Clinical Research Recruitment Program Manager

Job Summary:

The Department of Orthopedics is seeking a Clinical Research Recruitment Program Manager to support community partnership development and participant recruitment efforts for orthopedic-related clinical studies. This Program Manager role builds and strengthens relationships with communities across Colorado, ensuring that orthopedic clinical research is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the populations most affected by musculoskeletal conditions. The ideal candidate has experience engaging diverse communities, communicating health information in accessible ways, and working within clinical research or healthcare settings.

The individual will collaborate closely with clinical investigators and research coordinators to integrate community perspectives into study materials, recruitment strategies, and outreach plans. This position will work with existing stakeholders on campus to support and develop an infrastructure and process to support human subject recruitment, retention, and engagement for orthopedic-related studies, with an emphasis on recruitment and retention for underrepresented groups.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Engagement (50%25)

• Develop, expand and sustain trusted, long-term partnerships with diverse communities across Colorado, including rural and frontier communities.

• Plan and facilitate community-based activities such as town halls, educational workshops, listening sessions, and advisory group meetings.

• Represent the Department of Orthopedics at community events, health fairs, senior centers, cultural gatherings, and other forums relevant to musculoskeletal health.

• Serve as a trusted liaison between communities and the research team, promoting transparency, trust, and continuity.

Programmatic (30%25)

• Create and improve resources to effectively engage recruitment of diverse research participants.

• Identify barriers to research participation (e.g., transportation, mistrust, access limitations, mobility challenges) and help develop solutions to reduce these barriers.

• Incorporate community perspectives into study design, consent processes, and participant-facing materials.

• Collaborate with clinicians and investigators to create educational materials on orthopedic conditions, treatment options, and research participation.

• Develop and maintain an understanding of the clinical trial recruitment literature, best practice strategies, peer institution approaches, research sponsor expectations (e.g., federal, pharmaceutical and/or device industry) and rules governing human subject recruitment (e.g., OHRP, HIPAA).

Administrative (20%25)

• Produce community engagement summaries, informational newsletters, and study recruitment updates.

• Document community interactions, track outreach metrics, and synthesize community insights for use in study planning.

• Maintain organized records of engagement activities and contribute to required program documentation.

• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on engagement activities, community input, and recruitment progress.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of some days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings. Specific work schedule will be determined by the position’s supervisor.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado, Department of Orthopedics is a recognized global leader in the field and Colorado's most trusted orthopedic group for adults and children. Our unique position at the forefront of medical science, education, and practice innovation translates in real-time to the most advanced patient care, unmatched in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region. From routine cases to the most complex, we treat every orthopedic condition including injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles across many orthopedic specialties.

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: 10/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 any field

• Four (4) years clinical research or related experience

• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis. An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or health related field

• Five (5) years clinical research or related experience

• Experience collaborating with diverse community leaders.

• Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish preferred).

• Experience studying or working with people with lived experience (PWLE) in medical systems.

• Experience with the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and Plain Language at NIH Resources and Trainings.

• Familiarity with clinical trial regulatory submissions and IND/IDE submissions.

• Strong public speaking skills; ability to convey complex concepts in accessible, culturally tailored language.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management skills and experience within a complex and diverse environment

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution

• Knows when to ask questions, can work with minimal supervision, meet deadlines and expectations.

• Able to coordinate and prioritize several simultaneous tasks with potentially conflicting priorities.

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 (only use if a cover letter is necessary)

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

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

Questions should be directed to: Michael Zuscik, PhD, Email address: MICHAEL.ZUSCIK@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until March 13, 2026. If this option is used, the posting will come down on the date indicated. The hiring department will need to notify their Talent Acquisition Consultant if the role needs to be reposted.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $66,140-$84,130.

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.