Strategic Proposals Manager

Job Summary

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) seeks a Strategic Proposals Manager to operationalize RIO's Strategic Proposals program, supporting complex, large-scale funding opportunities that require coordinated effort across multiple units, partners, and collaborators.

This position serves as a senior individual contributor within a collaborative research development team, operating with a high degree of independence while partnering closely with faculty, RIO colleagues, and campus partners to align resources, build competitive teams, and navigate the complexities of proposal development in a decentralized research environment.

Under the Senior Director for Research Development’s direction, the Strategic Proposals Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of strategic proposals from early-stage concept through submission. This includes supporting the development of early‑stage ideas by facilitating structure and alignment with sponsor priorities, as well as managing the full proposal production process, including planning, coordination, document development, and submission preparation.

This position plays a key part in advancing a more proactive and coordinated approach to research development at CU Boulder by improving how complex, cross‑cutting proposals are developed and completed.

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.

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…