Special Assistant to the Executive Director

This position will directly support the Executive Director. The incumbent will be responsible for project development, organization, and implementation. They will work to expand customer base and grow revenue streams as well as many additional functions.

Full Consideration Date: 05/04/2026

Work Unit Description:

Veterinary Health System
The Veterinary Health System transforms our service units into a comprehensive veterinary medical center governed by responsible management that supports our units’ individual missions. Capitalizing on Colorado State University’s top ranking in veterinary medicine, and building on our tradition of providing high-quality compassionate care and achieving outstanding clinical outcomes, the Veterinary Health System broadens our expertise and skill to deliver the highest levels of customer service, employee satisfaction, and advancements in medicine through clinical service, diagnostics, research, and innovation.
Work Unit | Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
Faculty and staff at the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (VDL) are among the nation’s finest in their fields of expertise and offer comprehensive diagnostic services. The mission of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is to provide timely, accurate and pertinent animal disease diagnostic services and educational outreach to veterinarians, animal industries and animal interests. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will strive to meet the goals the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the University through research to develop new approaches to disease identification, investigation, prevention and through education of professional veterinary medical, graduate, and post-doctoral students.

The Western Slope Branch Laboratory is heavily involved in agricultural activities and works closely with livestock producers along with their local veterinarians in the management, care, and prevention of diseases in livestock.  In addition, the laboratory serves companion animal owners and other animal services such as Parks and Wildlife, law enforcement, and Animal Control in disease investigation and diagnosis.  The laboratory and its staff play an integral role in ensuring the safety of food production, the rapid and accurate diagnosis of zoonotic disease, and the interface of human and animal health.

• Assist with and/or manage various projects for the VDL, including project development and implementation, organization and communication of project activities, and ensuring delivery of project outcomes and appropriate management of finances
• Independently troubleshoot, problem solve and manage issues related to priority, project contributors, including conflict resolution and other issues impacting success if necessary
• Work on a variety of projects to facilitate improvements at the VDL, including client services, client expansion and relationship building, and general business operations projects
• Provide leadership during VDL transition of client services and business personnel
• Develop interpersonal relationships with internal and external stakeholders while managing projects
• Organize project plans and schedules and coordinate information distribution relative to the projects
• Provide strong data management, objective assessment, critical thinking and communications skills to all projects

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
• Essential Services Designation - Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare.
• The CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory does not follow standard University Holiday Schedule due to the nature of the business. After hours and weekend work may be required.
• On-Call Status - In the event of an emergency declared by the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Director, overtime work or work outside normal operating hours will be required.

• Develop and employ communication strategies to engage internal and external customers and stakeholders

• A bachelor’s degree in business management, project management, or other related field.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience working university business, project or operations management
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in leading a team and managing projects

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

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Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.