Executive Director of the Burridge Center for Finance

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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
  • 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
  • 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
• 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

Requirements

• 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)

Qualifications

• 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 values of the Leeds School of Business and the Burridge Center for Finance

Skills

• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in higher education and/or academic administration
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with industry partners and stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Experience with budgeting and resource allocation
• Knowledge of finance and business principles
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience with event planning and management
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Benefits

• Annual salary range for this full-time position is $185,000-$210,000
• Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit
• Boulder County’s largest employer, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation