Research Program Coordinator

The Arizona Transportation Institute (AZTI), a statewide research consortium jointly established by the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), is seeking applicants for a Research Program Coordinator position. This role supports AZTI transportation research programs through project coordination, program operations, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with ADOT, university partners, faculty, researchers, and local jurisdictions. Responsibilities include facilitating meetings; coordinating project activities and timelines; preparing reports and program materials; supporting outreach, communications, and marketing initiatives; organizing meetings and events; and ensuring compliance with sponsor and university requirements.

The Coordinator will serve as a key liaison among internal and external stakeholders while operating with moderate autonomy. This position requires periodic in-state travel, including approximately monthly trips to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend ADOT and stakeholder meetings.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

• Oversee and coordinate assigned research programs and projects to ensure alignment with university, sponsor, and regulatory policies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain program protocols, standard operating procedures, and research documentation for regulatory adherence and operational effectiveness.
• Advise principal investigators and research staff on compliance, risk mitigation, operational procedures, and relevant policy interpretation.
• Manage program budgets by monitoring expenditures, performing data analysis, preparing financial reports, and recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare, review, and submit grant proposals, budgets, progress reports, and contracts in collaboration with faculty to ensure adherence to institutional and sponsor standards.
• Develop and deliver evaluation plans, summarize data, and produce performance and outcome reports for funding agencies, internal stakeholders, and program improvement.
• Serve as a liaison among research teams, institutional offices, sponsors, and community stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration to advance program objectives.
• Coordinate meetings, advisory boards, events, conferences, and workshops, efficiently managing logistics and fostering stakeholder engagement.
• Create, distribute, and maintain outreach materials, newsletters, infographics, and other program communications to enhance visibility and stakeholder connection.
• Collect, maintain, and analyze research and compliance data, ensuring accurate database management, survey implementation, and the optimization of reporting processes.
• Mentor and train student workers, junior research administrators, and support staff, providing onboarding, scheduling, and knowledge sharing that strengthens workforce capability and supports a collaborative work environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent grammar, detail orientation, and ability to tailor communication to a range of audiences.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and stakeholders across institutions.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Skilled in design tools such as Canva, MailChimp, and similar tools.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and summarize information and contribute to technical and administrative reports.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to adapt to evolving program needs and contribute to continuous operational improvement.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Strong Communication and Organizational Skills.
• Project coordination and Management.
• Experience organizing events or multi-stakeholder meetings.
• Proactive problem-solving with high attention to detail.
• Professional, discreet, and effective at building relationships.