Assistant Director of Research Operations and External Engagement

Job Summary

The Department of Physics is seeking an Assistant Director of Research Operations and External Engagement to lead research administration and help develop industry research partnerships and other external engagement efforts. The role combines strategic leadership with day-to-day management of research operations and support for faculty research.

The Assistant Director directly supervises five staff members and provides functional leadership and coordination for six additional research administration professionals who report to other supervisors. In FY25, the department had $32.7 million in research expenditures and more than $14 million in other funds.

The position reports to the Director of Finance and Operations and works closely with the Department Chair and Physics faculty to advance research priorities and opportunities for industry collaboration.

The Assistant Director plays a key role in fostering a positive, collaborative, and supportive work environment where staff feel valued, empowered, and encouraged to grow. We are looking for a leader that will build a team culture centered on trust, open communication, shared accountability, and continuous improvement.

Reporting and Decision Making

This role serves as the department's senior leader for research operations and the external engagement activities assigned to this role, with independent responsibility for planning and managing these functions, supervising staff, and implementing approved policies and procedures within Department priorities, University policies, and established financial controls.

Within the position's areas of responsibility, the Assistant Director works directly with the Department Chair and Physics faculty and serves as a senior advisor on research operations and external partnerships. This position also collaborates with other department staff and functional leads and represents the department in relevant campus and external forums. The role requires sound judgment and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Research Operations and Financial Administration

• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for sponsored research administration, including research financial management, compliance, ongoing process improvement, and pre-award support as needed.
• Supervise and develop the research administration team and coordinate work across reporting lines. Manage workloads and workflows, evaluate and improve team processes, manage performance, and support professional development.
• Build a cohesive, supportive team where people share knowledge and feel comfortable asking one another for help.
• Continually improve research administration practices, systems, and internal controls to support faculty research, meet University and sponsor requirements, and keep operations accountable.
• Oversee the finances of sponsored research and other assigned funds, including analysis, forecasting, reporting, award management, and approvals. Resolve complex issues and recommend actions to department leadership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on research administration and financial matters. Advise department leadership and faculty, provide guidance and training on University and sponsor requirements, and help resolve complex research administration issues.
• Work with the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG), Research and Innovation Office (RIO), Campus Controller's Office (CCO), and other campus partners on complex proposals and awards, operational priorities, and compliance challenges.

Industry Partnerships and Workforce Development

• Identify and help develop industry research partnerships that match Physics faculty expertise and department priorities, working with Industry Research Partnerships (IRP) and other campus partners.
• Work with the CUbit Quantum Initiative, JILA, RIO, IRP, and other campus partners to coordinate partnership opportunities involving Physics faculty.
• Identify and support workforce opportunities connected to industry, including internships, graduate career pathways, and training partnerships, working with campus and external partners.
• Represent the department in relevant external forums. Coordinate with department leadership and other appropriate partners when initiatives involve employment, workforce development, communications, or external engagement priorities.

Organizational Leadership and Strategy

• Contribute to department strategic planning and initiatives in research operations and external research engagement.
• Work with department leadership, managers and other functional leaders on initiatives that span finance, human resources, communications, and other administrative functions.
• Represent the department in campus forums, committees, working groups, and collaborative initiatives. Build and maintain effective working relationships with University and external partners.
• Analyze emerging issues in your areas of responsibility, recommend responses, and lead efforts to address them. Take on related special projects as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Work hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm.
• This position is based in Boulder, Colorado, and will work primarily on campus during the initial onboarding and training period. Following onboarding, the position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with 3 days of in-person work and 2 days of remote work per week, subject to departmental and operational needs.
• This is a full-time, exempt University Staff position, reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations and working closely with the Department Chair, faculty, department leadership, and campus partners.

What We Can Offer

• The annual hiring range for this position is $110,000-$121,000. Onboarding assistance is available for eligible candidates.

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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, sponsored projects management, or a closely related field at a research-intensive university, federal laboratory, or comparable organization.
• 2+ years of direct supervisory experience.
• Strong technology skills, including proficiency with Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint, and the ability to use technology to analyze data and improve work processes. You will also need to learn new software and complex University systems quickly.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team that works well together and delivers high-quality work, using a collaborative, supportive approach and continually improving how the team works.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build lasting working relationships with faculty, staff, campus partners, and external contacts at different levels of seniority.
• Sound judgment and the ability to work independently within established priorities, policies, and procedures, including when situations are unclear or priorities compete.
• Familiarity with federal sponsor regulations and a strong understanding of finance and accounting principles and standards.
• The ability to analyze complex information and develop recommendations for senior leaders and others with different roles and perspectives.
• The ability to meet timelines and consistently deliver high-quality work.
• A willingness to keep learning, adapt to change, try new approaches, and improve processes and practices.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, including the ability to develop and maintain clear standard operating procedures that keep research and financial operations consistent and help work continue smoothly through transitions.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment that fosters trust, open communication, professional growth, and shared accountability.

What We Would Like You to Have

• A master's degree in public administration, public policy, higher education administration, science, business, or another relevant field.
• Experience leading complex research administration or research operations in higher education or a comparably complex research organization.
• Familiarity with research funding programs and requirements at the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, NASA, and Department of Commerce.
• Experience coordinating or supporting complex research proposals, mentoring research administration professionals, and providing guidance on research administration.
• Experience with workforce development programs or programs that connect academic training with industry careers.
• Experience developing, managing, or advancing external collaborations with industry, government, community, academic, or other organizations.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by November 23, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.