Policy Research Communications and Executive Coordinator

Position Summary

The Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab at the University of Denver seeks to hire a Policy Research Communications and Executive Coordinator. This hybrid position leads the Labs day-to-day communications while providing executive coordination to Lab leadership.

Essential Functions

• Communications and Design

  • Identify communications opportunities across Lab projects and the LINC initiative;
  • Draft and design social media and other materials so leadership can review, react, and approve quickly;
  • Turn voice-over recorded remarks or draft notes from Lab leadership into structured, presentation-ready PowerPoint slide decks;
  • Design and lay out two-page briefs (“two-pagers”) that translate research and policy findings for policymaker audiences;
  • Edit Lab deliverables for readability, not just grammar—simplifying language, tightening structure, checking for internal consistency, and ensuring a non-partisan approach;
  • Edit Lab deliverables for accessibility and to match brand guidelines;
  • Edit grant proposals for alignment with RFP guidelines;
  • Make recommendations for improving Lab’s report templates to elevate the most important content in a deliverable;
  • Convert Excel charts and figures into polished, presentation-ready graphics;
  • Serve as the primary website administrator and manage social media channels, ensuring timely, professional, and informative posts.

• Executive Coordination

  • Manage and prioritize Lab leaderships calendars, correspondence, and briefing preparation across internal and external commitments;
  • Assemble briefing packets ahead of external meetings — agendas, bios, background materials — for meetings with funders, legislators, and partner organizations;
  • Track action items and deadlines arising from leadership and partner meetings and follow up to ensure completion;
  • Coverage for core operations functions and requires reliable transportation for occasional, sometimes last minute, delivery of materials, supplies, and catering within the Denver metro area;
  • Coordinate travel logistics and itineraries for leadership, including expense reporting;
  • Serve as the first point of contact for external scheduling requests, triaging based on leadership priorities;
  • Respond to quick-turnaround requests with high responsiveness and sound judgment on prioritization;
  • Take and distribute notes and action-item summaries for leadership, as needed.

• Operations Support

  • Manage the Lab’s department email account and electronic calendar;
  • Track funding opportunities that align with the Lab’s mission;
  • Provide backup support for Lab operations functions, including contract workflow management and processing payments, to keep work moving when other staff are out of office;
  • Coordinate logistics for Lab events, including scheduling, materials preparation, and on-site support;
  • Transport and distribute supplies, meeting materials, and catering around the Denver metro area, including on short notice; requires access to reliable personal transportation;
  • Provide basic remote technical support to staff as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to simplify technical or research content for non-expert audiences;
• Ability to craft messaging that is non-partisan and relatable to state government officials, staff, and leaders;
• Experience managing organizational or public figure social media accounts;
• Working proficiency in graphic design/layout tools (e.g., Adobe InDesign/Photoshop, Canva, or similar);
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, including chart and figure creation;
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond quickly to leadership requests;
• Ability to anticipate problems and use good judgment during communication with elected officials and state government leadership and in developing solutions;
• Strong self-initiative to address day-to-day challenges with ability to determine what requires supervisor support.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in strategic and/or science communications, journalism, political science, public policy, or related social science field;
• Two (2) years of professional experience in communications, policy, government affairs, research administration, nonprofit organizations, higher education, executive support, or a related environment;
• Valid drivers license and reliable personal transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a legislative aide or in a legislative/policy office;
• Background in science communication and translating complex subjects into simple terms;
• Experience supporting executive-level staff or event logistics in a research, government, or nonprofit setting.

Work Schedule and Environment

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Must be based in the Denver region with a balance of virtual and in-person work. Local travel required for material and supply delivery, occasionally on short notice.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time;
• Occasionally required to move about the office/event spaces;
• Occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds.