CRSHE Director

University of Denver•Denver, CO

10d

About The Position

The University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education invites applications for Director of The Center for Rural School Health & Education (CRSHE) from a qualified internal candidate. This positon will begin April 1, 2026. The Center for Rural School Health & Education in the University of Denver Morgridge College of Education is dedicated to partnering with rural schools to improve health and education outcomes. CRSHE projects are created and implemented in close collaboration with community partners and resources are developed in response to expressed community needs and interests. All CRSHE initiatives embody principles of social justice, racial equity and community engagement, and contribute to the vision of all children, youth and adults in rural communities living healthy, meaningful lives. We conduct research to identify tailored solutions to achieve health and education equity in rural schools and communities. CRSHE provides the following services: Strategic planning and support for implementing changes Training, technical assistance and professional learning communities Convening funders, University and community partners Research and evaluation Grant writing and management support Community-based participatory research workshops The Center employs a highly collaborative leadership style: The Director reports to the leader of the Morgridge College of Education (MCE). The Director leads the CRSHE Leadership Team which meets weekly to provide its best thinking across all areas of the Center. Collaboration and inclusion is highly valued. The Leadership Team supports all Center projects and initiatives whether or not individuals are directly assigned to the projects. This creates a sense of shared ownership and mutual investment; it also positions Leadership Team members to speak broadly about Center activities to partners. As recipients of this collaboration and inclusion, we extend invitations to each other for co-authorship, co-PIship, etc. Essential Functions The Interim Director supports the Center vision, mission, focus areas, services and resources by overseeing the following essential functions: Center identity, partnership development, and funding. Most or all activities are accomplished collaboratively with the Center Leadership Team. Each area is described in detail below.

Requirements

PhD in education, social sciences, public health or related area
Experience writing and receiving federal, state, foundation grants
Experience leading teams in fundraising and programmatic initiatives
Deep knowledge of rural school health and education

Nice To Haves

Prior Center director experience or equivalent leadership experience

Responsibilities

Convene and facilitate the CRSHE Leadership Team in establishing and accomplishing Center operations related to administration, research, community outreach and services, community resources and services, and virtual learning
Spearhead PR opportunities
Develop and maintain local, state, and national partnerships
Cultivate relationships and conduct community meetings to better understand rural school priorities and needs
Develop and maintain DU partnerships, within and outside of Morgridge
Represent the Center on boards, collaboratives, and other initiatives
Create a diverse and sustainable funding portfolio by:
Submitting research and programmatic grant proposals
Finding funding mechanisms to sustain successful initiatives
Strengthening and sustaining relations with donors and funders in partnership with the Morgridge Director of Development and MCE leadership