Centers of Excellence Program Manager

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

22h•$71,301 - $90,694•Hybrid

About The Position

The Centers of Excellence Program Manager is part of the Operations team within the University of Colorado Cancer Center Administration Office. The role provides operational leadership and programmatic oversight for assigned Centers of Excellence, initially the Katy O. and Paul M. Rady Esophageal and Gastric Center of Excellence. The Program Manager partners with Center leadership to advance strategic, research, financial, philanthropic, educational, and programmatic priorities, translating goals into plans, managing complex initiatives, tracking progress, and coordinating work among faculty, staff, researchers, administrative partners, donors, and other stakeholders. The position operates with substantial independence and initiative, identifying needs, risks, barriers, and opportunities and developing solutions to improve Center effectiveness and support growth. It directly supervises program staff, initially including one Program Coordinator, and sets priorities, delegates responsibilities, and ensures effective support for Center leadership and initiatives. As the Centers of Excellence portfolio grows, the role may take on additional Centers and contribute to shared processes, infrastructure, and best practices. The position is hybrid, with three days per week on campus and additional in-person attendance as needed. The University offers a benefits package including medical, dental, disability, life and vision insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, tuition benefits, and a reduced-rate transit pass. The anticipated starting salary range is $71,301–$90,694, with possible overtime eligibility depending on position level.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, business, public administration, health care, educational technology, social science, liberal arts, communications, accounting, finance, library science, or a directly related field from an accredited institution; a combination of education and related technical, military, or paraprofessional experience may substitute year for year.
4–6 years of professional experience in program management, project management, business operations, healthcare administration, research administration, or a closely related field. An advanced degree directly related to the work assignment may substitute for experience year for year.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of application.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring current or future sponsorship.
Ability to work a hybrid schedule, including three days per week on campus.
Strong program management, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple complex priorities.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
Knowledge of financial management, resource planning, and operational process improvement.

Nice To Haves

Progressively responsible program management experience, including oversight of complex programs or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience in an academic medical center, healthcare, or research environment.
Experience with budget management, financial monitoring, and resource planning.
Experience supporting clinical, translational, or basic science research programs.
Experience supervising staff or providing leadership and direction to professional or administrative team members.
Experience with strategic planning, program development, and performance measurement.

Responsibilities

Provide operational leadership for assigned Centers of Excellence and align activities with Center, Cancer Center, and School of Medicine priorities.
Partner with Center leadership to develop, implement, and monitor strategic priorities, programs, and initiatives.
Oversee complex Center programs and projects, coordinating resources, timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables.
Monitor progress toward Center goals and identify opportunities to improve operations, effectiveness, and program impact.
Develop and maintain reporting, metrics, and processes that support leadership decision-making and accountability.
Maintain effective relationships with faculty, researchers, staff, donors, administrative partners, and other stakeholders.
Support Center governance, committees, and advisory groups through planning, coordination, communication, and follow-up.
Oversee Center communications and reporting in collaboration with Cancer Center and University partners.
Provide programmatic oversight for major Center activities, events, and initiatives, ensuring effective execution and alignment with strategic priorities.
Support development of programs, partnerships, and opportunities that advance the mission and impact of assigned Centers of Excellence.
Contribute to shared approaches and best practices as the Centers of Excellence portfolio grows and evolves.
Oversee financial management and resource planning in partnership with Center leadership and Cancer Center Finance.
Lead budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Ensure financial activities comply with institutional requirements, funding restrictions, and Center priorities.
Identify financial risks, resource needs, and opportunities, and provide information and recommendations for leadership decisions.
Oversee financial and business processes supporting Center programs, initiatives, and operations.
Support coordination and advancement of research priorities and initiatives associated with assigned Centers of Excellence.
Partner with investigators, Center leadership, and Cancer Center research teams to align research activities with Center goals.
Facilitate collaboration and communication across clinical, translational, and basic science research stakeholders.
Support tracking, reporting, and evaluation of Center-related research activity and outcomes.
Identify opportunities to strengthen research collaboration, infrastructure, and program development.
Directly supervise program staff, establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and ensure effective operational and administrative support.