Executive Director Critical Minerals Strategy and Advancement

Engineering a world of possibilities

ABOUT CRITICAL MINERALS AT MINES

The Colorado School of Mines has over 150 years of experience in all aspects of the critical minerals life cycle.  We believe that securing sustainable and reliable supplies of these resources is essential for the future of technology, energy, and national security. The Executive Director Critical Minerals Strategy and Advancement leads the University's work in this vital field. This position will be crucial in forging partnerships and positioning Mines to help policy makers, industry, and society close the many gaps in our critical minerals supply chain. The incumbent will increase Mines' national visibility and attract resources to develop Mines' faculty and programs.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Mines is seeking a visionary and hands-on leader to serve as an Executive Director Critical Minerals Strategy and Advancement. They will be responsible for developing a university-level strategic plan and associated business plan that positions Mines as a sought-after solutions provider. 

This role requires an understanding of global drivers of critical minerals markets, a solutions mindset, and the ability to prioritize and focus university resources for the greatest impact on the world.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project University's Vision:  Engage key faculty and partners to create a cohesive strategy and vision for Critical Minerals at Mines – and an affiliated business plan for implementing that vision. Market this vision internally to campus and externally to national and global partners.  

• Facilitate Global Partnerships: Create intuitive and actionable pathways for collaboration, connecting Mines researchers with global industry, governmental agencies, and think tanks to strategically support the development of research infrastructure and faculty expertise. Help faculty and students see where to go next and build avenues to get there.

• Connect Campus-Wide Research: Serve as a primary driver of critical minerals research messaging, outreach, and new funding for Mines faculty and students. 

• Fundraising and Donor Relations: Help identify and cultivate relationships with supporters, including individuals, foundations, and organizations, who are passionate about the future of critical minerals. Work in partnership with the Mines Foundation to support fundraising for critical minerals initiatives that further develop Mines expertise and research infrastructure.

• Critical Minerals Expertise: Develop insights and recommendations to position Mines in the global conversation, based on analysis of strengths, industry experience, identified national needs, and vision for the future.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in a STEM field such as geology, materials science, or engineering.

• At least 10 years experience in the critical minerals sector, either in industry, government, or a related field.

• Able to build trusted partnerships with internal and external resources, connecting and activating Mines' experts in the national and global conversation.

• Exceptional collaboration skills and a proven track record of working effectively with teams without direct authority over them.

• A student- and faculty-first mindset, with a deep commitment to mentorship, access, and involvement.

• Established partnerships in the national and global critical minerals arena.

• A Ph.D. is not required for this position, but an understanding of global drivers of critical minerals markets is essential.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education or managing large-scale research programs.

• A personal track record of launching or scaling initiatives in the critical minerals space.

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, and veteran status) and upload the following (required):

• Upload a resume or CV

• Upload a letter or interest

Applicants will notice on the application form, there is only one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit their application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents.  

Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

TOTAL REWARDS

$190,000 - $216,700 (annual rate)
 

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
 

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

• Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and light rail train transportation.

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 state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit

It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at  or for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. Contact Kathleen Feighny at  with any questions about this opportunity.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.  Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
 

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.

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