Research Program Coordinator

Please Note: The title has been updated from Program Coordinator to Research Program Coordinator.

The Arizona Hub for Agriculture Innovation (AHAI) is dedicated to transforming academic solutions into scalable, industry-ready innovations for Arizona's $30 billion agricultural sector. This initiative, uniting the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University, aims to position the state as a global leader in climate-resilient arid-land agriculture.

AHAI seeks a Program Coordinator to provide high-level administrative and operational support, managing complex project timelines and facilitating communication to ensure programs move forward on schedule. The successful applicant will demonstrate high-level attention to detail, skill in written and verbal communication, the ability to meet competing deadlines, and prior experience working collegially with faculty, investigators, research staff, and others involved in projects.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining on-site work at the Tucson Campus with remote work flexibility.

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.

Program Coordination & Operations

• Day-to-Day Operations: Coordinates and performs day-to-day operational and administrative activities in support of AHAI research programs.
• Project Planning: Develops and monitors project plans, including detailed timelines, resource requirements, and budgets for funded AIL and ARP tracks.
• Administrative Administration: Administers and assists in the coordination of assigned programs and projects, ensuring that the phased application process (Pre-Proposal to Full Proposal) moves forward on schedule.
• Research Support: Provides high-level administrative support for program and research staff, handling administrative tasks specifically related to the "lab-to-field" research pipeline.
• SOP Development: Develops detailed written materials on the AHAI proposal solicitation process.
• Grant Tracking: Track funding opportunities and in-progress proposals supporting the program.

Stakeholder Liaison & Communication

• Primary Contact: Serves as a central contact for internal (UA, ASU, NAU) and external (industry partners/growers) stakeholders to coordinate activities and exchange vital information.
• Technical Reporting: Drafts program sponsor reports and other technical/progress reports for AHAI leadership and the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR).
• Information Delivery: Ensures the timely delivery of reports, meeting agendas, and program updates to the Research Coordination Committee and industry stakeholders.

Data Analysis & System Management

• Data Management: Compiles and analyzes data related to program administration, such as tracking student hours, technology readiness levels (TRL), and project impact metrics.
• System Proficiency: Performs work with moderate knowledge and operation of university systems and department tools (e.g., financial systems, travel/reimbursement tools, and document repositories).
• Research Strategy Support: Assists in developing administrative strategies and research coordination plans to improve the efficiency of the hub.

Leadership & Supervision

• Mentorship: Mentors and shares knowledge with student workers and support staff to ensure consistency in AHAI administrative operations.
• Independent Oversight: Works under limited or minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment on daily tasks and consulting with Senior Professionals only for highly unusual or complex situations.

Scheduling & Event Logistics

• Meeting Coordination: Schedule and provide logistical support for the committees and quarterly stakeholder meetings involving partners from all three state universities.
• Event Support: Coordinate the "behind-the-scenes" logistics for the annual Arizona Ag Innovation Summit, field tours, workshops and other events, including venue booking, catering, registration tracking, and materials preparation.
• Travel Coordination: Arrange travel and process reimbursements for AHAI leadership and guest speakers as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to coordinate work across three distinct university systems.
• Skill in developing project plans and identifying logistical bottlenecks before they impact research timelines.
• Ability to manage high volumes of documentation and multiple schedules without oversight.
• Strong attention to detail, specifically regarding deadlines and document version control.
• Skill in corresponding professionally with university faculty, staff, and external industry partners.
• Mastery of office tools (Microsoft Office 365, Zoom/Teams, Google Drive) and the ability to learn university-specific administrative software.

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.