Director, Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (RCCE)

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

Location: Baltimore, MD

Full-Time | Exempt | On-Site/Hybrid

Position Overview

The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) invites applications for the position of Director of the Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (RCCE)—a dynamic leadership role that advances MICA’s commitment to innovation, venture creation, and social impact through the arts and design.

The Director will guide strategic, student-engaged entrepreneurship initiatives, foster community and business partnerships, and build transformative programs that empower creatives to move their ideas from the classroom into the marketplace. This position works collaboratively with senior leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders to grow the impact of MICA’s nationally recognized creative entrepreneurship ecosystem.

About RCCE

The Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of MICA’s academic vision. Supported by the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, the RCCE integrates entrepreneurship across disciplines, providing students and alumni with the tools, mentorship, and platforms to launch ventures that shape industries and communities. From business incubators to pop-up shops, the RCCE champions the next generation of entrepreneurial artists and designers.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of co-curricular and extracurricular entrepreneurship programming, including flagship events like the MICA Art Market and the UP/Start Venture Competition.

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with businesses, mentors, investors, and creative sector organizations.

Design and launch high-impact initiatives such as a national conference, quarterly co-working incubator events, and pilot programs that scale entrepreneurial capacity.

Collaborate with MICA’s Advancement and Finance teams to manage and report on deliverables tied to the Ratcliffe Foundation grant.

Oversee RCCE staff and daily operations, grow internal and external engagement, and foster a thriving innovation culture across the MICA community.

Promote the RCCE and MICA’s entrepreneurial accomplishments at campus, local, and national events.

Manage the publication of RCCE’s zine Outside the Lines Journal and co-develop strategic storytelling with MICA’s communications team.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in entrepreneurship, business development, innovation ecosystems, or related areas

Demonstrated success in program administration, stakeholder engagement, and event management

Strong knowledge of business planning, creative economies, and support systems for emerging ventures

Experience working with students or early-career professionals in mentorship, advising, or instructional roles

Excellent written, verbal, and organizational communication skills

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement

Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends

Preferred:

Advanced degree in business, design, arts administration, entrepreneurship, or related field

Experience in art and design higher education or creative industry sectors

Familiarity with grant reporting, budgeting, and public speaking

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and collaborative platforms

What We Offer

A creative and collaborative campus environment

Opportunities to lead one of the nation’s few discipline-spanning centers for creative entrepreneurship

Competitive salary and benefits package

Access to a thriving local and national creative economy

Direct impact on students’ professional futures and innovation leadership at MICA