The Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab at the University of Denver was created under the leadership of the Governor’s Office to unlock data-informed solutions to our most pressing social problems. Working together with a broad range of government and community partners, we conduct research with rigor to obtain the best available evidence to inform policies, programs, and investments. Our goal is to leverage data to inform policy and practice, set the wheels in motion to achieve and sustain change, and position our partners to pursue additional, meaningful change for the communities they serve with the guidance of eight essential elements : Prioritize Relationships, Learn Together, Apply Rigor, Activate Findings, Sustain Change, Make Connections, Welcome Risk for Reward, and act as a Bridge to the Research Community.
In 2021, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), received over $465 million in federal stimulus funding to support the recovery of the child care industry through the pandemic. The Colorado Lab was awarded a $4.8 million contract to serve as the Early Childhood Research and Evaluation (ECRE) Hub for a two-year period. The Colorado Lab will be responsible for facilitating the evaluation efforts for the early childhood stimulus-funded programs and policies. This will involve supporting approximately 8-10 evaluation teams (both internal and external to the Colorado Lab) to successfully design and implement their evaluation work. In addition, the Lab will be responsible for documenting and clearly communicating the actionable findings and lessons learned from these efforts to program and policy stakeholders as well as the public who can ultimately use the information.
Position Summary
The Colorado Lab seeks to hire an Executive Assistant and Project Coordinator. This position will report to the Lab’s Business and Operations Manager. A primary function will be to ensure the ECRE Hub runs smoothly, with a 60% time commitment to the ECRE Hub directed by the ECRE Hub’s Senior Policy and Program Manager and 40% time commitment to other Lab projects and business operations functions. Commitments may shift over time based on workload. This role supports critical functions including scope of work development, contract management, communications, report and product editing, and scheduling, and requires independent decision-making and prioritization of time.
Funding is secured through September 30, 2024, with the possibility of an extension based on funding.
Essential Functions
- Contract management. Manage the submission and tracking of subawards and consulting agreements. Support contracting efforts between the Lab and funders, with a focus on CDEC. Liaise between the University’s Office of Sponsored Research and Programs, evaluation teams, and Lab staff.
- Utilize existing processes to ensure that evaluation team deliverables are received on schedule.
- Coordinate inputs from evaluation teams to provide synthesized evaluation findings and communications to state government partners.
- Support monitoring of expenditures. Process invoices.
- Schedule recurring meetings between Lab staff, external evaluation teams, and other project partners. Ad hoc project meeting/event support.
- Communications. Edit research project and Lab communications, such as reports, memos, email correspondence, website and newsletter content. This includes proofreading for accuracy, quality, and readability – including grammar, tone, voice, clarity, flow, and structure of content. Format documents in line with the Lab’s branding standards, including tables, figures, and other graphics. Must be proficient with Microsoft Word and understand common practices of Word Styles.
- Read meeting notes and follow up on action items (e.g., update project management software, schedule meetings, etc.).
- Monitor the general email and manage the Lab’s electronic calendar, keeping it up-to-date and accurate.
- Book travel arrangements on behalf of staff as needed.
- Make lunch arrangements for monthly staff meetings.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Effective computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe products
- Ability to anticipate problems and use good judgment in developing solutions
- Excellent organization and project management skills with attention to detail
- Ability to take initiative and work well both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to cultivate strong relationships, collaborate effectively with others, and establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels
- Solid organizational skills, including multitasking and time-management. Must be able to work and effectively manage multiple assignments concurrently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining adherence to deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse populations
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
- At least three years in project management tools and practices, preferably with complex projects or programs
- Proficiency in copyediting
Preferred Qualifications
- Five years of progressively responsible project management experience
- Coursework in business administration, project management, and related topics
- Experience in grant-funded settings
- Experience working with local, state, or federal government
- Word Styles experience strongly preferred
Working Environment
Physical Activities
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Must be based in Denver region with a balance of virtual and in-person work.
Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) April 12, 2023.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 9.
Salary Range:
The salary range for the position is $55,000-$65,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .
Please include the following documents with your application:
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non-discrimination-statement .
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
Advertised: March 21, 2023
Applications close: