Manager of Research Relations & Strategy

Position Summary

The Manager of Research Relations & Strategy supports the execution and operational management of research engagement activities within the Office of Research & Innovation. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Research Relations, this position provides operational coordination, systems oversight, data analysis, and internal reporting to support the university's research engagement strategy.

The Manager helps maintain partnership momentum by managing reporting infrastructure, tracking opportunities and engagements, preparing briefing and support materials, and coordinating follow-up activities across strategic initiatives. Through research, analysis, and programmatic support, this position helps ensure visibility, accountability, and progress in advancing UTEP's research engagement objectives.

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

• Captures and tracks federal funding opportunities, agency announcements, and program developments to support institutional awareness and planning.
• Maintains customer relationship management (CRM) systems, partnership databases, internal trackers, and reporting tools to ensure accurate and timely documentation of engagements, opportunities, and outcomes.
• Prepares briefing materials, presentations, reports, and supporting documentation for university leadership and external engagement activities.
• Drafts meeting summaries, engagement reports, after-action documentation, and follow-up materials supporting partnership activities and institutional initiatives.
• Coordinates the intake, assessment, routing, and tracking of engagement requests, partnership opportunities, and related activities.
• Supports meetings, events, campus visits, and partner engagements requiring senior-level coordination.
• Conducts research and analysis to support departmental initiatives, operational planning, and institutional priorities.
• Maintains proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and institutional software systems, including CRM and reporting platforms.
• Complies with all State of Texas, University, and departmental policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree and Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience in project management, program administration, research administration, higher education administration, strategic planning, partnership coordination, business operations, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Research Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Project Management, or a related field.
• Experience: Experience in higher education, research administration, economic development, government relations, strategic partnerships, or related fields. Experience supporting executive leadership, preparing reports and briefing materials, managing CRM systems, and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives is preferred.