Job Summary

The Director will have a critical role in continuing to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Georgia, particularly in the southeast region through the Innovation Incubators (I2), but also broadly throughout the state with the Georgia Enterprise Network for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GENIE) program. The Director will oversee the operations of the Incubators and FabLab and have overall responsibility for managing EDA grants and outcomes. As such, the incumbent will work closely with the other BIG units such as the Small Business Development Center and Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research, Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership, Retail Recruiter as well as university faculty and students. The Director will primarily engage and support growth-minded entrepreneurs and expansion-driven small and mid-size enterprises and work to connect them with on and off-campus resources for the expressed purpose of helping the region to create new businesses, add/retain jobs, and obtain capital. This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization and supervises 3-5 FTEs. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence throughout BIG and its partner organizations. Employment is contingent upon funding.

Responsibilities

Work closely with internal and external partners to develop entrepreneurial and business development programs Serve in a team leadership capacity and collaborate with external partners, department and the Associate Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization to deliver solutions to create value and satisfaction for partners. Plays a key role in helping to triage projects including identifying external partners that may serve to guide the further development of the business incubation programs Develop, oversee and expand the activities and services of the Business Incubators in Statesboro, Metter, and Hinesville, and state-wide GENIE, as well as to help identify potential sites(and partners) for expansion Work with university marketing and communications to develop and implement strategies to effectively communicate the business incubation activities Build relationships across campus, and throughout the communities we serve, with information sessions, outreach programs, and college-specific activation strategy, to create strong pipelines and partnerships that will produce potential startup teams Create and host networking events, workshops, panels, and other means to grow and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Capture information through GENIE Manage, track, and maintain a customer relationship management (CRM) database to monitor the process by which units measure success/failure of members Create and enhance repeatable engagement processes to deliver desired client solutions and outcomes. Proactively measure client satisfaction. Accountable for resolving issues and potential process breakdowns Coach, mentor, motivate, and manage BIG team to exceed partner expectations Collaborate to design and implement client-focused policies and procedures that ensure that Georgia Southern has an effective framework for maintaining and growing business relationships with strategic clients so that they will recognize the university as an undeniably valued partner Stay abreast of best practices and continually grow the business incubation process/activities to improve sponsored research funding and tech transfer activities

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements Master's Degree in Business or related field or 10 years of advanced learning attained through professional-level experience Required Experience Five (5) or more years experience in developing operational procedures and supporting entrepreneurial activities (e.g. startup business creation, startup governance, team formation, business and financial modeling, strategic planning, investment, mentoring)

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications Business Incubation Management Certificate Preferred Educational Qualifications Master's Degree in Business Administration or Public Administration Certifications or licenses preferred: Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Preferred Experience Experience with, and appreciation of, the differing cultures and operating environments of academia, private investments entities and private industry. Experience working with entrepreneurial and business support programs such as, SBDC, MEP, VBOC, etc.

Proposed Salary

$90,000

Required Documents to Attach

Resume Cover Letter Two (2) Professional References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES Ability to represent the Business Innovation Group and Georgia Southern University in a range of professional settings Consistently exhibit engaging customer service Ability to support various constituencies served by the University Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of university culture and activities Knowledge of the region¿s economic and entrepreneurial landscape Demonstrated knowledge of startup, business incubation, entrepreneurship, and innovation management concepts Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success SKILLS Exceptional project/process management and communication skills Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills

Apply Before Date

Open Until Filled