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Join us at MSU Denver
Thank you for considering Metropolitan State University of Denver as an employer of choice. MSU Denver has transformed the lives of more than 90,000 people in Denver and Colorado through affordable degree programs, innovative public-private partnerships and a commitment to diversity.
MSU Denver is a preeminent public urban university forging careers for Coloradans and supporting a diverse and vibrant Roadrunner community of students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Let’s be changemakers, together.
Working for MSU Denver
Working for MSU Denver means making a difference! For instance, every day we are inspired by the students we serve and the impact they will make on the future of Colorado, the Nation and the world.
Below you can find more information about our University and what MSU Denver can offer you as an employer.
Executive Level Positions
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. 60 years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students. Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
About the College of Business
The AACSB-accredited College of Business at MSU Denver is located in the heart of Denver, Colorado. Our faculty bring diverse academic backgrounds and significant industry experience, fostering a rigorous and engaging learning environment that prepares students to thrive in today’s complex global business landscape. Committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, the College seeks colleagues who are dedicated to empowering both undergraduate and graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their academic and professional endeavors.
Position Summary
The Dean provides academic and thought leadership, creating a dynamic, entrepreneurial and inclusive vision for the College of Business. The Dean promotes an environment where faculty develop graduate and undergraduate curricula by fostering academic freedom, innovation and creativity in course design and delivery. The Dean establishes and maintains high academic standards to support the College’s growth and engage in strategic planning. This role includes managing the College’s six departments, developing and maintaining a budget, fundraising and advising the Provost on academic strategy for the College.
The Dean champions student success by fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment that prepares students for impactful careers in a competitive global economy. The successful incumbent will prioritize strategies and resource allocation to enhance student retention, degree completion, and post-graduate outcomes.
The Dean represents the College to many stakeholders, within and outside of the University, including university leadership, professional organizations, accrediting bodies, faculty, students and the community. They expand the College’s presence and reputation with the community through outreach and partnerships that foster the growth and engagement of the College’s Centers and Institutes. The Dean actively engages in fundraising activities to support the mission of the College.
MSU Denver and the College of Business are committed to active and strategic initiatives in our work toward educational equity and promoting a culture of access and inclusion for our students, staff and faculty. The successful candidate must demonstrate a track record of meeting the educational needs of a diverse urban population and working effectively with other senior leaders to achieve the University’s strategic goals.
Responsibilities
The Dean of the College of Business will ensure that undergraduate and graduate curricula are innovative and current. They will foster and promote an environment of excellence in faculty teaching, research and service. The Dean will maintain high academic standards to support the College’s sustained growth, and they will engage in strategic planning to align with MSU Denver’s current and future strategic plans.
Key responsibilities include:
Academic Leadership
- Manage the strategic vision and plan for the College of Business
- Ensure curricula and degree programs are innovative and reflect innovation in business education, including industry partnerships
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships within the university and among external organizations
- Represent and serve the College of Business within the University
- Act as an advocate for College of Business faculty
Administrative Management
- Oversee the management of the College’s six departments, including personnel, budget, and resource allocation
- Recommend strategies for the College’s growth to the Provost
- Lead collaborative efforts to align the College’s practices with AACSB standards and maintain AACSB accreditation
Community and External Engagement
- Represent the College to professional organizations and the broader MSU Denver community
- Expand the College’s presence through outreach, partnerships, and community engagement
Cultural Commitment
- Create an empathetic community of access and inclusion for our students, staff, and faculty
- Act with sensitivity and commitment to the educational needs of a diverse urban population
Faculty and Staff Development
- Encourage and support professional development for faculty and staff
- Promote a supportive, collegial culture of continuous improvement and excellence in teaching and research
Fundraising and Development
- Engage in fundraising activities in collaboration with grant writers and advancement personnel, among others
- Cultivate relationships with donors and seek new funding opportunities to support the College’s initiatives
Strategic Planning and Governance
- Participate in campus-wide strategic planning
- Work towards maintaining Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI) status in collaboration with senior leadership
Required Qualifications
- A terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a field that would qualify the candidate to be tenured within one of the college’s six departments
- Previous experience in a leadership position at a higher education institution; roles may include but are not limited to Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or similar administrative positions
- Demonstrated ability to manage academic programs, personnel, and budgets effectively
- Demonstrated experience in supporting and promoting faculty and staff development, including mentoring and professional growth
- Current knowledge of AACSB accreditation processes and standards, with experience in maintaining or achieving accreditation
Preferred Qualifications
- A terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an AACSB accredited institution
- Proven experience in developing and implementing strategic plans that align with the institution’s goals and objectives
- Experience in fundraising and cultivating relationships with donors and external partners
- Experience in enhancing an organization’s presence in the community and building partnerships
- Previous experience in work that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and participation within the academic community
- Experience working with diverse populations and a commitment to the educational needs of a diverse urban population
Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, education, specialty and training, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $200,000 – $230,000.
MSU Denver offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
Candidates must complete an application online through MSU Denver’s career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/, and search for JR104488.
Applications should include the following three documents:
- Current curriculum vitae
- A detailed cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position. The cover letter should include clearly labeled sections for the required qualifications and preferred qualifications, addressing how you meet each qualification (if applicable) outlined.
- A list of five professional references, including names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting your relationship with each reference.
References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate’s permission.
Deadline
Priority will be given to applications received through October 12, 2025; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Nominations
Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations by sending an email to Dr. Lynn Minnaert, Dean of the School of Hospitality. Nominations should use the subject line “Dean of COB Nominations” and include the nominee’s full name, position, institution/organization, and contact information. Dean Minnaert will notify individuals of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply.
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
About the School of Education
The School of Education at MSU Denver prepares people who will “Teach, Lead, and Transform.” MSU Denver’s School of Education develops excellent teachers and educational leaders who engage in reflective practice and scholarly activity, and who are ethical decision makers and agents of social change. We provide an intellectually rigorous, culturally relevant curriculum that fosters pedagogical expertise, cultivates critical thinking, and promotes imagination.
We acknowledge the present and historical systems of oppression and marginalization that permeate all levels of society and believe these structures of power and privilege need to be deeply understood by all members of our SOE community. We are committed to actively dismantling these systems and barriers within our SOE, and value lived experience that supports this work.
Position Summary
The Dean of the School of Education (SOE) provides academic and strategic leadership, fostering an inclusive, and forward-thinking vision for educator preparation and development. The Dean promotes an environment where faculty design and deliver innovative, evidence-based curricula that prepare educators to meet the evolving needs of diverse learners across the P-20 (pre-school through age 20) spectrum.
The Dean ensures high academic and professional standards, supports the School’s growth, and engages in strategic planning aligned with MSU Denver’s mission and values. This role includes oversight of academic programs, licensure and accreditation processes, budget and personnel management, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. To grow the School of Education, the Dean actively engages in fundraising activities to support the mission of the College.
The Dean champions student success through a commitment to recruiting diverse faculty and staff, supporting inclusive curricula, and fostering an environment of belonging. The successful candidate must work collaboratively with other senior leaders to achieve the University’s strategic goals. The successful candidate will prioritize strategies and resource allocation that enhance student retention, degree completion, licensure outcomes, and career readiness.
The Dean represents the School to a wide range of constituents, including university leadership, school districts, accrediting bodies, community organizations, and policymakers. Through bold outreach, strategic partnerships, persuasive advocacy, and impactful fundraising, the Dean elevates the School’s visibility and secures the resources needed to drive innovation and expand programs and centers.
Responsibilities
Academic Leadership and Student Success
- Provide visionary leadership for the SOE by managing strategic planning and aligning the School’s goals with institutional priorities, anticipating future trends in educator preparation, and advancing student success.
- Ensure educator preparation programs are innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with state and national standards, reflecting current research, policy developments, and the evolving needs of P–20 education systems to support student achievement.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the University and with external partners by engaging colleges, departments, and community stakeholders to enhance program relevance, impact, and opportunities for student success.
- Maintain compliance with accreditation and licensure requirements, including Colorado Department of Education standards, ensuring all programs meet or exceed expectations for quality, rigor, accountability, and positive student outcomes.
Administrative Management
- Oversee the School’s departments, centers, and programs, including personnel, budget, and resource allocation to ensure efficient operations and equitable support strategic goals.
- Collaborate with the Provost and senior leadership to align the School’s goals with institutional priorities, contribute to university-wide initiatives and lead efforts to recruit and retain a diverse, high-quality faculty and staff through inclusive hiring and professional development.
Community and External Engagement
- Represent the School to local, state, and national education organizations and policy bodies, enhancing visibility through outreach, partnerships, and community engagement, including participation in public forums, advisory boards, and collaborative initiatives.
- Engage in advocacy and policy work that advances the mission of the School and University by monitoring legislative developments and advising senior leadership on strategic responses.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Lead efforts to create a welcoming and supportive culture by promoting access, diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, staff, and the community.
- Demonstrate a commitment to serving historically underserved and linguistically diverse populations by supporting culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive curriculum development.
Professional Development of Department Chairs, Faculty, and Staff
- Encourage and support the professional development and mentorship of faculty and staff, as well as provide support for faculty in teaching, scholarly activity , and service.
- Promote a culture of learning and academic excellence by fostering collaboration, collegiality, career advancement, continuous improvement, innovation, and shared governance.
Fundraising and Development
- Collaborate with University Advancement to cultivate donor relationships and secure external funding by identifying priorities and effectively communicating the School’s impact to potential supporters.
- Pursue grants and philanthropic support to strengthen programs, scholarships, and research initiatives, working with faculty and staff to develop competitive proposals and steward donor relationships.
Strategic Planning and Governance
- Collaborative, forward-thinking leadership in campus-wide strategic planning and governance to shape MSU Denver’s future with innovative, solutions-oriented approaches and a commitment to constructive progress.
- Support MSU Denver’s designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI) collaboratively to ensure that the School’s practices align with these designations and support student success.
Required Qualifications
- Earned terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a field that would qualify the candidate to be tenured within one of the college’s three departments
- Previous experience in a leadership position at a higher education institution. Roles may include, but are not limited to, Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or similar administrator positions
- Experience in P-20 educational settings
- At least three years of experience managing budgets and personnel
- Experience in educator preparation, licensure, and accreditation processes
- Strong communication skills and a record of service to the field of education
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in work that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and participation within the academic community
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, or donor cultivation
- Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans aligned with institutional goals
- Knowledge of current education policy and best practices in P-20 education
- Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, active learning, and community-engaged scholarship
Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $200,000 – $230,000.
MSU Denver offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
Candidates must complete an application online through MSU Denver’s career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.
Applications should include the following three documents:
- Current curriculum vitae
- A detailed cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position. The cover letter should include clearly labeled sections for the required qualifications and preferred qualifications, addressing how you meet each qualification (if applicable) outlined.
- A list of five professional references, including names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting your relationship with each reference.
References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate’s permission.
Deadline
Priority will be given to applications received through Friday, January 30, 2026; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Nominations
Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations by sending an email to Dr. Catherine Kleier, Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs. Nominations should use the subject line “Dean of SOE Nominations” and include the nominee’s full name, position, institution/organization, and contact information. Dr. Kleier will notify individuals of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply.
Checking the Status of your Application
MSU Denver’s applicant tracking system, Workday, provides applicants a fast and efficient application process. Once you apply for a job through Workday, you will receive an email confirming your application.
To check the status of your application, please log into Workday for updates and any pending actions required.
If you have questions about your application, please reach out to the talent representative listed on the job requisition. Any additional questions can be directed to [email protected].
Clery Act
The Clery Report
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of Metropolitan State University of Denver is committed to the safety of its students and employees, therefore, every year Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) and the Auraria Campus Police compile an annual security report detailing statistics about campus crime, as well as information on crime reporting, victim support services, and MSU Denver judicial policies and procedures. So, in compliance with the Clery Act, the MSU Denver Annual Security Report is published on the MSU Denver Campus Safety and Compliance website – crime log, security and safety report resources section.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Us
Do you have questions concerning the online application system or the search process?
Call Human Resources at 303-615-0999 or:
Email us