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Executive Director for Entrepreneurship Programs

Employer
University of Missouri - Columbia
Location
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Salary
Competitive Salary
Date posted
Jan 21, 2025
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Job Details



Hiring Department

Economic Development

Job Description

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.

Shift

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

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Anticipated Hiring Range

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 Materials

Application, CV, Cover Letter

Other Information

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.

Community Information

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!

Benefit Eligibility

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.

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Company

 Mizzou

The University of Missouri was founded in 1839 in Columbia, Mo., as the first public university west of the Mississippi River and the first state university in Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase territory. MU provides all the benefits of two universities in one — it's a major land-grant institution and Missouri's largest public research university.

Considered one of the nation's top-tier institutions, Mizzou has a reputation of excellence in teaching and research, and is the flagship campus of the four-campus University of Missouri System. It is one of only 34 public universities, and the only public institution in Missouri, to be selected for membership in the Association of American Universities. MU offers more than 280 degree programs — including more than 75 online degree options — and is designated as comprehensive doctoral with medical/veterinary by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Mizzou is recognized nationally and receives top rankings for its programs in many areas, including journalismdispute resolutionfamily and community medicinecampus writing program and Freshman Interest Groups. As one of only six public universities in the country with medicineveterinary medicine and law all on one campus, MU provides Missouri with an educated work force of doctors, veterinarians and lawyers.

At Mizzou, we know how to make an impact—and our work reaches far beyond our campus. When you become part of our community, you’ll be part of our collective effort to teach, to learn and to drive change that results in better lives and brighter futures for the world.

Mizzou Tigers are lifelong learners, and that includes our faculty and staff members. All employees have the opportunity to pursue personal and professional growth and acquire new skills for their own benefit and the benefit of the university.

Our university seeks to support the whole employee, and that includes a competitive compensation and benefits package, support that will help you find work/life balance, a focus on career planning and plenty of opportunities to find and be recognized for your success.

We support an engaged and energized university community through competitive medical, dental and vision insurance as well as diverse programs to support whole-person wellness.

Mizzou empowers employees to make a lasting financial plan with retirement plan options, some of which are accessible to all faculty and staff, no matter their eligibility for other benefits.

Mizzou is a world-renowned educational and research institution, and our first-rate faculty, staff and students are part of something big. If you’re looking for a vibrant community that offers endless opportunities to grow and make a difference throughout our state, the nation and the world, our university may be the place for you. 

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