Executive Director for Entrepreneurship Programs

Economic Development

Executive Director for Entrepreneurship Programs

The University of Missouri seeks an innovative and strategic leader to serve as the Executive Director for Entrepreneurship Programs. This key role will drive the development and management of impactful entrepreneurship initiatives, supporting students, veterans, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for entrepreneurship programs, including the Griggs Innovators Nexus, Entrepreneur Quest, and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans.
• Oversee strategic planning, program design, and marketing for extra-curricular entrepreneurship spaces and initiatives.
• Build long-term sustainability through collaboration with alumni, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Act as a campus leader and liaison on entrepreneurship initiatives, engaging internal and external partners such as the Small Business Administration and state/national programs.
• Manage the Griggs Innovators Nexus, including the Den, Ideation Room, and Innovation Classroom, providing programming to support student entrepreneurs.
• Develop and execute marketing efforts, fundraising strategies, and sponsorships to enhance the visibility and sustainability of programs.
• Represent the University of Missouri at local, state, and national entrepreneurship events.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic leadership with expertise in program management, event coordination, and budget oversight.
• Exceptional interpersonal and public speaking skills for engaging diverse audiences.
• Advanced critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability in dynamic environments.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University of Missouri and beyond. You will work with students, veterans, alumni, and community leaders to drive innovation and economic growth while championing the university's mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Monday- Friday 8am- 5pm. Position requires work outside of standard business hours during Boot Camps and other special events.

A Master's degree in a relevant area and 8 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired OR a Bachelor's degree in a relevant area and 10 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

A graduate degree in an area related to business, engineering, or entrepreneurship is preferred.
At least 15 years experience managing complex and highly-visible projects/operations is preferred.
Prior experience coordinating multiple programs in higher education with minimal guidance is preferred.
Personal experience involving small business ownership or investment is preferred.
Personal experience working with veteran programs is preferred.
Experience with fundraising, public speaking, budgeting, and Salesforce is preferred.
Relevant social media and marketing skills are preferred.

Salary Range: $109,262.00 - $236,392.00 per year
Grade: GGS 015
University Title: Senior Director
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application, CV, Cover Letter

Successful candidates will have exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills : collaboration, communication, critical thinking, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the university's values.
Must be available for consistent, onsite work.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.