Job Details

Program Manager for Center for Native American & Indigenous Studies

Position Number: 7109696
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Liberal Arts - Ethnic & Multicultural Studies

Program Manager for Center for Native American & Indigenous Studies

Requisition Number: 71578
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 03-May-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS) at CU Boulder invites applications for a Program Manager! This role manages the CNAIS office and supports the center's efforts to develop and promote collaboration and research on Native & Indigenous knowledge at the University of Colorado Boulder. The position reports to the center's Faculty Director. The center is overseen by the Dean of the Graduate School and guided by an external board. This position will support the development of CNAIS' programs and implementation of the CNAIS mission and vision.
The role is responsible for implementing program activities and policies guided by the Faculty Director, maintaining the office and managing daily operations, and providing administrative support. This position supports students, departments, programs, and other CU centers, and collaborates with the Graduate School, VCAA Financial Service Center, Strategic Relations & Communications, and other academic and administrative offices. Alongside the Faculty Director, the role partners with organizations on and off campus to further collaboration and ensure a welcoming community for Native American students, faculty, and staff at CU Boulder. 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.

Who We Are

The Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies provides Native students and faculty an intellectual and social home at CU Boulder. We promote collaborative research focusing on both local and global Indigenous knowledge and further wide ranging NAIS projects that strive to open conversations both in Colorado and the world.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Programming

In partnership with the Faculty Director, ensure successful implementation and completion of program activities, such as fellowships & scholarships, research support, faculty and grad student awards, recruitment/retention, and community outreach and activities.
Lead Native American & Indigenous Studies Certificate, including promotion, supporting center leaders with awarding and declaring decisions, coordinating with faculty on courses and updating course catalog, monitoring progress of participating students, and adjusting degree audits as necessary.
Support in building and managing relationships and projects with campus and community partners, including working with AVC for Native American Affairs, collaborating with Program Manager for Native Students in Student Affairs, and when approved or delegated by the CNAIS Director, representing CNAIS on university committees related to Indigenous initiatives, and serving as a liaison to regional Native organizations and academic networks alongside the Director.
Coordinate and supervise events, including scheduling, arranging travel, reserving spaces, catering, renting equipment, preparing publications and advertising, etc.
Collaborate with the Director of Communications in Strategic Relations & Communications on strategic comms planning and reputational promotion via CRM and newsletter management.
Handle daily communications and marketing, including website, social media, listservs, and event promotions.
Support in developing and implementing policy decisions and programming initiatives

Operations

Serve as office manager and point of contact for questions and concerns from faculty, staff, students, community partners and visitors, handling the unit's calendars, supervising student workers, and maintaining office supplies, equipment, and subscriptions & memberships.
Support external board's work, including scheduling meetings, preparing and distributing forms and information packets, taking meeting minutes, and carrying out decisions.
Implement internal processes and procedures to ensure the center runs smoothly and efficiently, directing the flow of information and anticipating problems to forecast required needs and propose solutions.
Serve as the primary liaison to campus service units, including Parking & Transportation Services, Facilities Management, and Office of Information Technology.
Monitor event and program budgets for daily financial activities in a manner consistent with fiscal policies and procurement procedures.
Coordinate procurement and travel, working closely with other departments to process expense reports, reimbursements, honorarium payments, purchase orders, and other purchasing forms, including establishing contracts with outside speakers, guests and suppliers.
Provide financial and administrative support to assist in planning and budgeting for the center.

What You Should Know

This hybrid position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours, and will work occasional evenings and weekends.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this position is $62,200-$64,723. Onboarding assistance is available per department guidelines.

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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
1 year of experience with program management.
Knowledge of and experience working with Native American and Indigenous Studies and/or Native American communities/students

What You Will Need

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and on a team.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
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 May 3, 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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Program-Manager-for-Center-for-Native-American-Indigenous-Studies/71578