Policy Research Communications and Executive Coordinator

Center for Immigration Policy & Research (CIPR); Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Denver's Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab seeks a Policy Research Communications and Executive Coordinator. This hybrid role leads day-to-day communications and provides executive coordination to Lab leadership, translating research into policy-ready materials and managing calendars, briefing prep, and external commitments.

Funding runs through June 30, 2028, with potential extension. Strong writing/editing, graphic design, and social media skills are essential, as is travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in strategic and/or science communications, journalism, political science, public policy, or related field.
• 2 years of professional experience in communications, policy, government affairs, research administration, or related environment.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Draft and design social media and other materials for leadership review and approval.
• Create presentation-ready PowerPoint decks from leadership notes or remarks.
• Design and lay out two-page briefs translating research for policymakers.
• Edit deliverables for readability, accessibility, and non-partisan tone.

Skills

Writing & Editing

Non-partisan communication

Social media management

Graphic design

Word & Excel

Time management

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public policy

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop

Canva

Job description

The Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab at the University of Denver was created under the leadership of the Governor’s Office to unlock data-informed solutions to our most pressing social problems. Working together with a broad range of government and community partners, we conduct research with rigor to obtain the best available evidence to inform policies, programs, and investments. Our goal is to leverage data to inform policy and practice, set the wheels in motion to achieve and sustain change, and position our partners to pursue additional, meaningful change for the communities they serve with the guidance of eight essential elements.

Position Summary

The Colorado Lab seeks to hire a Policy Research Communications and Executive Coordinator. This hybrid position leads the Labs day-to-day communications while providing executive coordination to Lab leadership. This role translates research and policy analysis into materials leadership and external audiences can act on quickly—drafting, editing, and designing content—and manages leaderships calendars, supports briefing preparation, and ensures follow-through on external commitments. The position also serves as backup coverage for core operations functions and requires reliable transportation for occasional, sometimes last minute, delivery of materials, supplies, and catering within the Denver metro area.

Funding is secured through June 30, 2028, with the possibility of an extension based on funding.

Essential Functions

Communications and Design

• Identify communications opportunities across Lab projects and the LINC initiative; draft and design social media and other materials so leadership can review, react, and approve quickly.
• Turn voice-over recorded remarks or draft notes from Lab leadership into structured, presentation-ready PowerPoint slide decks.
• Design and lay out two-page briefs(“two-pagers”) that translate research and policy findings for policymaker audiences.
• Edit Lab deliverables for readability, not just grammar—simplifying language, tightening structure, checking for internal consistency, and ensuring a non-partisan approach.
• Edit Lab deliverables for accessibility and to match brand guidelines.
• Edit grant proposals for alignment with RFP guidelines.
• Make recommendations for improving Lab’s report templates to elevate the most important content in a deliverable.
• Convert Excel charts and figures into polished, presentation-ready graphics.
• Serve as the primary website administrator and manage social media channels, ensuring timely, professional, and informative posts.

Executive Coordination

• Manage and prioritize Lab leaderships calendars, correspondence, and briefing preparation across internal and external commitments.
• Assemble briefing packets ahead of external meetings — agendas, bios, background materials — for meetings with funders, legislators, and partner organizations.
• Track action items and deadlines arising from leadership and partner meetings and follow up to ensure completion.
• Coordinate travel logistics and itineraries for leadership, including expense reporting.
• Serve as the first point of contact for external scheduling requests, triaging based on leadership priorities.
• Respond to quick-turnaround requests with high responsiveness and sound judgment on prioritization.
• Take and distribute notes and action-item summaries for leadership, as needed.

Operations Support

• Manage the Lab’s department email account and electronic calendar.
• Track funding opportunities that align with the Lab’s mission.
• Provide backup support for Lab operations functions, including contract workflow management and processing payments, to keep work moving when other staff are out of office.
• Coordinate logistics for Lab events, including scheduling, materials preparation, and on-site support.
• Transport and distribute supplies, meeting materials, and catering around the Denver metro area, including on short notice; requires access to reliable personal transportation.
• Provide basic remote technical support to staff as needed.
• Additional duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to simplify technical or research content for non-expert audiences.
• Ability to craft messaging that is non-partisan and relatable to state government officials, staff, and leaders.
• Experience managing organizational or public figure social media accounts.
• Working proficiency in graphic design/layout tools (e.g., Adobe InDesign/Photoshop, Canva, or similar).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, including chart and figure creation.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond quickly to leadership requests.
• Ability to anticipate problems and use good judgment during communication with elected officials and state government leadership and in developing solutions.
• Strong self-initiative to address day-to-day challenges with ability to determine what requires supervisor support.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in strategic and/or science communications, journalism, political science, public policy, or related social science field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in communications, policy, government affairs, research administration, nonprofit organizations, higher education, executive support, or a related environment.
• Valid drivers license and reliable personal transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a legislative aide or in a legislative/policy office.
• Background in science communication and translating complex subjects into simple terms.
• Experience supporting executive-level staff or event logistics in a research, government, or nonprofit setting.

Work Schedule and Environment

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Must be based in the Denver region with a balance of virtual and in-person work. Local travel required for material and supply delivery, occasionally on short notice.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/event spaces.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds.

Application Deadline

4:00 p.m. (MST) September 18, 2026.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 9.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Equality and Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights(“POWR”) Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement. All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.