Early Cancer Research Pathways Program Manager

Job Summary:

The Early Cancer Research Pathways Program Manager is responsible for leading research education and training initiatives serving Pre-K through undergraduate students across Colorado. As a member of the Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) team within the Cancer Center Administration Office, this position oversees the day-to-day administration of a portfolio of programs that introduce young learners to biomedical science, cancer research, public health, and health-related career pathways.

This role is responsible for designing engaging curricula, coordinating experiential learning processes, managing program recruitment and admissions, leading the development, implementation, and management of strategic planning efforts across Pre-K through undergraduate pathways, overseeing program budgets and financial operations, monitoring and evaluating program outcomes to support continuous improvement and cultivating partnerships that expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive STEM education opportunities. The position plays a critical role in strengthening the research education pipeline and advancing the Cancer Center's commitment to education, discovery, workforce development, and community impact.

Key Responsibilities:

50% Program Leadership & Development

• Lead the strategic planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of cancer research educational programs for pre‑K, elementary, middle school, high school, and undergraduate students.

• Develop age‑appropriate curricula, hands‑on modules, and experiential learning activities that highlight biomedical research, cancer science, population health, and related disciplines.

• Create and manage summer programs - academic‑year workshops, research‑immersion experiences, and mentorship initiatives including but not limited to: financial management, program development and oversight, tracking, reporting, recruitment and completion of programs.

• Ensure programs reflect evidence‑based educational practices, inclusive pedagogy, and CU Anschutz strategic priorities.

• Establish and monitor program metrics, evaluation plans, and continuous improvement processes.

• Manage day-to-day activities of program coordinator(s).

20% Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Build and sustain partnerships with Colorado school districts, undergraduate institutions, teachers, youth‑serving organizations, and community groups.

• Coordinate campus involvement, including faculty mentors, research labs, graduate trainees, and outreach volunteers.

• Represent CU Anschutz in statewide STEM education networks, advisory committees, and community events.

• Strengthen pathways between K–12 programs and undergraduate research opportunities.

15% Program Operations & Administration

• Oversee program logistics, including scheduling, recruitment, communications, and event coordination.

• Manage budgets, purchasing, and resource allocation in compliance with university and sponsor requirements.

• Track grant budget spending

• Support grant writing, reporting, and stewardship for philanthropic, federal, and state funding.

• Maintain program documentation, evaluation data, and participant records using systems such as REDCap, Smartsheet, and campus‑supported platforms.

15% Student Experience & Support

• Foster inclusive, supportive learning environments for diverse youth and undergraduate populations.

• Implement best practices in culturally responsive teaching, trauma‑informed engagement, and accessibility.

• Coordinate mentorship opportunities, campus visits, undergraduate research placements, and career‑exploration activities.

• Provide guidance and support to undergraduate students participating in research training programs.

   

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Cancer Center stands at the forefront of cancer research and patient care in Colorado. As the state's only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we hold a prestigious distinction that acknowledges our exceptional contributions to the fields of research, clinical trials, prevention, and cancer control. Our guiding vision is clear: "prevent and conquer cancer. Together." At the heart of our mission is the work to “unite our community to overcome cancer through innovation, discovery, prevention, early detection, multidisciplinary care, and education.”

Our more than 300 members, made up of renowned physicians and researchers, conduct patient-centered research to develop innovative, state-of-the-art technologies, and treatments. Crucial to this work is the nearly 300 staff members who help expand the reach of the CU Cancer Center. Our expertise across cancer types helps us provide world-class treatment for common cancers, while offering hope for many patients with difficult or aggressive cancers who have struggled to find treatment options elsewhere. 

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage .

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

• 4-6 years of professional experience in PreK-12 education, STEM outreach, or undergraduate programming.

Substitution: An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (e.g. Master’s) in education, public health, STEM, science communication, or related discipline.

• Experience developing curricula or experiential learning programs across multiple age groups.

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations and community partners.

• Background in research environments, laboratory settings, or science education.

• Familiarity with Colorado school systems, undergraduate education structures, and youth serving organizations.

• Experience with grant management, program evaluation, and data systems (e.g., REDCap, Smartsheet).

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

This position is required to work a hybrid schedule (on-campus, 3 days per week) and as needed for in-person meetings and program activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• Strong ability to follow through on multiple complex tasks and projects with similar deadlines.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship building abilities.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and expanding access to STEM pathways.

• Ability to work collaboratively across academic, community, and PreK–undergraduate environments.

• Creative problem solving and adaptability in dynamic program settings.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to analyze data and identify various options for presenting summary data.

• Ability to be highly productive in an independent work environment while also able to work collaboratively with, and take direction from, subject matter experts.

• Ability to adjust and adapt to changes in priorities.

• High level proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

Questions should be directed to: Claire McGraw, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by July 30, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range for this position has been established as $63,554 – $80,840 .

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .