University of Colorado Boulder
Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs
University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
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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.
The 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 Boulder 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. 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.
Responsibilities
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.
What We Would Like You To Have
Professional experience reflecting engagement with international contexts, such as leading, studying, researching, or working on globally oriented initiatives.
Proven capacity to design and implement global strategies informed by international education frameworks and best practices.
Experience managing and administering global programs within higher education or relevant business/industry sectors.
Documented success in developing and sustaining international partnerships, including negotiating agreements and ensuring measurable outcomes.
Experience contributing to advancement efforts, such as fundraising, prospect development, or initiatives that strengthen global alumni engagement.
Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, or demonstrated ability to work effectively across linguistic and cultural contexts.
Active participation or leadership in professional associations focused on international education or global engagement.
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.
Seniority level : Executive
Employment type : Full‑time
Job function : Business Development and Sales
Industry : Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
The 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 Boulder 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. 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.
Responsibilities
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.
What We Would Like You To Have
Professional experience reflecting engagement with international contexts, such as leading, studying, researching, or working on globally oriented initiatives.
Proven capacity to design and implement global strategies informed by international education frameworks and best practices.
Experience managing and administering global programs within higher education or relevant business/industry sectors.
Documented success in developing and sustaining international partnerships, including negotiating agreements and ensuring measurable outcomes.
Experience contributing to advancement efforts, such as fundraising, prospect development, or initiatives that strengthen global alumni engagement.
Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, or demonstrated ability to work effectively across linguistic and cultural contexts.
Active participation or leadership in professional associations focused on international education or global engagement.
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.
Seniority level : Executive
Employment type : Full‑time
Job function : Business Development and Sales
Industry : Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr