Head of Department of Economics

Colorado School of Mines

Organization: Colorado School of Mines – Department of Economics and Business
Location: Golden, CO, US
Posting Priority Review: March 2, 2026
Full Consideration Deadline: March 1, 2026

---

Overview

The Colorado School of Mines invites applications for the inaugural Shonk Chair for the Head of Economics and Business, an endowed leadership position supported by a $5.5M gift from Lowell and Cheryl Shonk. This role provides discretionary funds and graduate fellowships to support strategic initiatives that enhance the Department’s research, teaching, and impact.

The Shonk Chair will provide visionary leadership to advance Mines’ Mineral and Energy Economics, Business Engineering and Management Science, and Engineering and Technology Management programs, while increasing the Department’s visibility, external partnerships, and philanthropic engagement.

---

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a vision aligned with Mines’ strategic plan, elevating programs’ national and international standing.
• Program Growth:
  • Strengthen Mineral and Energy Economics graduate program.
  • Expand enrollment in the Business Engineering and Management Science undergraduate program.
  • Increase accessibility of the Engineering and Technology Management master’s program.
  • Enhance business acumen across Mines students.
• Department Management:
  • Oversee faculty, staff, and student recruitment, retention, and professional development.
  • Administer curricula, teaching programs, and departmental budgets.
  • Represent the Department internally and externally to academia, industry, and government.
• Fundraising and Partnerships: Increase alumni engagement, raise external funding, and attract philanthropic investment for research and educational initiatives.
• Research and Teaching: Maintain active involvement in classroom instruction, graduate mentoring, and research (as appropriate to rank).

---

Rank and Qualifications

Full Professor

• PhD in Business, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Mineral Economics, Management Science, Operations Research, or related field.
• Record of excellence in research, teaching, service, and external funding.
• Administrative experience with budget oversight and personnel management.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and stakeholder communities in academic settings.

Professor of Practice

• Master’s degree in relevant fields.
• Minimum 20 years of industry experience with executive leadership.
• Administrative experience with budget and personnel management.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders in professional contexts.

Preferred Qualifications (all candidates)

• Demonstrated strategic leadership, organizational skill, and effective communication.
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues and supporting career development.
• Fundraising, donor engagement, or financial development experience.
• Ability to balance multiple administrative priorities transparently and collegially.

---

Total Rewards

• Professor: $170,000 – $224,551
• Professor of Practice: $105,700 – $161,000
• Robust benefits including health and dental plans, fully vested retirement on day one, tuition benefits, and commuter/transportation support.

---

Application Instructions

• Submit online application including:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover letter expressing interest
  • Statement of teaching (≤ 2 pages)
  • For Professor applicants: Statement of research (≤ 4 pages) and up to 3 representative research papers
• Indicate clearly which rank you are applying for.
• Application portal closes for full consideration on March 1, 2026.

Contact: Prof. Dean Nieusma (Search Chair) – nieusma@mines.edu

---

About Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a premier engineering and applied science university with 150 years of excellence in science, technology, and applied research. Mines is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and provides equal opportunity for all faculty and staff.

Apply