Innovations Partnerships Program Manager

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Innovations Partnerships Program Manager works within CU Anschutz Innovations complex, matrixed academic medical center environment to coordinate, operationalize, and advance multi stakeholder partnerships. This includes data driven collaborations, clinical & translational research initiatives, co-development opportunities, collaborations with hospital partners, and industry oriented strategic alliances. The role blends operational execution, process development, relationship management, and strategic planning to ensure partnership sustainability and success. The Innovations Partnerships Program Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and strengthening strategic partnerships between CU Anschutz Innovations and its external collaborators, including industry partners, clinical stakeholders, academic institutions, and technology development entities. This role provides operational oversight of assigned alliances, ensuring that collaborative projects advance institutional goals, comply with governance requirements, and deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes. The Innovations Partnerships Program Manager functions as a central connector, relationship manager, and project coordinator who drives execution, facilitates cross‑campus coordination, and ensures partnerships remain aligned with CU Anschutz Innovations’ mission and strategic priorities. The Innovations Partnerships Program Manager will also manage a range of onsite meetings and partnership related events to support collaboration, strategic alignment, and relationship development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, science, healthcare administration, project management, communications, or related field
4-6 years of professional experience in alliance management, project management, partnership management, business operations, or related fields.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Strong strategic, analytical, and innovative thinking.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within complex organizations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong presentation and facilitation abilities.
Financial, operational, and strategic planning acumen.
Ability to synthesize scientific, business, and regulatory perspectives into actionable recommendations.

Nice To Haves

6+ years of experience in alliance or partnership management within a health, biotech, academic, or medical environment.
Project Management certification.
Experience implementing strategic operational plans and collaborating with leadership on complex initiatives.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary liaison to partner organizations, acting as the trusted conduit between CU Anschutz Innovations, industry collaborators, faculty, and cross functional teams.
Maintain clear understanding of partner priorities, competitive dynamics, and scientific, regulatory, and operational considerations.
Establish detailed project plans, dependencies, deadlines, risk mitigation strategies, and communication pathways.
Contribute to development and execution of long-range partnership strategies and operational frameworks.
Partner with industry collaborators to identify high value strategic relationships, including translational research, data partnerships, co development, and commercialization aligned opportunities.
Coordinate external stakeholder engagement and execute tasks between meetings to maintain partnership momentum.
Prepare agendas, track action items, maintain formal documentation, and ensure comprehensive follow through on all operational tasks.
Plan, coordinate, and execute onsite partner meetings, including working sessions, leadership visits, project kickoffs, steering committee meetings, and partnership milestone reviews, including management of all onsite logistics such as room reservations, audio visual setup, security access, hospitality, visitor protocols, and catering to ensure a seamless professional experience
Prepare and distribute meeting materials such as agendas, briefing books, presentations, talking points, follow up documentation.
Assist the Director of Innovation Strategy in the development of materials, plans, and documentation regarding partnerships and strategic.
Support primary and secondary research efforts to inform strategy development.