Chancellor

Position Overview

Download Position Profile

The University of Colorado (CU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chancellor of the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver). The chancellor is the campus’s chief executive officer, reports to the CU president, collaborates across the University of Colorado System, and partners with the chancellors of CU’s three other campuses, Boulder, Anschutz Medical Campus, and Colorado Springs. The chancellor is the chief academic fiscal, and administrative officer responsible for the conduct of the affairs of the campus in accordance with the policies of the Board of Regents.

Located in downtown Denver’s central business district, CU Denver brings together innovation, research, and learning in the heart of a global city. CU Denver, a selective admissions institution, is the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelors, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. As part of the state’s largest public university system, University of Colorado, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 1,900 employees, an annual budget of $394 million, and annual economic impact exceeding $684 million.

CU Denver educates nearly 10,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students and is committed to supporting diverse learners for transformative educational experiences. Students of color make up 55% of the undergraduate student body, and 53% of first-year students are first-generation college students. CU Denver is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and the university became the first Rocky Mountain region campus to gain Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) status, which reflects efforts to increase access and opportunity for those underserved by higher education.

The chancellor will be a strong, dynamic leader who is vibrant and energetic with a thoughtful human touch. Experienced, resilient, decisive, and possessing political acumen, they will have successfully led large, complex organizations and constituencies, and will have experience serving diverse communities. They will assess and ensure a high-performing executive team with the right leaders in the right roles doing important work. 

CU Denver leadership opportunities include: advancing CU Denver’s purpose; further creating the distinctive CU Denver brand; shaping and increasing enrollment and completion; enhancing CU Denver’s financial position; embracing a culture of shared governance; strategic planning; investing in academic programs; leveraging alternative modalities and credentialing; connecting the campus to the Denver community; growing advancement; reflecting the diversity of Denver and Colorado; and honoring displaced Aurarians. 

While candidates may come from diverse backgrounds, they will possess a demonstrated record of successful outcomes with a diverse population, showcasing a combination of talents and experiences demonstrating effective leadership at an urban oriented institution and creating a cohesive, collaborative, and inclusive culture. An earned doctorate, equivalent terminal degree, or relevant combination of education and experience is required.

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $425,000 to $500,000.

Benefits: CU Denver offers an unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, to ensure your holistic growth and happiness.
For more information on the benefits programs, please review the Comprehensive Benefits Guide

Chancellor qualifications, attributes and additional information about CU Denver can be found in the profile located above.

Nominations and Applications

Applicants are encouraged to submit materials through the AGB Search application portal by the target date of September 27, 2024, and should include:

  1. a curriculum vita or resume,
  2. a letter of interest that addresses the leadership opportunities, desired experiences and attributes, and
  3. contact information for five references (to be contacted at a later date with candidate's permission).

The search will remain open until an appointment is made. All candidate names will remain confidential until finalists are identified during the latter stages of the search.

Nominations and expressions of interest in the Chancellor position are encouraged. Please direct them to CUDenverChancellor@agbsearch.com or to the AGB search consultants listed below.

Rod McDavis, Ph.D., CEO and Managing Principal, rod.mcdavis@agbsearch.com, (804) 514.1982 

Monica Burton, Principal, monica.burton@agbsearch.com, (917) 825.2961

Kimberly Templeton, J.D., Principal, kimberly.templeton@agbsearch.com, (540) 761.9494

Carlos Hernández, Ph.D., Executive Search Consultant, carlos.hernandez@agbsearch.com, (201) 850-7881