Job Details

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

ASCEND Project Manager / Navigator

Position Number: 6946551
Location: Aurora, CO
Position Type: Medicine - Other Medicine

ASCEND Project Manager / Navigator

ASCEND Project Manager / Navigator - 39075 University Staff Description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: School of Medicine, Office of the Dean

Job Title: ASCEND Project Manager / Navigator

Position #:00845460 - Requisition #:39075

Job Summary:

The School of Medicine Office of Research, within the Office of the Dean, is seeking a highly skilled Project Manager / Navigator to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of projects within the newly formed Accelerating Solutions for Cell and Gene Therapy Evaluation and Novel Delivery (ASCEND) Program. This role serves as both a project manager and a program navigator, functioning as the central operational and coordination hub for ASCEND activities and fulfilling data and reporting requirements. The nature of this work is exciting, fast moving, detail- and customer service-oriented, and involves independent management of large, complex projects with adaptability and confidence.

The position supports the launch, implementation, and continuous improvement of a centralized infrastructure for complex, cutting edge cell and gene therapy trials within CU Anschutz and UCHealth. The Project Manager / Navigator will work closely with ASCEND leadership, multiple subcommittees, study investigators, operational partners, and institutional service units to ensure efficient intake, alignment with governance and finance structures, and timely project execution across the research lifecycle. It may also provide support to implementation of long-term follow-up activities for gene and cell therapy clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities:

Program and Project Management (30%)
- Lead end-to-end project management for ASCEND initiatives, including collaborating with others to develop and update project plans, timelines, and deliverables, and tracking and reporting on progress.
- Monitor progress and proactively identify barriers, risks, and mitigation strategies for multiple concurrent projects.
Program Navigation and Intake Coordination (30%)
- Serve as the primary navigator and point of contact for ASCEND inquiries, coordinating intake, triage, and routing to appropriate institutional partners.
- Guide investigators and study teams through ASCEND processes, requirements, and service offerings with a high level of customer service and responsiveness.
- Ensure appropriate handoffs between ASCEND and collaborating programs, clinical operations, and research support units.
Cross-Functional Engagement and Administrative Support (20%)
- Act as a central coordination hub across departments, centers, hospitals, and external partners involved in ASCEND-supported activity.
- Facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups, ensuring alignment, communication, and accountability.
- Support ASCEND governance and subcommittees by providing administrative support, including scheduling, preparing agendas, presentations, meeting materials, taking notes, tracking action items, and following up on decisions.
Operations, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement (10%)
- Support development, documentation, and refinement of ASCEND workflows, standard operating procedures, templates, and operational models.
- Prepare and maintain operational reports, program databases and dashboards, and provide leadership with updates on ASCEND activity, progress, and performance.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and scalability to support program growth and sustainability.
Data Entry and Coordination (10%)
- Independently coordinate and manage data entry and queries. Coordinate and meet data deadlines.
- Support implementation of long-term follow-up protocol for cell and gene therapy studies. Ensure complete source documentation is compiled.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado School of Medicine offers comprehensive, lifelong, interdisciplinary learning for health care professionals. With state-of-the art laboratories for discovery and innovation, a commitment to decreasing health disparities and increasing health equity, and faculty who provide world-class clinical care, the CU School of Medicine is transforming the health care landscape.

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: 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 business administration, public health, public administration, healthcare, strategic management, project management, or related field.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic project management, business planning, data coordination, or organizational change initiatives. 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 hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in public administration, health administration, business administration, or related field.
Experience supporting clinical research programs, clinical trials offices, or translational research initiatives.
Experience working in academic medicine or healthcare systems in a project management or data entry/coordination role.
Experience developing or maintaining data systems and dashboards to guide decision making.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or comparable certification.

Conditions of Employment:

Hybrid Position - at least 3 days per week on campus.

Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Analytical Skills - Excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret and understand complex research protocol information and research process steps.
Communication Skills - Excellent command of the English language, and ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally. Comfortable presenting and facilitating in groups.
Interpersonal Skills - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution; interacts with people in a friendly, open, honest manner; models a commitment to teamwork; demonstrates respect for the opinions of others; and maintains high level of confidentiality.
Customer Service - Demonstrates a commitment to excellent customer service, providing internal and external customers with timely information or assistance in resolving problems.
Adaptability - Adapts quickly to change and can manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a calm, organized manner; is open to new ideas and methods; able to work independently and as part of a team.
Planning and Organizing - Sets priorities, anticipates obstacles when planning, and manages time effectively to accomplish tasks. Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects with strategic impact.
Technology Skills - Adept at utilizing technology to effectively communicate and complete work and ability to learn new technology. Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and experience using and collaborating in project management software.

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. 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: Sara Steed, sara.steed@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 6, 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 $68,463 - $87,085.

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.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References Job Category
: Business Services Primary Location
: Aurora Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20029 - SOM-DEAN DO ADMINISTRATION Schedule
: Full-time Posting Date
: Feb 20, 2026 Unposting Date
: Ongoing Posting Contact Name: Sara Steed Posting Contact Email: sara.steed@cuanschutz.edu Position Number: 00845460

To apply, visit https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=39075&lang=en