Description
Are you ready to help shape the future of multi-sector research and innovation? UIDP seeks a dynamic Program Coordinator to drive the success of its Strengthen and Modernize University–Industry Partnerships Initiative (SAMI)—a nationally recognized effort to transform how universities and industry collaborate. SAMI’s current work includes the Expanding STEM Ph.D. Funding Streams workshop, bringing together universities, industry, and funders to co-design innovative approaches to doctoral training and workforce readiness - a clear example of the national-scale initiatives this role will help advance.
This is a high-visibility role with the opportunity to partner with the academic, corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors and strategic investors - Amazon, Microsoft, Elsevier, Arizona State University, and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) while advancing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in research collaboration.
The SAMI initiative comes at a pivotal moment. With federal funding for research under strain, multi-sector partnerships are more essential than ever to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of discovery and innovation. As Strategic Programs & Initiatives Coordinator, you’ll be at the center of this movement, ensuring the initiative delivers measurable progress toward its ambitious goals.
What You Will Do
Project Coordination
Develop and manage project timelines, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met.
Track progress across workstreams and maintain clear documentation of activities.
Schedule and facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and capture action items.
Coordinate with UIDP staff, member organizations, and external stakeholders.
Proposal Development Support
Assist with drafting, editing, and formatting proposals and related documents.
Manage inputs from multiple contributors, ensuring alignment with initiative goals.
Track proposal deadlines and ensure timely submission of all required materials.
Support budget preparation and compliance with UIDP policies and procedures.
Communication & Reporting
Prepare regular updates, status reports, and presentations for internal leadership and external stakeholders.
Maintain initiative-related content for UIDP’s communication channels (e.g., website, newsletters, member updates).
Serve as a point of contact for inquiries related to the SAMI initiative.
Operational Excellence
Identify and implement process improvements to keep the initiative running smoothly.
Ensure effective knowledge management and document archiving.
Support event planning and logistics related to SAMI workshops, webinars, or meetings.
Other Duties As Assigned
Perform additional tasks and responsibilities, as needed, to support organizational priorities and ensure the successful execution of projects and initiatives. This may include contributing to cross-functional efforts, assisting colleagues, or addressing emerging needs that align with the mission and objectives of the organization.
Requirements
Who We Are Looking For
A strategic organizer with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, public policy, STEM, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
3–5 years of relevant experience in program coordination, project management, or grants/proposal support.
Exceptional communication skills—you know how to tell the story of progress in writing, presentations, and conversation.
A natural collaborator with strong project management skills and proficiency in tools like Asana, MS Project, Zoom, and Google Workspace.
Experience in higher education, nonprofits, government, or industry–academic partnerships (a plus but not required).
Key Competencies
Detail-oriented and proactive problem-solver.
Able to work independently while fostering collaboration.
Professional, poised, and comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior executives.
Deep commitment to UIDP’s mission and to ensuring that SAMI achieves its objectives and delivers lasting impact.
Who We Are
UIDP (www.uidp.org) is a global nonprofit membership association that helps great innovation companies and world-class research universities develop new and better collaboration approaches. UIDP is a recognized convener of thought leaders and practitioners, identifying high-impact strategies so companies and universities (along with other interested parties) can improve the return on investment from their partnerships. UIDP’s operating model is predicated on being agile and producing high-quality products that meet the community's needs.
Why Join UIDP?
Impact: Be part of a nationally significant initiative reshaping research partnerships at a time of critical need.
Visibility: Work directly with senior leaders from world-class organizations.
Growth: Gain unmatched exposure to cross-sector collaboration and leadership development opportunities.
Mission-driven culture: Join a team passionate about advancing university–industry partnerships to accelerate innovation and societal impact.
This isn’t just a coordination role—it’s an opportunity to be at the heart of a transformational movement that is redefining how the U.S. tackles the challenges of tomorrow
Location
This position is located in Columbia, SC, USA. UIDP operates under a hybrid work schedule, and staff work 3-4 days/week in the office.
Compensation & Benefits
This full-time, exempt position offers a competitive salary, reflecting the value we place on our team members’ contributions. In addition to financial compensation, we provide a generous benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance. This includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you are covered.
We also offer a robust retirement plan to help you plan for your future and generous paid time off that encourages you to recharge and enjoy personal time. At UIDP, we are committed to fostering the professional development of our employees, providing opportunities for training, workshops, and mentorship programs to facilitate your professional growth.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Referral program
Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
Are you a resident of South Carolina?
Are you willing to work in our downtown Columbia, SC office 3-4 days per week?
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
program coordination/management, or grants/proposal support: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbia, SC 29201
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