Research Strategy Program Coordinator

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Transit pass

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Research Strategy Program Coordinator to support planning, coordination, and implementation of programs within the Research Strategy portfolio. Working with the Senior Director for Research Strategy, you will coordinate limited submissions, workshops, events, and research opportunity communications, ensuring timely information and strong campus collaboration.

This hybrid role emphasizes attention to detail and adaptability in a dynamic environment,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 1+ years of experience in program coordination or related area.
• Experience coordinating multi-step programs and events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operation of limited submissions program, from opportunity identification through applicant/team selection.
• Review funding opportunities for eligibility and sponsor submission requirements; design competition processes, timelines, and requirements.
• Develop and post competitions; recruit and manage review panels; communicate with applicants and selected teams.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and propose improvements to processes and participant experience.
• Plan and manage implementation of programming including workshops, conferences, and events; coordinate speakers and participants; manage logistics and registrations.
• Coordinate promotion of programs and events; curate content for the RIO Bulletin; disseminate funding opportunities to campus audiences.
• Provide operational support for the team including scheduling, purchasing, recordkeeping, and tracking.

Skills

Program coordination

Event planning

Communication

Administrative support

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Research Strategy Program Coordinator supports the planning,coordination, and implementation of programs and activities withinthe Research & Innovation Office’s Research Strategy portfolio.As a member of the broader Research Strategy & Development(RSD) team, the Program Coordinator works closely with colleaguesacross the team to support programs, activities, and prioritiesthat strengthen CU Boulder’s research capacity and competitiveness.Working under the direction of the Senior Director for ResearchStrategy and in close collaboration with other Research Strategyteam members, the position coordinates limited submissioncompetitions, workshops and events, research opportunitycommunications, and other team activities. This position provides day-to-day coordination and operationalsupport to ensure programs and processes are implementedeffectively, participants and campus partners receive timelyinformation and support, and Research Strategy activities advancethe team’s broader goals for strengthening CU Boulder’s researchcapacity and competitiveness. We are seeking a highly collaborativeand versatile colleague with strong attention to detail who iscomfortable adapting to changing priorities and thrives in adynamic, evolving environment. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

At the University of Colorado Boulder, the Research & Innovation Office (RIO) is dedicated to creating global impact by cultivating collaboration, transformation, and leadership across the research enterprise. At the heart of this focus are the diverse contributions of a wide range of world-class experts, working together in new and innovative ways to accelerate ideas through the entire innovation lifecycle, from idea to impact. The Research Development team plays a critical role in this mission by helping faculty identify emerging opportunities, build collaborative research programs, and compete successfully for major external funding. We work at the intersection of strategy, partnership, and innovation, supporting researchers as they pursue ambitious ideas that expand knowledge, address pressing challenges, and strengthen CU Boulder's position as a leading public research university.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Limited Submissions Program Coordination

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the limited submissionsprogram, from opportunity identification through applicant/teamselection.
• Review funding opportunities to determine institutionaleligibility and sponsor submission requirements; design and establish appropriate competition processes, timelines, and requirements; develop and post competitions; recruit and manage review panels; communicate with applicants and selected teams; resolve programmatic and process issues independently and raise complex or critical matters as appropriate.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend and implement improvements to processes, workflows, and participant experience.

Events & Program Management

• Plan and manage the implementation of RSD programming including workshops, conferences, and events in collaboration with Research Strategy team members.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and implementation approaches; identify, recruit, and coordinate speakers and participants; determine logistical requirements; and manage communications, registration, facilities, technology, vendors, and other event needs.
• Exercise independent judgment in addressing implementation issues, adapting plans as needs change, and coordinating within internal and external partners to ensure successful program delivery.

Communications & Opportunity Dissemination

• Coordinate promotion of RSD programs and events; curate relevant content for the RIO Bulletin.
• Distribute funding opportunities and other targeted research opportunities to campus audiences.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Provide operational support for the RSD team, including scheduling, purchasing, recordkeeping, tracking, and other administrative needs.

What You Should Know

• This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of three days on campus.
• Occasional early morning or late-day work may be necessary to support events, meetings, or other Research Strategy activities.
• This role supports multiple Research Strategy programs and activities simultaneously, including limited submission competitions, events, and research opportunity communications. Priorities and workload may vary throughout the year based on program schedules and emerging needs.
• Work requires close collaboration with Research Strategy colleagues and partners across RIO, as well as regular coordination with faculty, staff, campus units, and external participants.
• This position involves significant program ownership, coordination, and follow-through, with responsibility for independently managing multiple processes, timelines, communications, and partner needs within established program goals and priorities.
• This position is expected to exercise independent judgement and make day-to-day decisions within assigned programs, identify and resolve issues, and recommend changes to improve program effectiveness and participant experience.
• The role combines recurring programs and established processes with new or evolving activities, requiring flexibility and the ability to develop and adapt processes and implementation approaches as team priorities and programs evolve.

What We Can Offer

The annual hiring range for this position is $65,000-$75,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees.

• medical,dental, and retirement plans
• generous paid time off
• tuitionassistance for you and your dependents
• an ECO Pass for localtransit

As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's BestLarge Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Coloradoand #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree and 1+ years of experience in programcoordination, project coordination, research administration, highereducation administration, event/program management, or a related area.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, timelines, and details.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with faculty, staff, leadership, and external partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with colleagues and collaborators across organizational units.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records, schedules, communications, and program information.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and work independently within established priorities while recognizing when additional guidance is needed.
• Ability to develop, document, evaluate, and improve administrative processes and workflows.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience working in a higher education, research, or sponsored-project environment.
• Experience coordinating programs, competitions, events, or other multi-step initiatives involving multiple collaborators and timelines.
• Experience supporting research development, research administration, limited submissions, or related activities.
• Experience developing or implementing communications for programs, events, funding opportunities, or other organizational activities.
• Experience identifying and implementing improvements to administrative processes and workflows.