Job Details

Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs

Position Number: 6802426
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: International Programs

Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs

Requisition Number: 69220
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 16-Jan-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

Please Note: Acumen is assisting the University of Colorado Boulder in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be submitted directly to executivesearch@sannams4.com and received on or before 5:00 PM MT on Friday, January 16, 2026. This announcement is also available at https://acumen.education/vice-chancellor-for-global-affairs where nominations and all inquiries are welcome. Applications will not be reviewed on the CU Boulder job site. Please submit all application materials directly to executivesearch@sannams4.com.Job SummaryThe University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) seeks a visionary, collaborative, and globally experienced leader to serve as its inaugural Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs (VCGA). This senior executive will lead the new CU Boulder Office of Global Affairs, which will bring together international partnerships, global programs, international student and scholar services, and campus-wide global initiatives under one umbrella. Reporting to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, the VCGA will serve as CU Boulder's Senior International Officer, responsible for articulating and executing a cohesive global strategy that advances the university's academic, research, and service missions; champions a pervasive global culture across campus; strengthens international enrollment and global partnerships; and supports internationally mobile students and scholars. The VCGA will help CU Boulder meet challenges and opportunities while building on the campus's extraordinary strengths in research, teaching, innovation, and public service. 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, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The University of Colorado was established in 1876. The flagship university within the University of Colorado system and one of only 38 public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU), CU Boulder serves more than 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students and employs a workforce of more than 8,000 faculty and staff members.
The university offers more than 90 degree programs and 4,000 academic courses, and in fiscal year 2025 was awarded over $760 million in sponsored research funding. Our mission is to serve as the state of Colorado's comprehensive graduate research university with selective admission standards, offering a comprehensive array of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs. CU Boulder's institutional priorities in carrying out this mission are to foster the success of all students, faculty and staff; scale research and creative work excellence; achieve global leadership in sustainability impact; and align our resources and infrastructure to our mission.
CU Boulder leads the state of Colorado in the number of international students enrolled, with 3648 new and continuing international students at the university in 2024-25, including optional training participants. According to the 2025 Open Doors Report issued by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the university also ranks fifth nationally among leading doctorate-granting institutions in the United States providing semester-long study abroad opportunities to students. In addition, CU Boulder ranks 13th in the nation for institutions awarding credit for study abroad, with 2,566 CU Boulder students receiving academic credit through study abroad programs in 2023-24.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The VCGA will lead the development of CU Boulder's first comprehensive global strategic plan, coordinating efforts across academic and administrative units. Key responsibilities include strengthening international student enrollment, expanding global mobility and study-abroad opportunities, supporting globally engaged research, and developing strategic international partnerships. The VCGA will also serve as global risk management and emergency response liaison. The role requires working collaboratively with campus leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners to ensure that global engagement aligns with the university's mission and strategic priorities. The VCGA will represent CU Boulder in global forums and foster international visibility through marketing, advancement, and alumni engagement activities.
Units that will directly report to the VCGA under the Office of Global Affairs umbrella are:
Education Abroad Global Engagement Office International English Center International Student and Scholar Services

What You Should Know

The University of Colorado Boulder's campus has implemented a reference check program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments; while tenure is not a requirement for this position, it is a possibility, and this program would apply in those cases. The reference check program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination - before making hiring decisions. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this position is $270,000-$330,000, plus a recruitment incentive and moving allowance (if applicable)

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be visionary. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Minimum of eight years of senior leadership experience, including significant administrative responsibility in international education or global engagement, preferably at an R1 university.
Master's or JD degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive leadership experience in one or more of the following areas, with working knowledge across international student services, study abroad programs, global mobility, partnerships, and safety/compliance.

What You Will Need

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex organizations, fostering authentic, trust-based collaboration across academic, administrative, student, research, and global units, as well as with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Proven experience in strategic planning, including the development and implementation of global strategies, preferably at an R1 university.
Strong understanding of global regulatory issues (e.g., export control, visa policies, travel safety) and ability to work effectively with legal and government relations professionals.
Commitment to creating a transparent, inclusive, and respectful environment that expands equitable access to global opportunities; demonstrated ability to lead systemic change through policy and practice redesign.
Demonstrated ability to integrate diverse perspectives and global viewpoints into decision-making and organizational planning.
Excellent problem-solving and solution-oriented leadership skills, with evidence of contributions to senior leadership teams and institutional decision-making.
Ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively in written, verbal and digital formats.

Special Instructions

This is an extraordinary opportunity to construct a new centralized office committed to strengthening the global profile of a renowned world-class university. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include a current CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.
Please Note: Acumen is assisting the University of Colorado Boulder in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be submitted directly to executivesearch@sannams4.com and received on or before 5:00 PM MT on Friday, January 16, 2026. This announcement is also available at https://acumen.education/vice-chancellor-for-global-affairs where nominations and all inquiries are welcome. Applications will not be reviewed on the CU Boulder job site. Please submit all application materials directly to executivesearch@sannams4.com.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Vice-Chancellor-for-Global-Affairs/69220