Director Institute of Behavioral Science; IBS

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks applications for the Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS). The successful candidate will hold a tenured or tenure‑eligible faculty position and possess relevant administrative experience and research expertise. Successful applicants will have an outstanding record of scholarly achievement that demonstrates a dedication to and leadership in innovative social and behavioral science, as well as experience in interdisciplinary research, training, and outreach.

The Director will provide overall leadership for the institute, setting a clear strategic vision, ensuring effective management, operations, and financial stewardship, and guiding the institute’s direction and emerging research opportunities. The role requires transparent communication, collaborative leadership, and fostering an inclusive and engaged institute culture while advancing IBS’s visibility and partnerships. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

The Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS) is a leading interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to addressing problems of societal importance through collaborative social and behavioral science research. It includes approximately 400 members—fellows, research and administrative staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate and undergraduate student researchers—and manages an annual grant portfolio of roughly $40 million. IBS collaborates across departments such as Anthropology, History, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, Women and Gender Studies, and others.

It hosts 13 programs and centers, including Prevention Science, International Development, Violence Prevention, Natural Hazards, and CU Population Center. While historically strong in population, environmental, violence prevention, health, and international issues, IBS also embraces scholarship on well‑being, resilience, archaeology, crime and justice, and many other topics.

• Provide strategic leadership for IBS by articulating a forward‑looking vision, identifying emerging opportunities, aligning institute priorities with campus and RIO goals, and fostering innovative, high‑impact interdisciplinary research.
• Lead the recruitment, appointment, mentorship, development, and retention of faculty, staff, researchers, and students to strengthen IBS’s research capacity and community.
• Promote and uphold strong research excellence, scholarly impact, and service across the institute; work with faculty and staff to support effective operations and timely, informed decisions.
• Be responsible for the institute’s budget, personnel actions, and resource allocation in alignment with university policies and priorities.
• Convene and lead meetings of the IBS Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
• Serve as IBS’s primary representative and advocate within CU Boulder and externally, guiding communications and relationships with RIO, campus partners, funders, and broader communities.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with federal agencies, foundations, industry, national laboratories, policymakers, and other partners to enhance IBS’s visibility, reputation, and ability to attract resources and opportunities.
• Advance IBS’s long‑term impact through research dissemination, translation, and engagement, positioning the institute as a national leader in interdisciplinary research.
• Contribute to broader university leadership by collaborating with other institute directors and advancing research and scholarship across CU Boulder.
• Foster a positive, collaborative institute culture built on transparency, accountability, accessibility, employee engagement, clear communication, constructive conflict resolution, and respectful engagement across the community.
• Hold a tenured or tenure‑track appointment in an academic department aligned with IBS’ mission and contribute to departmental teaching,…