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JOB TITLE
Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programs

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
Business School

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programs will have primary responsibility for co-curricular programs designed to engage students from across WPI in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Director will have primary responsibility for co-curricular programming, playing a pivotal role in supporting student innovators and entrepreneurs and driving the success of student-centric startups. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong business acumen, excellent interpersonal skills, and a passion for nurturing and supporting students in their educational journeys.

WPI is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for engaging undergraduate students in I&E.
• Serve as Director for the I&E center working to ensure that it remains at the forefront of industry trends and innovations that benefit student innovators and student entrepreneurs.
• Work in partnership with the Office of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship on supporting the start-up incubation and acceleration strategy at WPI.
• Establish key performance indicators to measure the success and impact of I&E programs, emphasizing student outcomes and impact on all WPI students.
• Develop co-curricular programs to encourage student innovation and entrepreneurship at WPI, including ongoing evaluation of existing programming to determine initiatives for continuation.
• Facilitate networking events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to foster a sense of community and collaboration among student innovators and entrepreneurs.
• Oversee Gift Awards and competitions to support the launch of student-led innovation and startups.
• Establish and maintain a marketing program for the I&E Center, which includes but not limited to website upkeep and social media outreach.
• Cultivate a collaborative and supportive community across campus in coordination with space and facilities manager/committees, prioritizing the needs and development of student innovators and student entrepreneurs.
• Coordinate Entrepreneurs in Residence, matching them with student entrepreneurs and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Provide outreach to community-based Entrepreneurial Support Organizations, including entrepreneurship programs at Worcester-based universities and colleges to secure resources and support for student-led startups and student-facing I&E initiatives.
• Collaborate with alumni, industry experts, mentors, and advisors to create a robust network that adds value to student innovations and startups.
• Manage the allocation of resources, including student employees hired to support the I&E activities.
• Work closely with the Division of University Advancement to secure additional resources and opportunities for student participants in I&E.
• Assist students in identifying and applying for grants, competitions, and other funding sources.
• Monitor the progress of student startups within the I&E Center, providing guidance and intervention as needed.
• Regularly assess the success and impact of the incubator's programs, making data-driven decisions to continuously improve student outcomes.
• Collect and analyze feedback from student participants to refine and enhance I&E programming.
• Develop educational workshops, seminars, and training sessions for both online and classroom environments tailored to the needs of student innovators and entrepreneurs.
• Teach innovation and entrepreneurship classes within the Business School.
• Support PQP/IQP/MQPs programs for student startups
• Support International House with OPT (optional practical training) initiatives as relevant

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business, entrepreneurship, or a related field (Master's degree preferred) and 4 years of experience.
• Proven experience in business incubation, startup acceleration, or entrepreneurial support programs within a university ecosystem.
• Strong leadership and management skills with a track record of success in a similar role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse community members and especially students.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and drive innovation.
• Knowledge of funding mechanisms, investment processes, and business development.
• Experience with fundraising.
• Passion for working with students and a commitment to supporting their entrepreneurial journey in an environment that embraces DEIB.

Salary: $82,600 - $100,000. WPI's benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Director-of-Innovation---Entrepreneurship-Programs_R0002938

About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.