Associate Director for Programs and Operations, Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions

University of Denver•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions (CHRIS) at the University of Denver (DU) is an interdisciplinary hub for housing research, data, policy evaluation, and education. It focuses on production and preservation, affordability, and resilience, applying innovative research methods and policy tools. CHRIS translates evidence into practical solutions for policymakers, practitioners, and communities, and advances the next generation of housing leaders through training and educational opportunities. Housed in the Office of the Provost, CHRIS collaborates with faculty across the University and partners with governments, nonprofits, philanthropy, and the private sector.

Requirements

Bachelors degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
6 or more years of relevant experience in operations, financial and grants management, program management, or nonprofit/higher education administration.
Experience developing and managing budgets and financial reporting across multiple funding sources, including philanthropic and/or government grants.
Experience with the full grant and contract lifecycle, including proposal support, compliance monitoring, and post-award administration.
Experience with HR processes, hiring logistics, and staff onboarding.
Demonstrated experience managing organizational communications, including website, and social media management.
Technical writing experience, including preparing reports, proposals, or other formal written materials for institutional or funder audiences.
Experience operating in a high-volume, grant-funded, or deadline-driven organizational setting.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong financial and analytical skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to anticipate problems, exercise sound, independent judgment, and develop solutions with minimal supervision.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage effective working relationships across a diverse range of internal and external constituents.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Excel).
Working knowledge of website management, CRM/database tools, and social media platforms.
Working knowledge of grant and contract lifecycle management.
Ability to take initiative, problem-solve proactively, and work both independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse range of colleagues, students, and community members.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Experience in an institution of higher education or a grant-funded research or policy organization.
Experience with university sponsored programs or grants compliance processes.
Experience with event planning and management, including donor or funder-facing events.
Experience supporting advisory boards, committees, or executive-education programs.
Experience recruiting or coordinating student workers or graduate assistants.
Knowledge of principles and practices related to social media and communications strategy.
Working proficiency in graphic design or layout tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe InDesign).
Familiarity with grant-funded research administration and university systems (e.g., Banner) preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day budget tracking, payment processing, and expense report reconciliation.
Support the Executive Director in developing and monitoring annual budgets, financial policies, and expense forecasts.
Track and reconcile multiple grant and gift sources; support timely and compliant funder reporting.
Assist with grant proposal preparation, budget development, and post-award administration, including tracking deliverables and deadlines.
Serve as a point of contact with DUs Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) on grant administration, compliance, and contracting matters.
Work with DU Central HR on job classifications, postings, recruitment logistics, interview scheduling, and onboarding for CHRIS positions.
Support new-hire onboarding, including paperwork, equipment, and systems access.
Manage administrative tasks related to personnel changes and ensure appropriate data security and project handoff.
Design, implement, and improve CHRISs office policies, procedures, and administrative systems.
Manage the Centers day-to-day operations, including correspondence, scheduling, purchasing, and vendor and space management.
Support technology needs, including software licensing, systems access, and coordination with University IT.
Manage CHRISs website, social media, newsletter, and contacts database.
Support outreach to funders, partners, and stakeholders.
Draft, edit, format materials such as briefs, presentations, and reports, ensuring consistency with CHRISs brand and messaging.
Plan and manage logistics for CHRIS events, including research releases, practitioner convenings, and advisory body meetings — venue and vendor coordination, registration, materials preparation, and on-site support.
Support the Executive Director in managing CHRIS’s Faculty Advisory Committee, Founders Circle, and other advisory bodies as they launch — scheduling, agenda and materials preparation, member communications, and coordination of joint activities.
Support CHRIS’s role in the DU Executive Certificate in Affordable Housing, offered jointly by the Burns School and RMLUI — coordinating promotion and outreach on CHRIS’s behalf, tracking enrollment and program data relevant to CHRIS, and helping connect CHRIS research and faculty to the curriculum.
Support recruitment, posting, and onboarding coordination for graduate research assistants on CHRIS-affiliated projects.
Serve as a point of contact for CHRIS-affiliated students.
Support student-facing programming as it develops.
Partner with Colorado Lab, RMLUI, and other interim and ongoing support partners to ensure a smooth transition of operational functions into CHRIS, and to maintain effective working relationships with these partners over time.