Job Details

Strategic Proposals Manager

Position Number: 7270414
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Strategic Proposals Manager

Requisition Number: 72948
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 06-Jul-2026
Date Posted:

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.

Who We Are

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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

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.

What You Should Know

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.

What We Can Offer

The hiring range for this position is $92,000-$110,000. Relocation 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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be authentic. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

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

What You Will Need

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

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 July 6, 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/Strategic-Proposals-Manager/72948