Research Strategy Program Coordinator

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.

Limited Submissions Program Coordination

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the limited submissions program, from opportunity identification through applicant/team selection.
• Review funding opportunities to determine institutional eligibility 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 with 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.

• 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 judgment 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.

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

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

• 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.

• 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.