Director of the Latino Research and Policy Center

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Official Title: Director

Working Title: Director of the Latino Research and Policy Center

FTE: .50 FTE

Salary Range: The compensation for this position will include course buy-outs for a portion of the faculty members' course load, an administrative stipend (10% of base salary), and summer pay (6 weeks).

Position #00816281 - Requisition #36720

Modality: Hybrid

Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver

The University of Colorado Denver is the state's premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across seven schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through break through innovations and impactful research, and creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. For more information, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

At CU Denver, equity means that everyone can find a fulfilling path to success. We believe that equity is a justice issue, an institutional and leadership priority and imperative, and a value that guides everything we do. Being the nation's first equity-serving institution means we are creating an environment where one's racial and social identity no longer predetermines educational outcomes and professional advancement opportunities. We recognize inequities among all underserved communities and strive to address them through multifaceted approaches that include policy and structural reforms, inclusive academic programming and research opportunities, inclusive hiring and retention practices, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

We aim to make education work for all by valuing, welcoming, supporting, and educating all people. We recognize that institutions are stronger and more innovative when their culture is inclusive and their talent is diverse. We strive to be a model equity institution for the nation.

The Director steers the LRPC towards becoming a self-sustaining and nationally prominent research and policy think tank. The Director will focus the LRPC on matters of significance to the Latinx community, with emphasis on four areas:

Developing the LRPC's research vision and building a research team composed of CU Denver faculty and other collaborators to execute this vision.

Leading LRPC's external funding initiatives by developing a comprehensive funding strategy to identify and pursue grants and funding opportunities, crafting grant proposals, ensuring compliance with grant-related policies, and reporting to research sponsors.

Mentoring, recruiting, and developing researchers, including student researchers, to build a talent base and community of researchers with an interest in matters of significance to the Latinx community to lead in an effective, collaborative, and interdisciplinary manner.

Convening members of faculty, staff, and students with a focus on matters of significance to the Latinx community and policy to inform best practices in research and policy development and help identify research gaps and policy inequities that LRPC researchers can work to remedy.

The Director will oversee the operations and strategic direction of the LRPC in collaboration with key stakeholders. Working with other staff from the LRPC they will lead fundraising efforts, guide research endeavors, and build relationships with communities within and beyond the Auraria Higher Education Center; the multi-institutional downtown Denver campus where the LRPC is based.

The initial appointment for this position is for a three-year term, which can be renewed based on organizational needs, funding availability, and director's performance.

Director of the Latino Research & Policy Center

What you will do:

Research Leadership (40% of time)

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  Develop and lead the LRPC's research agenda, including the pursuit of external funding.

  
  
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  Create and coordinate small- and large-scale research teams for the LRPC.

  
  
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  Convene scholars from across disciplines to develop research projects and grant proposals.

  
  
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  Develop institutional review board (IRB) applications to ensure compliance with research policies and procedures.

  
  
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  Support research teams to complete project deliverables on time and within budgets.

  
  
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  Prepare project documentation and research reports, including reports to research sponsors.

  
  
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  Prepare scholarly publications based on and reflecting research team results.

  
  
• Collaborate with LRPC staff and university communications personnel to effectively disseminate research findings to diverse and broad audiences.

Fundraising and Resource Acquisition (40% of time)

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  Develop an actionable plan for fundraising.

  
  
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  Cultivate relationships with foundations and donors.

  
  
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  Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify and apply to funding sources.

  
  
• Meet fundraising goals and financial sustainability of the LRPC by securing financial support from foundations, corporations, and individual donors.

Administrative and Financial Leadership (10% of time)

Working with the LRPC's Director of Community Engagement

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  Oversee daily operations of the LRPC, providing executive direction for program strategies and efficiencies, compliance, and quality assurance.

  
  
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  Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations and maintain a strong work culture that attracts and retains staff.

  
  
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  Ensure compliance of the LRPC and its staff with university policies and regulations.

  
  
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  Demonstrate adaptive and effective communications suitable for a wide range of audiences.

  
  
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  Develop, oversee, manage, and report on the LRPC budget.

  
  
• Administer completed contracts including management of financial terms, compliance, invoicing, monitoring of milestones, termination, and renegotiation.

Community Building and Engagement (10% of time)

Working with the LRPC's Director of Community Engagement

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  Increase awareness of the LRPC by being the main spokesperson and liaison with media, community leaders, and supporters of the Center.

  
  
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  Act as an ambassador of the LRPC to external audiences.

  
  
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  Build and communicate LRPC identity as a policy, research, and community resource.

  
  
• Implement high-impact and high-visibility programs aligned with the organization's mission.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

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  Rostered faculty member at CU Denver

  
  
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  Demonstrated record of scholarly publication and success in securing external research funding.

  
  
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  Experience developing and leading research partnerships on issues impacting and/or related to Latinx communities.

  
  
• Competency in understanding and managing sponsored research budget and finances. This includes budgets, cash flow, income statements, and balance statements.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

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  Tenured faculty at the rank of Professor.

  
  
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  Experience in developing grant proposals, including adherence to sponsor guidelines and solicitation requirements and managing externally sponsored research projects.

  
  
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  Experience leading or participating in research center grant proposals.

  
  
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  Proven effective experience in fundraising (grants and gifts), including engaging in development activities.

  
  
• Experience with supervising and working effectively with staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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  Thought leadership focused on implementing CU Denver's Strategic Plan and its resulting strategic initiatives.

  
  
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  Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

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

  
  
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  Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

  
  
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  Proven ability to set and meet goals and deadlines, manage appointments, create schedules, coordinate, facilitate meetings, and make decisions.

  
  
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  Ability to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

  
  
• Self-starter with proven team-building and motivational skills.

Conditions of Employment

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  This position is for a three-year term, which is anticipated to be extended or renewed based on organizational need and/or funding availability.

  
  
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  Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.

  
  
• This position requires an onsite presence on campus on some days, Hybrid options may be available.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation for this position will include course buy-outs for a portion of the faculty members' course load, an administrative stipend (10% of base salary), and summer pay (6 weeks).

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

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 is not eligible for overtime compensation.

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

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

Posted on external site for CU Denver Faculty only for April 30^th, 2025.

Required Application Materials:

To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

1. 
   

   A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications

   
   
2. 
   

   A current CV/resume

   
   
3. 
   

   List of three references