Director, Institute

Thriving as a Director at a research institute demands visionary leadership, adeptness in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong grant management skills. Being able to guide diverse teams and translate complex social science findings for varied audiences is equally vital for impactful administrative success.

This role acts as a nexus, integrating social science perspectives into broader university projects spanning natural resources, engineering, and health. Steering strategic collaboration and securing resources enables the Director to amplify the institute’s impact across multiple colleges and disciplines.

Directors often evolve into senior academic administrators, research policy advisors, or leaders within national research consortia. The combination of administrative expertise and scholarly recognition opens doors to influential roles shaping social science agendas at higher institutional or governmental levels.

Fort Collins benefits from a strong research ecosystem anchored by CSU, attracting talent in social sciences and technology. However, competition is high among academic institutions, making demonstrated leadership and successful grant acquisition key differentiators locally.

Salaries for Director roles in Fort Collins typically reflect the city’s moderate cost of living, with competitive packages ranging between $110,000 and $150,000 annually. Benefits and external grant support often supplement base compensation in academic leadership positions here.

The American Economic Association offers a unique platform focusing on economic research leadership with expansive networks and policy influence. Directing within this organization involves heightened engagement with economic scholarship dissemination and broader community partnerships.

Strategic emphases often include expanding interdisciplinary collaborations, enhancing research funding streams, and increasing outreach to federal and community stakeholders. Aligning economic research with societal challenges ensures the institute remains both relevant and influential.

Given the senior administrative level and the local academic market, a Director at CSU’s Institute can anticipate an annual salary between $120,000 and $145,000. This estimate factors in the specialized social science leadership skills and grant management expertise required.

Candidates with a Ph.D. in social sciences combined with a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and successful external grant management stand out. Experience in leading interdisciplinary teams and translating research for diverse audiences is also essential.

The title implies oversight of multi-faceted research initiatives, directing programmatic vision, and administrative leadership. Unlike narrower director roles, it encompasses broad strategic planning, external partnership cultivation, and stewardship of diverse scholarly activities.