Director of the Institute of Cannabis Research

Full Job Description

The Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) advances rigorous, unbiased cannabis research and publicly disseminates findings that inform policy, education, and practice by supporting innovative research across Colorado’s institutions of higher education, administering an annual statewide research funding competition, hosting an annual symposium, publishing an annual report, and supporting the development of cannabis-related curriculum and educational programs. Through collaboration with researchers, industry, government agencies, and community partners, the Institute works to expand research capacity, strengthen Colorado’s leadership in cannabis research, and advance evidence-based discoveries that benefit the state and the nation.

Requirements

The Institute of Cannabis Research seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as its chief administrator and ambassador, providing vision, oversight, and direction for all Institute operations, partnerships, and initiatives.

Reporting to the Provost, this position leads Institute staff, oversees daily operations, and manages state-appropriated resources to ensure the Institute fulfills its statutory responsibilities, including administration of a statewide research funding competition, hosting an annual research conference, preparation of legislative reports, and ongoing assessment activities.

The position is responsible for fiscal oversight, including budgeting, financial monitoring, and reconciliation, while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment and ensuring timely, effective execution of Institute priorities.

This role also serves as the Institute’s primary representative and relationship-builder, leading outreach, communication, and partnership efforts that advance the Institute’s mission and visibility.

Working closely with staff, the successful candidate will cultivate strategic collaborations with researchers, community organizations, foundations, donors, and other partners; pursue grants, fundraising, and advancement opportunities; and oversee engagement activities such as webinars, publications, and external communications.

The position serves as the primary liaison to the Institute’s Governing Board, coordinates board meetings and initiatives, and, in partnership with the Institute’s Government Relations team, works closely with state leaders, legislators, agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen relationships and advance the Institute’s mission statewide.

Primary Duties

Institute Operation and Management

• Supervises ICR personnel and oversee the activities designated to their roles within the ICR. Be familiar with the skills and knowledge required for ICR Staff responsibilities.
• Ensures that the Institutes statutory requirements (HB-19-1311) including but not limited to the statewide research funding competition following national best practices, hosting an annual research conference, annual report to legislative committees, and curricular assessment, on a timely basis.
• Fiscal oversight of state appropriated funds including the budgeting process, reviewing accounting information within the host institutions financial management system, and fiscal reconnaissance/reconciliation as needed.

Outreach and Partnerships

• Oversee successful execution of engagement/outreach/dissemination activities (e.g. webinar series, newsletter, website, journal, research roundtable, etc.) and manage effective internal and external communications in collaboration with the Institute's staff.
• In partnership with the staff develop and manage strategic partnerships (conference partnerships, research collaborations, networking) that advance the mission of the institute as well develop funding resources outside of state appropriation (i.e. advancement activities, foundations, grants, etc.).
• Familiarity with advancement processes and practices. Engage potential donors and grow the Institute's donor base.
• Manage and address external inquiries as appropriate in a timely fashion.

Collaboration with the ICR's Governing Board and engagement with State Officials

• Liaise with the Chair of the ICR Governing Board and the broader Board Membership – organize regular board meetings, manage board communications, etc.
• Execute strategies to meet the goals and objectives of Board-endorsed initiatives.
• Work within the Board's subcommittee structure to advance the mission of the Institute (e.g. Research Subcommittee - annual research competition or Fundraising Subcommittee - annual advancement event)
• In collaboration with the Institute's Government Relations team, liaise with appropriate State leadership including, but not limited to, representatives of the Governor’s office, legislators and legislative committees, state organizations (e.g. CDPHE and CDHE) to advance the institute's mission.

Ancillary Duties
Other ancillary duties as assigned by the Provost.

Salary Range
$130,000 to $151,000

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in their discipline from an accredited institution of higher education
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills
• Evidence of ability to effectively work with external boards and committees
• Knowledge of external funding opportunities, responsible conduct of research, and best practices
• Ability to assess proper experimental design and research plans
• Experience in a position requiring effective fiscal management
• Experience preparing presentations and publications that are audience appropriate
• Experience managing multiple projects to a timely conclusion in a fast paced, high pressure environment with competing time demands
• Experience in a position requiring effective working relationships with colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and the general public
• At least 3 years of leadership experience in an academic setting
• Experience in a position requiring the supervision of multiple subordinate personnel
• Experience directing grant funded research in an academic setting
• Experience managing internal and external contracting and agreement processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in their discipline from an accredited institution of higher education
• Knowledge of the cannabis research landscape (e.g. familiarity with cannabis research and research trends, regulations, and policy)
• Knowledge of marketing and communication strategies for varied stakeholder groups
• Experience in fundraising and building external partnerships
• Experience directing cannabis related research in an academic setting
• Five or more years of academic leadership experience

Additional Information

All interested candidates must apply through the online application system. No other format of application materials will be accepted.

Applicants must attach the following documents, in order to be considered for this position:

1. a letter of intent (cover letter) describing the means in which you meet the qualifications for this position
2. a current resume or CV
3. unofficial or official transcripts showing required degree conferred
4. three professional references, either within the application or as an attachment (please note: personal references do not count towards this requirement).

Applications submitted without the required attachments/information above will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process. Once submitted, applicants will not be able to make changes or add information to their application packet, with the exception of their personal contact and demographic information.

Early submission of application materials is encouraged. Applications received by 8:00 AM (MST) on May 3rd, 2026, will receive full consideration. Screening of applications will begin only after this deadline is met, and will continue until the position is filled.

About Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo is a comprehensive state university with an enrollment of 4,000 students. CSU Pueblo provides relevant professional coursework and superior instruction with a small student-to-faculty ratio for an ever-changing global economy. Students can choose from 38 undergraduate programs with 70 fields of study in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; the Hasan School of Business, the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; and the College of Health, Education, and Nursing; and 15 graduate programs.

CSU Pueblo is dedicated to interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship that elevates our people and our community, creates educational opportunities, fosters unique collaborations, and supports inclusion, access, and affordability as a gateway to the world. CSU Pueblo is equally committed to serving the diverse population of the region; this emphasis is reflected in the demographic characteristics of the student body. Because more than 25 percent of our students are Hispanic, the Federal Government has designated CSU Pueblo a Hispanic Serving Institution. Besides reflecting our commitment to serve this critically important and rapidly growing segment of the student population, that designation also allows the University to compete for certain federal grant funds to support its ability to better serve all students.

Among its unique features, CSU Pueblo is one of seven schools in the nation to offer a degree in mechatronics, which combines electrical and mechanical engineering. The Hasan School of Business ranks among the top 15 percent of all business schools internationally with graduate and undergraduate programs in business administration accredited by the AACSB International Board of Directors. The College of STEM houses an undergraduate engineering program that was ranked in the nation's top 100 by U.S. News and World Report. CSU Pueblo has an ever-changing campus landscape that features a newly renovated Library, a new general academic classroom building, and a newly renovated and expanded student center.

At CSU Pueblo, Student Life offerings have increased significantly with the transition of the campus from a commuter environment to a more traditional collegiate experience. Competing at the NCAA Division II level, CSU Pueblo is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and offers 22 varsity intercollegiate sports and also has active intramural and club sports teams that allow students to get involved in campus life.

• Medical and prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible benefit plan
• Basic term life insurance
• Voluntary term life and AD&D lnsurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Travel accident insurance
• Voluntary critical illness and accident insurance
• Annual and sick leave
• Retirement plans
• Employee and dependent tuition discounts
• State employee discounts via BenefitHub

About Pueblo, Colorado
The city of Pueblo is a historically and culturally rich, diverse city of more than 100,000, located in the southern part of the state along the Arkansas River near the Wet Mountains and the majestic Sangre de Cristo range. Pueblo enjoys ideal year-round climate with four distinct mild seasons, crisp mountain air and 300+ days of sunshine per year. Pueblo attracts outdoor enthusiasts to a full slate of summer and winter recreational activities, encompassing water sports at Lake Pueblo, biking or running along Pueblo's beautiful river trail system, golfing, tennis, hiking or skiing in the mountains to the west. The region is heavily agricultural, with large and small-scale farming and ranching, and a diverse mix of service, manufacturing, and technology industries.

CSU Pueblo is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history (felony and misdemeanor), national sex offender search, and/or motor vehicle history. Candidates who are extended an offer of employment must submit to and pass a background check prior to beginning employment. Some positions depending on the job duties may be required to complete a DMV and/or credit check.

The University reserves the right to check additional references, with prior notification given to the candidate.

Note: The successful candidate must provide official transcripts of academic work completed and, under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, be able to submit evidence of the ability to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1990, the University's annual security report is available at: https://www.csupueblo.edu/campus-safety.

Colorado State University Pueblo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Additionally, the University complies with all other relevant, federal, state, and local laws regarding employment practices.

It is the policy of Colorado State University Pueblo to provide reasonable accommodation for employees and applicants with disabilities. If you need accommodation, please contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Title IX at crc@csupueblo.edu.

All employees of Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) are required to complete training on policies and procedures administered by the Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Title IX (CRC), under the supervision of the Director of Civil Rights Compliance & Title IX Coordinator. Required training includes: understanding and reporting conduct prohibited by the Discrimination, Protected Class Harassment, and Retaliation policy and the Title IX, Sexual Harassment, and Gender Discrimination policy. All employees are required to report conduct prohibited under this policy, and student disclosures of pregnancy or related conditions directly to the CRC and to provide the CRC’s contact information to any student disclosing pregnancy or related conditions. More information is available at: Policies and Resolution Procedures | Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Title IX (Policies and Procedures).