Research and Special Projects Manager

Colorado State University is seeking a Research and Special Projects Manager for the CSU Spur Climate Hub. This hybrid/in-office role involves managing various projects related to climate change and sustainability. The position requires strong organizational skills, event planning experience, and a proactive approach. The salary range is $65,000-$80,000, with a focus on collaboration and work-life balance within a dynamic academic community.
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional Position

Research Professional Position No

Posting Number

Posting Number 202501133AP

Position Type

Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week

Work Hours/Week 40

Proposed Annual Salary Range

Proposed Annual Salary Range $65,000-$80,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/21/2025

Description of Work Unit

The CSU Spur Climate Hub is a new initiative at the CSU Spur Campus, supported by the School of Global Environmental Sustainability, the CSU Climate Initiative, the Institute for Entrepreneurship, and the Colorado Climate Center. The Spur Climate Hub is designed to elevate CSU’s climate-related knowledge and expertise and extend its reach beyond academia. The Climate Hub’s mission is to:

· Accelerate climate mitigation and adaptation through co-designed, evidence-based climate solutions.

· Increase the impact of CSU’s climate-related research and elevate CSU’s role as a trusted source for climate knowledge and innovation.

The School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES) at Colorado State University, founded in 2008, is dedicated to scientific research, education, and engagement on issues of global environmental sustainability. The School’s mission is to:

1. Provide a challenging, integrative, and forward-thinking education that equips students with the knowledge and tools to be future leaders addressing climate change and sustainability grand challenges;

2. Facilitate and conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research that leads to new and deeper understanding of climate change and sustainability issues; and

3. Engage with the public and private sectors, decision-makers, and other partners to translate discoveries into useful information and practical solutions.

The CSU Climate Initiative is a university-wide collaboration, merging with SoGES, to address climate change. The Climate Initiative coordinates CSU’s extensive expertise and assets to address the grand challenge of building a climate-resilient future in Colorado and beyond through knowledge generation, innovation, urban and rural community-based partnerships, and the education of a new generation of climate leaders.

Position Summary

The CSU Spur Climate Hub and the School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES) seek a versatile, detail-oriented, and proactive Research and Special Projects Manager to manage and support a variety of projects and initiatives across the Climate Hub and the School. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in sustainability and climate change, robust experience in event planning, and a demonstrated ability to think ahead. The ideal candidate also enjoys working across teams, has research experience in a related field, and can represent these initiatives with partners, contributing to mission-driven work in a dynamic academic setting. The Project Manager will contribute to operational, research-related, and engagement activities and occasionally provide direct support to both the Climate Hub and the SoGES Directors. This position is based at CSU Spur, with occasional travel to the CSU Fort Collins campus.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead the operational planning, through coordinating logistics, content, and speakers of Climate Hub and SoGES events, including conferences, talks and receptions, as well as launch and networking events.

· Coordinate Climate Hub projects, (such as transdisciplinary research projects, industry consortia initiatives, training courses, and on-demand climate research services) including liaising with internal and external partners and participants, developing project plans, timelines and deliverables, ensuring timely delivery of products and services, and other tasks as assigned.

· With support from CSU communications staff, contribute to Climate Hub communications, including creating new service-oriented website content.

· Support Climate Hub and SoGES/ CCI with donor and partner engagement.

· Support a range of efforts at the Climate Hub and SoGES, guided by leadership, with responsibilities tailored to evolving priorities. This could include conducting background research, preliminary data collection, or grant proposal development in line with the candidate’s expertise.

· Provide occasional scheduling and preparatory support to the Directors, as needed.

Required Job Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree plus five years of relevant experience or Master’s degree plus two years of relevant experience in sustainability, environmental studies, climate change, or a related field.
• Experience in organizing large events similar to those of the proposed position.
• Experience in developing communications materials around climate or other sustainability topics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multi-functional team.
• Ability to interact professionally with academic faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Attention to detail, flexibility, and a solutions-oriented, creative mindset.
Preferred Job Qualifications
• Experience supporting academic or research-related projects.
• Experience in website and social media content development .
• Experience in fundraising (e.g., proposal development and working with funders).
• Familiarity with sustainability or climate topics through applied research or in other related institutional settings.
• Experience as an executive assistant.
• Evidence of an emerging network of valuable relationships at CSU or in Colorado.
Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Event operations coordination

Duty/Responsibility
• Lead operational planning and onsite coordination for Climate Hub and SoGES events, including conferences, receptions, and talks. Coordinate with event speakers, sponsors, and partners as well as CSU event staff.
• Develop event programs and schedules.
• Recruit, train, and manage event volunteers.
• Liaise with vendors (e.g. catering, printing, and transport).
• Track and organize follow-up actions stemming from events and stakeholder meetings.
Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 50

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Research project management and communication

Duty/Responsibility
• Coordinate (e.g., plan, communicate, assist with contracts and deliverables) research efforts, industry partnerships, training courses, and climate services.
• Support background research and data collection aligned with evolving program goals.
• Assist with content development for the Climate Hub website, posting content such as databases, opportunities, and news.
• Develop written materials and talking points for donor and partner engagement.
• Support partner engagement and maintain a contact database.
• Oversee the Climate Hub’s social media presence, crafting updates and monitoring discussions.
Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 30

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Executive Support to the Directors

Duty/Responsibility
• Provide strategic calendar and scheduling support.
• Prepare Directors for meetings and events by, for example, compiling briefing materials, organizing logistics and taking notes during meetings as needed.
• Assist with special projects, including planning and execution with limited supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive internal and external communications.
• Represent the Climate Hub in and report back from meetings and events in the Directors’ absence.
Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 20

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please include a cover letter addressing how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search Contact

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested 3

Maximum Requested 3
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
• * Do you have Bachelor’s degree plus five years of relevant experience or Master’s degree plus two years of relevant experience in sustainability, environmental studies, climate change, or a related field
• Yes
• No
• * Do you have experience in developing communications materials around climate or other sustainability topics
• Yes
• No
• * Do you have experience in organizing large events
• Yes
• No

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Salary: USD 65000 - 80000 per year

Experience: 3 years required