Research Development Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) is the central point for support and advocacy for CU Boulder's world-class scholarship, creative work, and growing research enterprise. We are focused on creating a global impact by cultivating and supporting collaboration, transformation and leadership. At the heart of this focus are the contributions of a wide range of world-class experts, working together to accelerate ideas throughout the entire innovation lifecycle. We seek to embody CU Boulder's dedication to exemplify excellence by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, enhancing the success and inclusion of all students, staff and faculty, and deepening our ability to share and engage with varied perspectives. 

• Strategic Proposal Development & Production - Lead the development and production of complex, high-impact proposal efforts designated as Strategic Proposals. This includes developing and implementing proposal management plans, supporting proposal narrative development and integration, aligning institutional resources, coordinating and/or producing supporting documents and supplemental materials, and managing proposals efforts from early-stage concept development through submission and post-submission activities, including sponsor presentations and site visits.
• Strategic Proposal Pipeline Development & Management - Support the development and management of RIO's Strategic Proposal pipeline by identifying and assessing funding opportunities, facilitating the development of competitive proposal teams and project concepts, and providing readiness assessments and strategic recommendations to inform strategic decision-making at the internal competition stage.
• Program Development & Continuous Improvement - Support the ongoing refinement, assessment, and continuous improvement of the Strategic Proposals program, including proposal development processes, coordination models, and institutional engagement strategies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support the priorities of the research development team and RIO. 

• This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of three days on campus.
• Occasional travel may be required to support proposal development activities and institutional priorities.
• Occasional early morning or late-day meetings may be necessary to support proposal timelines and partner coordination.
• This role supports complex, high-impact proposal efforts that may involve shifting priorities and periods of increased workload leading up to proposal due dates.
• Work requires close collaboration with Research Development colleagues and partners across RIO (including the Office of Contracts and Grants, Program Management Office, and Industry Research Partnerships), as well as coordination with faculty, staff, external partners, and university leadership.
• This position operates in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multiple concurrent projects at different stages of development. 

• The hiring range for this position is $92,000-$110,000. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates. 

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in research development, proposal development, or a closely related field
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute

• Ability to bring structure to early-stage, evolving ideas and move them toward actionable plans
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to navigate complex institutional environments and work effectively across organizational boundaries
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, including the ability to engage faculty and partners
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to finding opportunities and solving problems
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with a high degree of independence
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing timelines and collaborators
• Demonstrated ability to develop proposal strategy and align project concepts with sponsor priorities

• Advanced degree (e.g., Master's, PhD) or equivalent professional experience
• Experience leading end-to-end proposal development from early-stage concept through submission, including strategy, coordination, and production
• Experience leading or significantly contributing to large-scale, multi-investigator proposals (e.g., center, institute, or multi-million dollar opportunities)
• Experience using AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to support research development, proposal strategy, project coordination, or related workflows
• Experience facilitating cross-disciplinary teams and coordinating efforts across multiple units or organizations
• Familiarity with federal funding agency proposal policy and processes, including proposal submission systems (e.g., research.gov, NIH ASSIST, DOE eXCHANGE, etc.)
• Experience developing proposal management plans, timelines, and structured development processes
• Experience working in a higher education or research-intensive environment

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 July 6, 2026 for consideration.

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