Program Manager – Q-SCALE (Quantum Skills, Credentials, and Learning Expansion)

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The CUbit Quantum Initiative at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a highly organized Program Manager to support the Q-SCALE initiative, a multi-year quantum education and workforce development program.

You will manage day-to-day activities, coordinate with faculty, industry partners, and two-year colleges, and report progress to CUbit leadership, ensuring on-time delivery and strong stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3 years of relevant experience in project coordination or program administration.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations for the Q-SCALE program across three phases (2026-2028).
• Coordinate with regional partners, colleges, labs, and funders.
• Report achievements, timelines, and dependencies with CUbit leadership.
• Lead coordination among faculty, industry partners, and two-year colleges.

Skills

Event coordination

Partnership development

Grant-funded programs

Workforce development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Location: Boulder Colorado

Employment Type: University Staff

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 17-Aug-2026

Job Summary

The CUbit Quantum Initiative at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a highly organized and collaborative Program Manager to support the implementation of Q-SCALE (Quantum Skills, Credentials, and Learning Expansion), a multi-year quantum education and workforce development initiative.

Reporting to CUbit leadership, this position will manage day-to-day activities across experiential learning, micro-credential development, industry engagement, and community college partnerships. The Program Manager will be responsible for keeping the program on schedule, supporting reporting and assessment, and ensuring strong communication among faculty, students, partners, and funders. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a purposeful, cross-disciplinary, and fast-paced environment focused on workforce impact and educational innovation.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The CUbit Quantum Initiative reinforces Colorado’s leadership in quantum information science and technology through partnerships with universities, national labs, industry, and workforce organizations. CUbit supports research translation, workforce development, and inclusive pathways into quantum and adjacent careers.

CUbit is housed within CU Boulder’s Research & Innovation Office (RIO), which supports the university’s research enterprise and commitment to innovation, collaboration, and public-private partnerships.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Q-SCALE Program Management:

• Manage day-to-day operations for the Q-SCALE program across its three phases (2026-2028).

• Serve as a central point of contact for regional quantum workforce development partners and collaborators (2 and 4-year institutions, state workforce-related agencies, national labs, trade associations, etc.)

• Report project achievements, results, timelines, and dependencies in collaboration with CUbit leadership.

• Lead coordination among faculty, instructors, industry partners, and two-year college collaborators.

Program Activities & Events:

• Manage planning and logistics for existing Q-SCALE-related activities (e.g. Quantum Scholars, Quantum Forge).

• Create new Q-SCALE activities in collaboration with CUbit leadership.

• Lead student-facing activities such as experiential learning placements, capstone projects, and fellowship support.

• Represent CU Boulder in community college engagement efforts including tours, workshops, mentoring activities, and statewide convenings.

Assessment, Reporting & Compliance:

• Design data collection, tracking, and documentation for Q-SCALE assessment metrics in support of pedagogical effectiveness of programming.

• Generate quarterly updates and annual reports for funders and internal partners.

• Coordinate with CU Boulder administrative units as needed to support compliance and documentation.

Communications & Partner Engagement:

• Generate internal and external communications related to Q-SCALE activities, including presentations, summaries, and impact materials.

• Capture student experiences, partner feedback, and program highlights for reporting and visibility.

• Serve as a point of contact for strategic coordination with project partners and collaborators.

What You Should Know

The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday. This position is primarily in-person and based in Boulder, Colorado, with activities occurring across CU Boulder campus facilities and partner sites. Occasional travel within Colorado may be required to support community college and industry engagement.

What We Can Offer

The salary for this position is $75,000 – $95,000 annually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree

• 3 years of relevant experience in project coordination, program administration, or related roles.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

• Knowledge of education, workforce development, and grant-funded program environments.

• Knowledge of higher education and research administration practices.

• Skill in event coordination and partnership development.

• Knowledge of workforce pathways and experiential learning models.

• Interest in quantum science, engineering, technology, or related STEM fields.

The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.