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Research Program Manager
Research Program ManagerColorado Staffing • Golden, CO, US
Research Program Manager

Research Program Manager

Colorado Staffing • Golden, CO, US
4 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Research Program Manager

Salary : $65,000.00 - $72,000.00 Annually

Location : Golden, CO

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : GLA-JR107491

Department : Colorado School of Mines

Opening Date : 10 / 21 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 21 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Mountain

Primary Physical Work Address : 1500 Illinois Street, Golden CO 80401

FLSA Status : Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information : recruitment@mines.edu

Type of Announcement : This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. How To Apply : Online applications through the Colorado Jobs portal will not be accepted. Please follow instructions on the job announcement for submitting an application.

Description of Job

The Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Department at Colorado School of Mines seeks a Research Program Manager to oversee comprehensive financial operations across multiple research centers and manage departmental research activities. This position manages complex financial portfolios exceeding $35 million, supervises research support staff, and serves as the primary liaison between principal investigators (PIs) and various university offices. The successful candidate will bring advanced analytical skills, financial management expertise, and the ability to develop automated reporting systems that enhance efficiency and support research excellence. This role oversees a broad range of administrative and operational functions including graduate contract and fellowship management, leading communications and event planning for research centers, ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor policies while supporting faculty, students, and departmental goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Fiscal Management and Analysis (51%)

  • Oversee all financial operations for research centers and departmental research funds, managing $35M+ across 20+ PIs.
  • Monitor and report on over 200 research, equipment, and professional development accounts.
  • Build and analyze detailed budgets and projections; advise PIs on optimal fund allocation and compliance.
  • Support budget modifications, at-risk assessments, and extensions with the Office of Research Administration.
  • Manage reallocations, journal entries, and invoicing for research lab equipment customers.
  • Ensure adherence to fiscal policies and proper accounting of university funds.
  • Provide financials for CANFSA Consortia meetings and other reporting needs.

Human Resources and Contract Management (15%)

  • Collaborate with faculty to plan and project grant / fund allocations for graduate student support.
  • Prepare graduate student, faculty summer / winter, and research contracts in compliance with policies and timelines.
  • Ensure adherence to university and sponsor requirements for all appointments.
  • Fellowship Management (9%)

  • Advise students and faculty on fellowship spending and balance tracking.
  • Coordinate with the Mines Foundation to meet fund reporting requirements and assist with new funding requests.
  • Manage fellowship promotional materials and event coordination.
  • Operations and Supervision (5%)

  • Supervise and mentor the Research Support II employee.
  • Manage departmental supply budgets, vendor relations, and purchasing for research labs.
  • Train and guide staff on financial and administrative processes.
  • Strategic Liaison and Advisory Services (5%)

  • Serve as the primary liaison between PIs and the Office of Research Administration and Controller's Office.
  • Serve as secondary liaison with Human Resources.
  • Advise faculty and students on University, State, and Federal policies and procedures.
  • Facilitate time-sensitive paperwork and operational matters.
  • Communications and Special Projects (11%)

  • Plan and execute two annual CANFSA Consortia meetings and other special events.
  • Build and maintain research center websites (in coordination with support staff).
  • Lead communications related to research center activities and collaborations.
  • Other Duties (2%)

  • Stay current on Mines policies, procedures, and financial systems.
  • Participate in departmental and institutional meetings and trainings.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental goals.
  • Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

    Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in financial management, preferably in an academic or research setting.
  • Proven experience managing complex budgets exceeding $1 million.
  • Experience supervising and training professional staff.
  • Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in research administration or academic financial management.
  • Experience in higher education financial operations.
  • Programming experience (Python preferred) for automated reporting.
  • Familiarity with federal research regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Experience with Workday or similar HRIS systems.
  • Knowledge of international researcher regulations and visa-related funding issues.
  • Grant management and proposal budget development experience.
  • Supplemental Information

    Working Conditions

  • Typical office environment with occasional extended hours during reporting cycles or event coordination.
  • Limited travel for professional meetings or conferences may be required.
  • HOW TO APPLY

    Review of applications will begin on October 30th. Applicants must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and upload the following (required) :

  • Upload a resume or CV
  • Upload a cover letter
  • Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

    This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

    It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

    Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. Contact recruitment@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.

    Total Rewards

    Rate of $65,000 - $72,000 Annually Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes :

  • Flexible health and dental care options
  • Generous sick / vacation time : 13 paid holidays per year including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
  • Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
  • Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
  • Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and light rail train transportation.
  • All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center.
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