Innovations Partnerships Program Manager

Job Summary:

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.

Key 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.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in City, State.

Why Join Us:

CU Anschutz Innovations is an integral part of The University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus, a top-tier academic medical institution, collaborating with pioneering researchers, clinicians, staff, and external partners at the University of Colorado, staff at UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Together, we power innovation by imagining, discovering and commercializing advanced healthcare solutions, including treatments, medical devices, and cutting-edge technologies.

Our mission at CU Anschutz Innovations is driven by the unique collaborative environment we operate in, and our guiding principle is to transform breakthrough discoveries and treatments into realities within an efficient ecosystem that accelerates their availability to patients. This approach not only empowers our partners to have an immediate and meaningful impact but also enhances the quality of life and outcomes for patients now and in the future, at both CU and beyond.

Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions:

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%25 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 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.

How to Apply:

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

       1.    A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

       2.    Resume

       3.    Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Lindley Pagels, Lindley.pagels@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by March 13, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $83,083 - $105,682

The above salary range (or hiring 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 hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus 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.