Program Coordinator Critical Mineral Strategy and Advancement

Colorado School of Mines

6d • $67,000 - $69,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Engineering a world of possibilities Colorado School of Mines has over 150 years of experience in all aspects of the critical minerals life cycle. We believe that securing sustainable and reliable supplies of these resources is essential for the future of technology, energy, and national security. The Program Coordinator Critical Minerals Strategy and Advancement team supports the role of the Executive Director Critical Minerals Strategy and Advancement, who leads the University’s work in this vital field. This position will be a support in forging national partnerships, positioning Mines to help policy makers, industry, and society close the many gaps in our critical minerals supply chain, increasing Mines’ visibility, and attracting resources to grow the faculty and programs working in this space. Primary Responsibilities The Program Coordinator for Critical Minerals Strategy and Advancement will provide essential operational, administrative, and strategic support to the Executive Director of Critical Minerals Strategy and Advancement. This role ensures smooth execution of initiatives, effective coordination across campus and external partners, and timely progress toward Mines’ vision of becoming the leading academic partner in the global critical minerals ecosystem. The Program Coordinator will manage day‑to-day operations, assist with partnership engagement, support research and fundraising activities, and help maintain the momentum of Mines’ critical minerals strategy. This position is ideal for a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as communications, economics, public policy, environmental studies, or a STEM discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in program coordination, project management, research administration, or a related role.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, project management platforms, CRM systems).

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in higher education, research environments, or STEM-related fields.
• Familiarity with critical minerals, natural resources, or energy sectors.
• Experience supporting communications, academic research or partnership development.
• Ability to synthesize technical information and communicate it clearly to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Director in implementing the university-level strategic plan and associated business plan for critical minerals.
• Coordinate scheduling, communications, and logistics for internal and external meetings, workshops, and strategic planning sessions.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, reports, and summaries for leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Support the development of critical minerals short courses at Colorado School of Mines, develop curriculum with current Faculty, and work within the current short course structure at Mines to produce seminars that range from 3-5 days.
• Develop meetings and seminars on and off campus, including logistics, abstract, agendas, invites, flyers, calendars etc.
• Support campus-wide critical minerals research initiatives by helping coordinate proposal development, tracking funding opportunities, and assisting with outreach efforts.
• Help organize seminars, symposia, and events that elevate Mines’ visibility in the critical minerals space.
• Assist in gathering and synthesizing information on global critical minerals trends to support the Executive Director’s strategic insight
• Build effective communications strategies with various internal (campus) and external audiences (alumni, industry contacts, fellows, advisory board members, other university personnel, etc), with timely response to all incoming emails and other communications channels.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand the economic, business, technical and other drivers of key players along the value chains of minerals and metals, and foster positive working relationships with the stakeholders and other campus partners.

Benefits

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass
• All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center.
• We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level