponsor requirements, and build a positive, collaborative team culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with relevant experience in research administration or university setting.
• Master’s degree is preferred for higher-level leadership in public administration or higher education.
• Strong understanding of finance, accounting principles, and sponsor requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for sponsored research administration, including financial management, compliance, process improvement, and pre-award support.
• Supervise and develop the research administration team and coordinate work across reporting lines; manage workloads and performance.
• Build a cohesive, collaborative team with knowledge sharing and mutual support.
• Continuously improve research administration practices, systems, and internal controls to support faculty research and ensure compliance.
• Oversee finances of sponsored research and other funds, including analysis, forecasting, reporting, and award approvals.
• Advise department leadership and faculty on research administration and financial matters; provide training on university and sponsor requirements.
• Collaborate with OC G, RIO, CCO, and campus partners on proposals, awards, priorities, and compliance challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Strategic planning

Communication

Financial management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

The Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks an Assistant Director of Research Operations and External Engagement to lead research administration and develop industry partnerships. This role combines strategic leadership with day-to-day management and staff supervision.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will work with faculty to advance research priorities, provide guidance on sponsor requirements, and build a positive, collaborative team culture