Department Manager, Mining Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Mining Engineering Department at Colorado School of Mines is hiring a Department Manager!

The Mining Engineering (MN) Department Manager is the principal administrator for the department. The Department Manager provides management level operational oversight and direction in support of the mission of the Colorado School of Mines.

Reporting to the Department Head (DH), the Department Manager will work independently and in conjunction with the DH in planning, coordinating, implementing, and assessing strategic objectives to achieve the goals of the DH for the department. The Department Manager is responsible for non-academic operations including but not limited to: (a) fiscal management, strategic planning and analysis of all department funds, (b) ensures efficient department operations for students and faculty, (c) management and support of the graduate and undergraduate program, (d) developing and enhancing alumni relations, (e) increasing fundraising efforts, and (f) marketing and promoting the department.  This position also provides office supervision and management of Research Support and other support staff in the department.

Primary Responsibilities:

Department Management: Provide leadership, oversight and coordination of department operations and administrative functions. Collaborate with the DH on strategic planning as well as provide operational oversight, departmental management and executive administration to the DH.

Fiscal Management, Strategic Planning and Analysis: Fiscal management, strategic planning and analysis includes authority and oversight over all departmentally managed funds. Will retain and analyze budget income and expense histories to provide information, recommendations, and alternatives to the department head for high-level, multi-year budget planning. Will make independent decisions to allocate, move, and increase or decrease funds related to budgets for operating expenses.

​Staff Management: Supervise support staff in the department and develop best practices and training.

Graduate and Undergraduate Program Management: Essential functions are applying advanced understanding of MN graduate and undergraduate programs and curriculum to provide coordination and management of the MN graduate and undergraduate programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field from an accredited institution.
• 4+ years of progressive, administration experience related to project and program management and operational oversight.
• 2+ years of experience with developing, monitoring and managing budgets, resource management, and financial reporting.
• Evidence of teamwork experience, relationship building, and partnership development.
• 4+ plus years of experience with event/program planning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong expertise in business and management computer applications and databases.
• Strong knowledge in industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.
• Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.
• Able to keep abreast of general industry knowledge and trends
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Verbally and in writing, managers skillfully communicate process and policy information to faculty, staff and students. Managers also must be sensitive to the needs and concerns of faculty, staff, and students and other members of the University in a manner that is professional, objective and easily understood. Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years in a management position that includes supervisory experience.
• Significant experience with Banner or other ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.
• Experience in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity of perspective.

About Mines & Golden, CO 

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. 

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). 

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.  

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. 

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?  

Look to Mines. 

Equal Opportunity 

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety. 

Annual Rate 

$65,000 - $72,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. 

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Administrative Faculty positions!

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes: 

• Flexible health and dental care options 

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus. 

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution 

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents) 

• Free RTD Ecopass 

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. 

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Tuesday, December 16, 2025. If you submit your application after this date, it may or may not be considered.  Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity. 

Background Investigation Required Prior to Start

Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance. 

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting