Interdisciplinary Leader for Behavioral Science Institute

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Allenspark (CO); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Moving allowance

Excellent benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks applications for the Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS). The IBS Director provides overall leadership for the institute, setting a clear strategic vision and ensuring effective management, operations, and financial stewardship.

The position reports to senior leadership and collaborators across campus. We seek a tenured or tenure‑eligible faculty member with a record of scholarly achievement, leadership in interdisciplinary research, and

Qualifications

• Record of outstanding scholarly achievement in social and/or behavioral sciences and/or related interdisciplinary fields.
• Tenured or tenure-eligible faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder.
• Evidence of experience in, and demonstrated capacity for, research and administrative leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for IBS by articulating a forward-looking vision, identifying emerging opportunities, aligning institute priorities with campus and Research & Innovation Office goals, and fostering innovative, high-impact interdisciplinary research.
• Lead the recruitment, appointment, mentorship, development, and retention of faculty, staff, researchers, and students in ways that strengthen IBS’s research capacity, community, and long-term success.
• Promote and uphold strong research excellence, scholarly impact, and service across the institute. Work with faculty and administrative staff to support effective operations and timely, well-informed decisions.
• Be responsible for the institute’s budget, personnel actions, and resource allocation in alignment with university policies and priorities.
• Convene and lead meetings of the IBS Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
• Serve as IBS’s primary representative and advocate within CU Boulder and externally, guiding communications and relationships with Research & Innovation Office, campus partners, funders, and broader communities.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with federal agencies, foundations, industry, national laboratories, policymakers, and other partners to enhance IBS’s visibility, reputation, and ability to attract resources and opportunities.
• Advance IBS’s long-term impact through research dissemination, translation, and engagement, positioning the institute as a national leader in interdisciplinary research.
• Collaborate with other institute directors, engage in campus initiatives, and advance research and scholarship across CU Boulder.
• Foster a positive, collaborative institute culture built on transparency, accountability, accessibility, employee engagement, clear communication, constructive conflict resolution, and respectful engagement across the community.
• Hold a tenured or tenure-track appointment in an academic department aligned with IBS’ mission and contribute to departmental teaching, research, and service expectations, as appropriate and consistent with the responsibilities of the IBS Director.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Social/Behavioral Science

Job description

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks applications for the Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS). The IBS Director provides overall leadership for the institute, setting a clear strategic vision and ensuring effective management, operations, and financial stewardship.

The position reports to senior leadership and collaborators across campus. We seek a tenured or tenure‑eligible faculty member with a record of scholarly achievement, leadership in interdisciplinary research, and