Job Details

Smead Director

Position Number: 6889688
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Engineering - Aerospace

Smead Director

Requisition Number: 69780
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 16-Feb-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences encourages applications for a Director. This position plays two primary roles within the department. The first is to plan, lead, manage, administer and assess all elements of The Smead Program. The Smead Program is a cornerstone of our focus on fostering excellence in aerospace education, research, and societal impact. The Smead Director will work under minimal supervision to effectively implement all aspects of The Smead Program which include, but are not limited to: building external partnerships, marketing, planning, budgeting, and reporting. The second is leading the department operational staff team and serving as the senior staff member on the department's senior leadership team, reporting to and partnering with the Chair in the performance of university duties and responsibilities. The Smead Director serves a key role in developing organizational strategies, decisions, and operations to enable the department to achieve strategic goals. This position is an integral part of a high-performing professional and academic team working to build and sustain a world-class aerospace engineering sciences department.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) is a perennially top-ranked aerospace department. AES is one of six departments within CEAS at the University of Colorado Boulder, the state's flagship higher education institution and campus. Founded in 1876, the Boulder campus is home to a community of more than 42,000 students and 10,000 faculty and staff across areas of study that include engineering, sciences, business, arts, law, and music.

Learn more at our website.

The Smead Program consists of scholars and faculty internationally recognized for their research and character. The Smead Program is a strong community who support one another's continual growth and future goals. Through regular connections with participants, alumni, and leaders in the field, we have built - and continue to grow - a diverse network in the fields of industry, academia, and government. Our scholars, alumni, and faculty are building the future of Aerospace Engineering and Science.

Learn more at our website.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Smead Program Leadership:

Directs the implementation, administration, and evaluation of The Smead Program with support from the Smead Program Senior Coordinator.
Oversees the recruitment and selection of new members to the program.
Leads the strategic direction for all program activities and events.
Develops financial strategy and long-range financial planning for the program.
Develops and delivers financial and programmatic stewardship reports on program progression in partnership with Advancement.
Oversees The Smead Program annual budget and programming calendar to achieve program goals.
Develops and implements opportunities for program alumni to sustain their engagement to the program community.
Represents The Smead Program to the broader university, external community, and other partners.
Directs the national communication and brand strategy for The Smead Program.
Advises the Smead Aerospace Department Chair for integrating The Smead Program into the department's strategy and key activities.
Partners with Advancement to steward and sustain the university's relationship with the program benefactors.

HR and Supervision:

Provides direct supervision of the department's functional managers, and has indirect supervisory responsibility for classified and university staff and other temporary employees of the department.
Makes decisions on hiring, termination, pay actions, and performance management for department operational staff, in accordance with university policy and in consultation with the Department Chair as appropriate.
Directs staff recruitment and retention initiatives to support department goals.
Identifies and provides professional development, mentoring, and other opportunities for staff career growth.
Mediates discussions between staff members and elevates issues for resolution when needed.
Oversees the day-to-day administrative operations and non-academic events and activities of the department.
Sets the tone for the department culture and holds regular department operations meetings to bring key staff together to highlight upcoming activities, discuss departmental challenges, and increase communication and coordination to align resources for success.

Department Strategic Leadership:

Partners with the Department Chair to support departmental strategy, operational planning, and long-range planning, and to translate faculty priorities into actionable plans.
Supports faculty and departmental leadership by coordinating and implementing non-academic initiatives that contribute to the department's visibility and reputation.
Supports the Chair and departmental leadership by providing operational, financial, and organizational analysis to inform departmental growth and planning decisions.
Supports the Chair in planning and running strategic vision retreats and related activities.
Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Department's External Advisory Board (EAB), partnering with the Chair to coordinate Board membership, agendas, meetings, and follow-through on Board recommendations.
Partners with the faculty and staff to represent the department in strategic external engagements.
Builds strong relationships with team members and campus constituencies to ensure initiatives and decisions are successfully implemented and opportunities are identified.
Coordinates activities to ensure that staff is focused on activities that advance the department's mission, vision, and values.
Supports the Chair in the resolution of challenges within the department and with other partners and organizations across campus.
Establishes, manages, and continuously improves administrative policies and procedures to meet strategic objectives.
Supports building space assignments, renovations, and related projects.

What You Should Know

This position is primarily based on campus. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with some evenings and weekends required. Travel is also expected. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

What We Can Offer

The starting salary range for this position is $128,000 - $148,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
4 years of job related experience, including lead or supervision experience within complex organizations.

What You Will Need

Exceptionally strong leadership and networking skills.
Ability to lead and manage work groups and staff.
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize different projects or tasks, work in a fast-paced environment, and ensure goals are met on time with excellent results.
Ability to analyze and assess shifting priorities and lead the organization through change.
Demonstrated ability to work across diverse constituencies and organizations.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent presentation skills, including high level of comfort presenting to senior management.
Creative problem solver with strong critical thinking skills.
Demonstrated marketing management skills ability to work effectively with decision makers across all levels within an organization.
Skilled in project management with the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously.
Thorough with strong ability to understand constituent needs and lead teams toward a common goal.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that describes how your background and experience align with this position.

You will not be asked to upload references at this time. Please apply by February 16, 2026 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/Smead-Director/69780