Assistant Director

Job Details

Position Summary

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU. CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DOD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

The CEMML Assistant Director collaborates with executive leadership to shape organizational principles, guidelines, and long-term strategic initiatives while ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements. The role provides oversight of major projects and organizational initiatives, including contributing to budget planning and resource allocation to support program and organizational goals. It manages and evaluates technical, support, research, and professional staff, conducts performance and salary reviews, and fulfills additional duties as assigned by the CEMML executive director.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 12:00 a.m. (MT) on May 1, 2026.

Essential Job Duties

• Leadership: Represent CEMML on cross-organizational teams that address external and internal process improvements. Provides mentorship and guidance to CEMML’s management staff. Oversees and manages aspects of the organization’s programs and staff, as assigned. Assists the executive team in developing, implementing, and upholding the organization’s strategic plan.
• Program Development: Seek and obtain extramural funding that supports the objectives and initiatives of CEMML, Warner College of Natural Resources, CSU, and federal agencies. Build and maintain positive and productive relationships across the CSU community and with other stakeholders.
• Project Management: Execute service, applied, and research projects; collect, manage, and analyze data; prepare reports and other project deliverables consistent with contractual obligations; and ensure transparent and appropriate use of funds. Apply scientific methods; communicate study designs and results in writing and orally; and project and track project finances to meet contractual obligations.
• Supervision: Supervise and mentor to support staff development, meet contractual obligations, and comply with CSU policies and guidelines. Train personnel to handle additional responsibilities and advance their professional objectives. Utilize CSU appraisal system to assure staff development goals are understand and achieved.
• Other related duties assigned by the Executive Director, as needed.

Supervision

• Manages technical, support, research, and/or professional staff members at project, program, and organizational levels.
• Conducts performance and salary reviews and manages organizational resource requirements.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Occasional travel.
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies/science or related social science discipline (post-graduate degree preferred).
• No less than five consecutive years managing natural and/or cultural resource projects.
• Five or more years of combined experience working with federal and/or state government.
• Five or more years of combined experience supervising large and/or complex teams.
• Five or more years of combined experience managing annual budgets of $1M or more.
• At least one year serving on an executive team or as part of a leadership group.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in an environmental discipline (environmental health, environmental toxicology, natural resources management) or closely related social science (cultural resource management; environmental history or policy; political science; etc.).
• Experience developing, implementing, and ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures that meet organizational requirements.
• Experience working in an academic setting with faculty, researchers, and university support offices.
• Demonstrated ability of working collaboratively and productively in multidisciplinary environments with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience working with the Department of Defense or other federal land-managing agencies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management principles, including management of budget and personnel, and stakeholder relations, and PMP certification or equivalent strongly desired.
• Management and leadership experience at departmental or organizational levels.
• Successful track-record of winning and administering grants, cooperative agreements, and/or contracts.