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Posting Detail Information

Working TitleDean, College of Natural Sciences

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202501465AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleExecutive II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary RangeThis is a full-time, 12-month appointment with a salary of $340,000 - $400,000, commensurate with experience plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date07/01/2026

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on11/10/2025

Description of Work Unit

The College of Natural Sciences ( CNS ) at Colorado State University has been integral to the education, research, and outreach mission of the university since its founding in 1870. CNS is one of the largest undergraduate and graduate serving colleges at CSU , with one of the highest undergraduate enrollments, strong graduate programs in all eight departments, state-wide outreach programs, and broad, diverse research expertise across the full spectrum of scientific discovery – from foundational discovery to today’s solutions.

CNS is a leader in research, teaching, and community engagement. We ask fundamental questions and apply our knowledge to every field of study. We are home to eight departments, biology, psychology, biochemistry and molecular biology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, and chemistry.

Our student population is consistently growing, and we are now one of the largest enrollment colleges for undergraduate students at CSU . We educate 5,000 undergraduates and 800 graduate students through our eight departments, each of which offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. In addition to those in our degree programs, we are the second largest producer of student credit hours at CSU .

Our research spans the scientific process. From foundational discovery to today’s solutions. CNS faculty have strong funding support across the college and are recognized as leaders through fellowships in national organizations and prestigious awards such as NSF CAREER and NIH MIRA grants. We have now reached more than $50 million in annual research expenditures.

CNS is home to two well-known outreach units – the Little Shop of Physics and the Natural Sciences Education and Outreach Center. The Little Shop of Physics makes science fun and accessible to people of every age through school-based programming and events. Little Shop’s annual Open House is the largest one-day science event west of the Mississippi River.

Colorado State University is a Research 1 Carnegie Research Institution (R1 – very high research) with a land grant mission serving approximately 34,000 graduate and undergraduate (resident-instruction) students. CSU has been recognized as a premier research university, with world-class research in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies, and environmental science. CSU also offers among the very best professional programs in the country in business, veterinary medicine, occupational therapy, agriculture, and construction management. CSU’s STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) platinum rating reflects the University’s commitment to sustainability. In the most recent STARS evaluation, CSU was ranked #2 in the U.S., and #3 in the world.

CSU’sStrategic Roadmap 2035: A National Model for the Modern Land-Grant University (https://president.colostate.edu/strategic-roadmap/) highlights how our current University priorities align with the CSU System’s Strategic Priorities, the University’s current strategic plan (the Courageous Strategic Transformation), and the Academic Master Plan. The Roadmap operationalizes how we will strive to become a National Model for the Modern Land-Grant University.

As a National Model for the Modern Land-Grant University, we will:

+ Strengthen CSU’s role and reputation as an innovative, engaged, research-intensive institution that offers a world-class education and prioritizes learners, employees, and community

+ Expand interdisciplinarity and collaboration across academic programs, research, creative artistry, and community engagement throughout the University

+ Infuse education with more opportunities for research, creative artistry, experiential learning, and community engagement in all programs and for all learners

+ Attract the best learners, educators, and employees to CSU while supporting a climate in which everyone is welcomed and able to thrive

+ Enrich CSU’s excellence and global leadership in seven interrelated academic themes: Arts and Cultures; Public Discourse and Democracy; Data and Information Science; Inclusive Excellence; Human, Animal, and Environmental Health; Science, Technology, and Innovation; and Sustainability, Climate, and Resilience

Colorado State University is located 60 miles north of Denver in the city of Fort Collins situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with the foothills and 14,000-foot peaks visible to residents. Fort Collins is anactive community with a vibrant cityscape (https://www.visitftcollins.com/) . Easy access to hiking, skiing, rafting and other outdoor sports is a great advantage to CSU students, faculty and staff. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year and low humidity, Fort Collins residents enjoy pleasant weather year-round. Indoor and outdoor activities are enjoyable in every season. Colorado has earned a worldwide reputation as an area that offers an unparalleled lifestyle, and Fort Collins represents the very best of Colorado withseveral top rankings in quality of life reviews (https://www.fcgov.com/visitor/awards.php) .

Position Summary

Colorado State University invites applications and nominations for the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences ( CNS ). The Dean reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President, serving as the chief academic and spokesperson for the College on curriculum, personnel, and resource advocacy issues.

We seek a leader who is passionate about scientific inquiry, educating the next generation of scientists and mathematicians, and increasing the impact of CNS programs.

The Dean is the principal administrative and academic officer of the College and reports to the University’s Provost/Executive Vice President. The Dean is responsible for managing and ensuring the quality of the College’s academic programs, implementing policies, managing personnel and financial resources, and securing internal and external support. The Dean provides leadership to the College by establishing a compelling vision and implementing a strategic plan to achieve that vision.

Required Job Qualifications

+ Holds a terminal degree in a scientific discipline relevant to the College mission, and has a distinguished record of achievement that merits appointment as full professor with tenure in one of the College’s academic departments;

+ Administrative and leadership experience at the level of Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean, Department Head/Chair, Program or Center Director, or equivalent, including personnel and fiscal management experience.

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ A visionary organizational approach that is collaborative and skilled at empowering the strong team of leaders in the College;

+ Demonstrated success in fiscal management to support educational and research efforts, and/or entrepreneurial program development;

+ Experience in a Research 1 university context, or equivalent;

+ Outstanding research record including evidence of external funding, foundation funding, industry partnerships, or equivalent;

+ Demonstrated success in fundraising, external relations, industry collaborations, or equivalent;

+ A record of successful teaching and/or mentoring in a scientific discipline;

+ Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the land-grant access mission;

+ Evidence of ability to advocate for the College and communicate with, understand, and appreciate the role of internal and external College stakeholders;

+ Demonstrated knowledge of enrollment management, student success programs, and/or student recruitment.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryAdministrative Officer

Duty/Responsibility

+ The Dean is the principal administrative officer of the College and reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President of the University.

+ The Dean is responsible for implementing policies, managing personnel and financial resources, and securing internal and external support for the College.

+ The Dean provides leadership to the College by establishing a strong vision and implementing a strategic plan to achieve that vision.

Percentage Of Time50

Job Duty CategoryAcademic Officer

Duty/Responsibility

+ The Dean is the principal academic officer of the College.

+ The Dean is responsible for managing and ensuring the quality of the College’s academic programs.

Percentage Of Time50

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, for full consideration applications should be submitted electronically no later than 11:59pm MST November 10, 2025 to:https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/167620.

For full consideration, applications should include 1) a letter expressing their interest, experience, and vision for the position, specifically provide evidence of required and preferred qualifications listed above, 2) a current vitae, and 3) the names and contact information of five references. Inquiries and applications will be kept confidential until finalists are named for on-campus interviews. References will not be contacted until advanced stages of screening, and not without prior notification to candidates. Preferred start is July 1, 2026.

Questions regarding the search may be directed to Dr. Kjerstin Thorson, Dean, College of Liberal Arts. Nominations are encouraged and should be sent by October 31, 2025, [email protected]. Please include the name, email address and phone number of the nominee.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search ContactDr. Kjerstin Thorson

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested5

Maximum Requested5

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Cover Letter

+ List of Professional References

Optional Documents