ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Executive Director of the Davis School of Business
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary:
At Colorado Mesa University (CMU),we aspire to be a Human Scale University where we are a model of the world wewant to create. CMU is a place where education is both affordable andaccessible, and strong partnerships enhance the well-being of our community. CMU's Davis School of Business is seeking an innovative and visionary leader toserve as Executive Director who will embody the values of love, dignity,courage, humility, resiliency, curiosity, and power in all aspects of theirrole.
At CMU, the Maverick spirit isembodied in our unique organizational structure, which empowers individuals atevery level to take initiative and drive innovation. Unlike traditionaluniversities with layers of middle management, CMU fosters direct collaborationand streamlined decision-making, free from the constraints of hierarchicalbureaucracy. This structure supports an entrepreneurial mindset, encouragesaccountability, and cultivates a culture of agility, where new ideas canflourish.
The Executive Director of theDavis School of Business will report directly to the Vice President of AcademicAffairs (VPAA), playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the School. Inthis capacity, the Executive Director will nurture a culture that aligns withCMU's mission and vision, while preparing students to excel in a dynamic andevolving business landscape. By fostering collaboration, innovation, andaccountability, the Executive Director will ensure the Davis School of Businessremains a cornerstone of educational and professional excellence at CMU. The expanded job description can be found here.
Candidates for the ExecutiveDirector position may come from diverse backgrounds, including both academicand non-academic settings. Candidates should have a demonstrated record ofleadership and administrative experience within their respective fields. Thosefrom an academic career path should hold a terminal degree relevant to theirdiscipline, while candidates from the business community should have held topleadership roles within their industry or organization. All candidates shouldshow a proven ability to lead large teams or units toward strategic growthinitiatives, develop financial resources, and cultivate partnerships andcollaborations with a results-focused approach.
This position is ideal for acutting-edge, student-centric champion with a history of strategic growthinitiatives, significant creation of buy-in and financial resourcing, strongpartnership and collaboration skills, and results-focused leadership. The successfulcandidate will coordinate the development and delivery of academic programs,meeting the demands of today's workforce and students while enhancing thevisibility and reputation of the existing business programs. This position offers excitingopportunities to provide strategic and visionary leadership to a motivatedgroup of faculty and staff in matters relating to curriculum and programdevelopment, AACSB accreditation, assessment and evaluation, recruitment andretention of faculty, staff, and students, community engagement, research andscholarship, grant-seeking, and fundraising.
Desired Qualifications Academic and/or ProfessionalExperience: Significant leadership experiencein the academic, business, or professional community, with a proven trackrecord of organizational leadership, business development, or executivemanagement. While experience in higher education is not required, an opennessto learning about the academic environment and a demonstrated ability tocollaborate with academic leaders is essential. Those from an academicbackground should have a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in arelevant field, with a strong record of scholarly, administrative, oracademic leadership achievements, such as experience as a department chair,associate dean, or dean.
Leadership and Vision:
•Demonstrated ability to implement the strategic vision for the Davis School of Business, with a focus on innovation, growth, and responsiveness to evolving market and educational demand.
•Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment, working with diverse faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
Financial Acumen:
• Proven experience managing budgets and financial resources, whether in an academic or corporate setting, with a focus on long-term sustainability and growth.
•Ability to develop revenue-generating initiatives and ensure the efficient use of resources.
Fundraising:
• Proven experience in fundraising, whether from within academia or the business sector.
•Ability to enhance alumni relations and develop financial resources to support the Davis School of Business' goals and initiatives.
External Relations:
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with employers and community organizations to support workforce development and ensure that graduates meet the needs of the local and regional economy.
•Expertise in partnering with local businesses to create opportunities that drive economic growth and provide a steady pipeline of talented graduates prepared to contribute to a vibrant, thriving economy.
•Ability to serve as the public face of the Davis School of Business, fostering collaboration with industry and community stakeholders to advance the school's mission and regional impact.
Salary: $175,000.00 - 225,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Colorado Mesa University
Employment Type: Administrative
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: For full consideration, applications must be submitted by February 2nd. Applications will then be reviewed weekly until filled.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
•Cover letter
•Resume
•Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
•Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Direct Inquiries Contact: Cher Hendricks,
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings.
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that's less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.