Engineering a world of possibilities

Reporting to the Department Head (DH) of Economics and Business, the Department Manager works with the Department Head independently and in collaboration on planning, coordinating, implementing, and assessing strategic objectives to achieve the mission and vision of the Department of Economics and Business. The Department Manager is responsible for (a) efficient management of department operations, (b) fiscal management, strategic planning, and analysis of all department funds, (c) marketing and promoting the department and assisting the DH with fund raising initiatives and alumni outreach, (d) oversight of the management of the graduate and/or undergraduate programs, including supporting outreach efforts, (e) supervision of classified staff and students in the department.

Department Management (40%)

Provide leadership, oversight, coordination and execution of department operations and administrative functions. Collaborate with the DH on strategic planning as well as provide operational oversight. Provide departmental management as well as executive administration to the DH. Essential functions include:

• Provide leadership, oversight, coordination, and execution of business and administrative functions via collaboration with DH, department, and other units on campus.
• Partner with Human Resources (HR) to serve as the hiring manager for the department. Coordinate department searches and onboarding of new hires.

• Complete hiring of graduate and undergraduate students (including e.g., teaching assistants, research assistants, fellows), and adjunct assignments. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all relevant HR and other policies and procedures regarding student (e.g., teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, international students) and adjunct employment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and support for faculty regarding departmental and Mines policies and procedures, professional development, faculty annual evaluation, promotion and tenure and other personnel files. Maintain and apply up to date knowledge of relevant academic processes and procedures (e.g., Handbook and Procedure Manual).
• Apply specialized knowledge of department and university metrics and reporting systems to provide analysis and data to DH for the development of strategic plans and reports.
• Effectively communicate departmental activities, initiatives, etc. and coordinate activities and initiatives with appropriate University, Portfolio, and Departmental counterparts.
• Work with the DH, faculty, students, University Communications staff and others on the creation and distribution of department marketing materials, newsletters, and outreach materials. Oversee maintenance and upgrade of department website.
• Actively support DH, department, CSM Foundation, the Alumni Association, and relevant department committees to enhance fund raising and donor, alumni, and industry relations.
• Oversee infrastructure needs, including renovations and upkeep of research laboratories, office spaces, classrooms, and conference rooms.
• Support DH by scheduling appointments and doing other administrative tasks in support of work DH does for department. Provide proxy to the DH for relevant administrative functions, as appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial management and policies and procedures related to research grant administration, work with Office of Research Administration to ensure compliance with budget regulations with contracts.
• Evaluate administrative and operational processes and procedures to improve effectiveness and efficiencies. Via collaboration with DH and department, create and revise departmental policies and procedures to implement improvements. Assess and resolve complex issues and provide and implement alternative solutions as necessary.
• Provide supervision of the Administrative or Program Assistant. Supervise other department support positions, if applicable.

Fiscal Management, Strategic Planning and Analysis (40%)

Fiscal management, strategic planning and analysis includes authority and oversight over all departmentally managed funds. Will retain and analyze budget income and expense histories to provide information, recommendations, and alternatives to the DH for high-level, multi-year budget planning. In consultation with DH, will make independent decisions to allocate, move, and increase or decrease funds related to budgets for operating expenses:

• Manage finances across all funding sources by applying relevant and up-to-date knowledge of fiscal processes, procedures and guidelines. Includes developing, monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting on budgets. Advise DH about spending and strategize with DH for additional resources. Work with the DH to develop an accurate and strategic annual budget request for the upcoming fiscal year.
• Collaborate with the DH to make strategic decisions to best use available fiscal resources by analyzing fiscal accounts (e.g., payroll funds, teaching assistant and fellowship budget, operating, lab fees, auxiliary funds, foundation funds and tech fee projects).
• In consultation with DH, exercise broad financial decision-making authority, including implementing distribution of teaching assistant and other student assignments. Prioritize and align operating fund expenditures with strategic departmental goals.
• Maintain specialized and up-to-date knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures related to fiscal management. Maintain up to date knowledge of requirements of different types of accounts (research, foundation, auxiliary, and general funds) and know guidelines relating to allowable/non-allowable expenditures in order to advise department.
• In consultation with DH, develop and evaluate departmental fiscal operating policies and procedures and budgetary controls.

Graduate and/or Undergraduate Program Management (20%)

Essential functions are applying understanding of graduate and undergraduate programs and curriculum to provide support to the graduate and/or undergraduate programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, collaboration with faculty committees and shared student services regarding:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Office of Graduate Studies, Registrar, Undergraduate Program policies and procedures. Maintain working knowledge of department graduate and undergraduate curriculum requirements and changes in order to ensure efficient operation of academic programs in department. Support DH and department in working with academic units on campus.
• Work with department graduate program leadership to develop, revise and implement effective processes, procedures and policies related to teaching assistants, fellows, graduate students and graduate student admission and support.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Office of Graduate Students, Admissions, Registrar, and other academic and student support departments/programs across campus.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of department vision and mission.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor degree in Business Administration or related field from an accredited institution (education can be substituted with specialized experience in higher education academic departments).
• 2 years of progressive, administration experience related to project and program management and operational oversight.
• 2 years of experience with developing, monitoring and managing budgets, resource management, and financial reporting.
• Evidence of teamwork experience, relationship building, and partnership development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong expertise in business and management computer applications and databases.
• Ability to keep abreast of general higher education trends.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with faculty, staff and students on a variety of topics.
• Ability to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of faculty, staff, and students and other members of the University in a manner that is professional, objective and easily understood.

• 5 years in a management position that includes supervisory experience.
• Significant experience with Banner, Workday or other ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.
• Experience in higher education.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity of perspective.

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Mines' commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Annual Rate and Benefits

$64,000 to $73,000 per year

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Administrative Faculty positions!

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care. Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible. For full consideration, applications should be received by Monday, May 27, 2024. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled.

Applications must include: 1) a cover letter addressing the job posting above and 2) resume

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.eduwith any questions about this opportunity.

A Background check will be required upon offer.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting