Director, Donald Ryan Incubator for Entrepreneurship in the Arts & Sciences

Founded in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution steadfastly committed to academic excellence through a dynamic core curriculum, a distinctive Development of Western Civilization Program, and abundant experiential learning opportunities. The only U.S. higher education institution administered by the Dominican Friars, PC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Providence College believes that cultural and intellectual pluralism is essential to the excellence of its academic programs, and strives to foster an academic culture and campus community reflecting the global environment in which we live and work.

The approximately 105-acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital city and is close to the many cultural and educational offerings of Rhode Island’s “renaissance city.” Additionally, Providence is located an hour from Boston and just a few hours from New York City.

For years, Providence College has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report “Regional Universities – North Category” and has been commended by several other ranking publications.

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title Director, Donald Ryan Incubator for Entrepreneurship in the Arts & Sciences Overview
Develop and implement the strategy for the Donald Ryan Incubator for Entrepreneurship in the Arts & Sciences (the “Ryan Incubator”), cultivating a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture and programs accessible to all PC students. Essential Duties:
Set and execute the overall strategic direction of the Donald Ryan Incubator for Entrepreneurship in the Arts & Sciences, ensuring that it serves the needs of students in all of PC’s schools, including students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E). Create and execute student-focused events annually and ensure consistency with programmatic and educational goals. Coach and mentor students and student teams. Champion and model diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Develop approaches that broaden participation of underrepresented groups, including women and underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups, in entrepreneurship. Cultivate and engage a diverse group of outside experts as mentors and coaches for students.

Build Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) network within and beyond PC. Continually improve and cultivate the reputation of PC and current and future I&E academic programs. Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate a variety of I&E activities across the College. Communicate with internal stakeholders as necessary, serving as a liaison between the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Professional Studies, the School of Continuing Education, and any future academic units. Cultivate and engage alumni in the activities of Donald Ryan Incubator for Entrepreneurship. Form and maintain external relationships, including with regional accelerators and incubators, that benefit PC students.

Collaborate with leadership of the Business & Innovation minor and the proposed Center for Innovation and Interdisciplinary Studies. Champion the incorporation of best practices and current research findings into I&E programs throughout the College. Collaborate with the Business & Innovation program on continuing and expanding curricular and co-curricular experiences for students involving I&E.

Oversee the financial and operational management of the Ryan Incubator and participate in fundraising activities related to I&E. Set annual objectives and evaluate performance against objectives. Oversee all financial matters, including annual budget preparation and reporting. Oversee and maintain an internal and external communications strategy. In conjunction with Institutional Advancement, raise funds to support a variety of I&E focused activities. Provide consistent stewardship and communication to current donors, including regular email communications, preparation of an annual report, and preparation of individual reports for select donors. Oversee planning and management of the physical space that will house the Ryan Incubator. Organize and convene the Ryan Incubator’s Advisory Board, which will consist of a broad range of stakeholders, including alumni, supporters, and donors. Participate in alumni events and meetings on a regular basis. Marginal Duties:
1. Perform all other duties as may be required. Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution required. Master’s in business and higher education experience preferred
• Minimum of five years’ first-hand experience with innovation and entrepreneurship or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Direct or indirect higher education experience preferred.
• Background successfully navigating large, complex organizations, with a preference for candidates with some exposure to higher education institutions
• First-hand experience with innovation and entrepreneurship and the ability to knowledgeably advise students and make connections to mentors or other experts where needed
• Knowledge of the Providence-area innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in preferred; experience building connections across a regional network/ecosystem in required
• Demonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to establish a clear, long-term vision, lead implementation of that vision, and generate measurable results
• Ability to build relationships and partnerships both within PC and with external partners
• Ability to work and collaborate across disciplinary boundaries
• Ability to manage relationships and mobilize support among alumni and donors
• Commitment to the mission of Providence College
• Ability to effectively engage donors and alumni; prior fundraising experience is not required, but competitive candidates will demonstrate the skills and personality required to grow into an effective fundraiser
• A desire to help people and contribute to their growth; idea candidates are energized by helping students, mentors, faculty, and staff to succeed and grow personally, professionally, and academically

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard
• Communication skills using the spoken word
• Ability to see within normal parameters
• Ability to hear within normal range
• Ability to move about

Employee Status Full Time Union Status Non-Union Shift: If other, please enter regular schedule. EEO Statement
Providence College does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, national and ethnicorigin, sex, gender, except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification, sexual orientation,gender identity, religion, disability, age, veteran status, or genetic information. The College will develop,and from time to time update, an affirmative action program and will insist on a good-faith effort on thepart of its employees to comply with the program. The College will request and expect its agents andthose with whom it conducts its affairs to meet the commitment of this important program.

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number AS605P Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * We require all employees to be vaccinated. Are you vaccinated or have a *valid medical or religious exemption from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine? Applicants requesting an exemption, must complete a Providence College request form. Exemptions are not guaranteed approval. Completion of exemption/vaccination process must be finalized prior to start date.
   • Yes
   • No
   • Will request exemption

Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents