Job Summary

The Leeds School of Business invites applications for the Executive Director of the Burridge Center for Finance! This role is responsible for translating academic vision and strategic priorities into actionable strategies, partnerships, programs, and measurable outcomes that advance the Center’s mission and impact. Working in close collaboration with the Faculty Director, the Executive Director ensures that academic priorities are transformed into sustainable initiatives, external partnerships, student opportunities, and operational plans that strengthen the Center’s impact, visibility, and long-term success.

The Executive Director acts as the primary bridge between strategic vision and execution. While the Faculty Director defines the Center’s intellectual direction, thematic priorities, and thought leadership agenda, the Executive Director develops the implementation roadmap, aligns partners, secures resources, and develops operational plans. The Executive Director is accountable for ensuring that programs, partnerships, and activities are implemented effectively, aligned with institutional priorities, and positioned to create meaningful value for students, alumni, faculty, corporate partners, and the broader business community.

This position also serves as a key relationship manager and collaborator across Leeds and external partners. This includes coordinating with faculty, academic programs, employer relations, advancement, marketing, alumni relations, and other centers to align initiatives and improve impact. Externally, the Executive Director cultivates relationships with corporate partners, advisory board members, alumni, and industry leaders to strengthen engagement, expand opportunities, and enhance the Center’s reputation and influence.

The Burridge Center consists of two other employees, one of which is the Director of Operations, who reports to the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the successful execution of programs, events, partnerships, communications, and administrative processes. The Executive Director establishes priorities, performance expectations, and strategic objectives, while the Director of Operations manages day-to-day coordination, budget, logistics, timelines, reporting, and operational continuity.

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

At Leeds, we have an outstanding vantage point, and while we’re located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, we’re not talking about the scenery. Set in the heart of Boulder, Colorado—one of the nation’s most vibrant business communities—Leeds offers unparalleled access to world-changing entrepreneurs, national research institutions and award-winning faculty!

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Strategic Alliances and External Engagement

• In partnership with the Leeds employer relations team, nurture, build and expand finance industry partnerships to better understand and develop student career pathways while advancing the strategic priorities of Leeds and the Burridge Center
• Handle relationships with Advisory Board members, alumni, and industry leaders to strengthen the Leeds network
• Partner with Leeds faculty to align with research priorities, translate academic insights into accessible thought leadership for practitioners and business leaders and elevate finance thought leadership visibility
• Identify and drive collaborations across Leeds, CU Boulder, and external partners
• Work closely with Leeds Advancement to identify, cultivate, and engage alumni and donor partners in support of strategic Leeds and Center initiatives
• Represent Leeds externally with media and collaborators on financial markets and innovation to expand visibility, influence, and engagement among finance employers of Leeds

Student and Alumni Engagement

• Develop scalable strategies to strengthen connections among students, alumni, and finance industry leaders through programs, events, mentorship, networking, and industry-facing opportunities
• Foster meaningful alumni engagement through partnerships, advisory activities, treks, workshops, and experiential initiatives that strengthen the broader Leeds community and professional network
• Be responsible for student programming, experiential learning opportunities, and engagement initiatives aligned with the Center’s mission while ensuring industry engagement supports student learning, professional development, and career outcomes in coordination with undergraduate and graduate program offices
• Collaborate with student organizations, faculty, alumni relations, Leeds Advancement, and Burridge leadership to support student engagement initiatives and grow philanthropic support aligned with Leeds' and the Center’s mission
• Ensure high-quality execution, participation, and continuous improvement of student and alumni programs by monitoring engagement outcomes, impact, and collaborator feedback

Strategic Direction and Thought Leadership

• Provide industry insight, in partnership with the Faculty Director, to inform the Center’s strategic direction and strengthen the Center’s reputation and external engagement.
• Partner with the Faculty Director, Burridge team, and Leeds collaborators to drive high-impact, visibility-enhancing initiatives. Translate the Faculty Director’s vision into multi-year strategic plans, high-impact initiatives, operational roadmaps, and measurable outcomes that advance the Center’s mission, visibility, and long-term impact.
• Help amplify faculty research to industry, alumni, and media audiences
• Support the academic mission by potentially teaching one undergraduate or graduate course annually
• Serve as a leader with vision through speaking engagements and conferences among finance employers of Leeds

Organizational Leadership, Coordination & Team Management

• Implement strategy through coordinated work across Burridge and Leeds teams. Lead financial planning, performance tracking, staff management, operational processes, communications, and continuous improvement efforts to ensure effective execution, accountability, and sustainable growth across all Center activities
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment
• Support shared decision-making and accountability
• Build strong relationships with key partners within Leeds (undergraduate and graduate programs, Advancement, Employer Relations) to ensure alignment
• Ensure clear communication and smooth execution of initiatives
• Adapt to evolving leadership and organizational needs
• Promote an inclusive, transparent, and purposeful culture
• Provide timely direction and feedback to team including performance planning coaching/progress reviews and appraisals
• Assess strengths and development needs of staff, support employee training, development, and recognition
• Effectively use employee skills and practice appropriate delegations of authority
• Mentor, coach, and ensure professional development opportunities for staff
• Resolve personnel issues and engage staff in collaborative problem solving
• Ensure a supportive and collaborative working environment

What You Should Know

• Monday-Friday, approximately 8am-5pm.
• Hybrid work modality with 3 days on campus and 2 days remote per week.
• Some occasional travel (3-6x a year) will be required as well as working approximately 3 evenings per month.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this full-time position is $185,000-$210,000. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

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 creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in finance, business or a related field and 6+ years of professional experience in finance or a related industry
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute
• Prior engagement with universities or academic institutions (for example advisory boards, adjunct teaching, guest lecturing, or similar involvement)

What You Will Need

Collaborative leadership and servant attitude

• Approaches the role as an integral member of the broader Burridge and Leeds ecosystem, collaborating closely with faculty, Burridge staff, and undergraduate and graduate program teams to advance shared priorities
• Prioritizes shared success and long-term institutional impact over individual recognition
• Works constructively with faculty leadership, staff, advancement professionals, and external partners
• Able to translate academic goals set by faculty into external engagement opportunities
• Receptive to guidance and feedback and comfortable operating within a faculty-led organizational structure
• Demonstrates the ability to complete priorities set by the Faculty Director, operating with accountability, responsiveness, and alignment within a faculty-led structure
• Values collaboration and continuity

Trusted relationship builder

• Develops authentic, long-term relationships with industry leaders, alumni, and collaborators
• Engages effectively with a wide range of constituencies including faculty, students, administrators, and senior executives
• Recognized for integrity, follow-through, and the ability to build trust across groups
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior professionals
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Collaborative partnership with faculty leadership

Ability to navigate complex organizations

• Comfortable operating within the collaborative and shared-governance environment of a university
• Able to work effectively across multiple collaborators and units within Leeds and the broader University
• Adaptability around transitioning academic leadership

Commitment to institutional mission

• Able to clearly articulate the mission and priorities of the Burridge Center
• Works to ensure Burridge initiatives align with and support the broader mission of the Leeds School of Business and the University of Colorado Boulder
• Finds opportunities where the Center can contribute to the strategic priorities of the School and University

Connector between academia and industry

• Understands the value of linking academic research, teaching, and industry practice
• Able to translate industry insights into opportunities that benefit faculty, students, and the broader Leeds community
• Familiarity with higher education institutions and their operating environment

What We Would Like You to Have

• Master’s degree in finance, business, or a related field
• 15+ years of professional experience in finance or a related industry

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by July 16, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply 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.