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Executive Director, Sustainability Research Initiative
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Position Number: 5637586
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Occupational and Environmental Safety

Executive Director, Sustainability Research Initiative

Requisition Number: 59313
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 13-Oct-2024
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is at the forefront of addressing the increasing and accelerating environmental challenges of our time. CU Boulder is setting ambitious new goals to achieve national prominence and thought leadership in climate action and sustainability, aiming to drive a significant impact on society. Central to these goals is the enhancement and expansion of the university's robust research portfolio in sustainability and resilience. This position will help enable researchers to grow the impact of sustainability research both locally and globally.

The Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI) supports the university's sustainability goals by fostering and coordinating research through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that brings to bear knowledge from diverse academic departments, centers, and institutes. The SRI is a key strategic priority for the university, and the Executive Director will be essential in guiding its strategic direction to align with the university's overall sustainability research objectives. This includes cultivating key internal and external partnerships and securing substantial external funding from government, industry, and philanthropic sources to support the development of innovative solutions through research, commercialization, and deployment. The Executive Director will be expected to diversify SRI's funding to ensure its long-term impact and financial stability through a combination of grants, endowments, and multi-year commitments with key partners. This role will focus on expanding sustainability research at CU Boulder by supporting inclusive interdisciplinary research, accelerating the careers of CU faculty and researchers, and engaging key partners in strategic planning.

This position will lead the strategic development and operational management of the Initiative. This role requires a dynamic leader capable of integrating diverse academic and cultural perspectives, collaborating with external partners, and elevating CU Boulder's visibility and impact in sustainability research and practice worldwide. The Executive Director will report directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation (VCRI), with a dotted line to the inaugural Vice Chancellor for Sustainability (VCS).

Sustainability at CU Boulder

CU Boulder seeks to build upon its 50+ year legacy of leadership in sustainability. More than 300 faculty members are engaged in sustainability-related research across 69 departments, representing two-thirds of all departments. The university ranks among the top 10 in the nation in funding for environmental research. CU Boulder earth sciences and atmospheric science are ranked #1 and #2 in the world, respectively, according to the 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects by ShanghaiRanking.

CU Boulder has consistently been a pioneer in sustainability and environmental initiatives, such as the first student-led Environmental Center, campus-wide recycling program, and a carbon-neutral student government. The university was also the first to achieve a STARS Gold rating and aims for STARS Platinum. Our Sustainability Executive Council drives action toward carbon neutrality, with significant projects like the East Campus solar array and an 18-building efficiency initiative. CU Boulder fosters environmental stewardship and innovation through community engagement and annual events like the Campus Sustainability Summit.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

RIO is the central point for support and advocacy for CU Boulder's world-class scholarship, creative work, and growing research enterprise. We are focused on creating global impact by cultivating and supporting collaboration, transformation and leadership. At the heart of this focus are the diverse contributions of a wide range of world-class experts, working together to accelerate ideas throughout the entire innovation lifecycle. We endeavor to embody CU Boulder's commitment to exemplify excellence through diversity by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, enhancing the success and inclusion of all students, staff and faculty, and deepening our ability to share and engage with diverse perspectives.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Strategic Leadership

Enhance CU Boulder's position as a global leader in sustainability research, facilitating its role in shaping international dialogues and actions in sustainability and climate resilience research.
Working closely with the VCS, VCRI and a board of Faculty Director(s), lead the formulation of the Initiative's vision and strategic thematic directions in sustainability, energy, and climate resilience and help existing sustainability research efforts coordinate both internally among themselves and externally with academic partners, industry, federal agencies, foundations, and other collaborative bodies.
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities and support Advancement staff in growing fundraising and philanthropic outcomes.
Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration across CU Boulder's diverse academic landscape, fostering integration and innovation in sustainability research.
Drive the development and pursuit of use-inspired research projects that advance knowledge, directly tackle real-world challenges, and produce deployable solutions.

Partnership and Outreach

Build and strengthen partnerships with external entities including corporate, philanthropic, and federal agencies and laboratories.
Represent SRI and the university in national and international forums to advance dialogue and collaboration in sustainability research.

Operational Management

Manage the SRI's operational and administrative functions, supported by a dedicated administrative staff.
Supervise budgeting and resource allocation.
Prepare and present regular reports on operational performance.
Establish and implement policies and procedures to optimize operational effectiveness.
Lead, mentor, and manage the Initiative's staff, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Serve as a member of the VCS leadership team by representing sustainability research in campus-wide dialogues.

What You Should Know

This position offers a hybrid work modality. Some travel will be required.

What We Can Offer

The annual hiring range for this position is $175,000-$225,000. Relocation is available for eligible candidates.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Master's degree or equivalent in a sustainability-related field such as environmental or natural science, engineering, or policy.
Six years of experience in strategic planning and execution within a large, complex organization.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
Proven record of accomplishment in partnership development, fundraising, and external engagement.

What You Will Need

Exceptional ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences and partners.
Demonstrated leadership experience in managing interdisciplinary teams and large-scale projects.
Visionary leadership with a passion for driving impactful change in sustainability.
In-depth knowledge of sustainability challenges and the landscape of state, federal and global sustainability research.
Ability to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative environment.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically addresses how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications and responsibilities of the position.

You will not be asked to upload references at this time. Please apply by 10/13/24 for consideration. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Executive-Director-Sustainability-Research-Initiative/59313