"Executive in Residence"

The Leeds School of Business is seeking an individual with expertise in venture capital and climate technologies to serve as an Investor in Residence in support of Boulder Climate Ventures (BCV) — CU Boulder’s new initiative to accelerate and commercialize climate innovations in the Rocky Mountain West.

Funded by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy, the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship are piloting BCV during the academic year 2025-2026. BCV is a two-part co-curricular program that combines experiential learning and community to give students a focused toolkit on how to develop and launch a climate tech startup. The program is based on curriculum developed by Stanford, MIT, and the Breakthrough University Climate Ventures team.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of climate entrepreneurship education and build an enduring and impactful program at CU Boulder. 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 University of Colorado at Boulder, and the city of Boulder, offers a rich intellectual, cultural, recreational, and family-friendly environment. Boulder is widely recognized as an entrepreneurial hub, with active venture capital, technology, natural foods, and renewable energy sectors; it is consistently recognized as one of the best places to live in the United States.

The economy of the Front Range of Colorado is strong, and private support for the University and the Leeds School is increasing steadily, as evidenced by our new programs and solid MBA program. The University of Colorado and the Leeds School of Business are nationally recognized for the excellence of our faculty, programs, and students.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

We are seeking a professional who is highly collaborative, social, mission-driven, and excited to help make the pilot program successful this year. We are looking for someone who is passionate about cultivating a strong ecosystem of cleantech entrepreneurs and investors. The ideal candidate should have deep expertise in venture capital and/or experience as a serial founder.

This person will join a small team of university faculty and staff to help stand up this co-curricular program in its initial year. Specifically, the role involves:

• Co-design and co-lead two interdisciplinary experiential learning programs led by CESR, Deming, and Leeds Grad Programs. The first is a 7-week seminar series introducing business opportunities in climate innovation (Fall B 2025). The second is a 14-week project-based experiential learning opportunity where graduate students build and pitch a climate tech startup (Spring 2026). Specific responsibilities include:
• Help to source and host high-profile guest speakers for the Fall B seminar series.
• Help to moderate discussions between students and guest speakers as part of the experiential learning programs.
• Help to build visibility externally for Leeds.
• Support student engagement and project development by attending the programs, serving as a mentor, and helping students connect with industry experts.
• In partnership with CESR, Deming, and the Leeds Advancement team, co-develop a fundraising strategy for the long-term success of BCV.

What You Should Know

• Average 5-7 hours per week.
• In-person on Wednesday afternoons on CU Boulder campus and online at various times throughout the week.
• One academic year commitment includes Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.

What We Can Offer

Salary of $20,000 annually.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A graduate degree.
• At least ten years in venture capital investing or start up leadership.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate with faculty, students, and external partners.
• Enthusiasm for mentoring interdisciplinary teams.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.

Please apply by September 1st, 2025 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.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu