Position Summary
The Economic Development and Entrepreneurship (EDE) division at East Stroudsburg University is seeking an innovative and motivated professional to serve as Director of the Business Accelerator and Entrepreneurship. The Director will manage the operations of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center (ELC) and the university’s Business Accelerator program including the J-1 Visa International Innovation Program, coworking space, wet labs, and Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone (PMKIZ).
ESU’s division of Economic Development and entrepreneurship serves as the principal economic development and entrepreneurship extension of the University and is responsible for the: Business Accelerator, Entrepreneurial Leadership Center, Career and Workforce Development, Conference Services, Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium, Advancement, and the Center for Research and Economic Development (CFRED). As part of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, ESU offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
Essential Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities
- Develop programming to improve the region’s culture of entrepreneurship and innovation by identifying entrepreneurs and identifying needs, services and opportunities in the regional economy and industry clusters.
- Promote and solicit for new start-ups business and develop a revenue model for services and sustainability.
- Business Accelerator: manage the daily operations including license agreements, facilities, business development, mentoring and implementation of best practices.
- J1 Visa – International Innovation Program: recruit and mentor J-1 Visa clients
- Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone: recruit and mentor KIZ companies in both Monroe and Wayne counties
- Pocono Mountains Angel Network (PMAN): re-establish the network and serve as the PMAN representative on the Pennsylvania Angel Network (PAN).
- Business Plan Competitions: mentor and develop a pipeline of companies and students for participation in regional competitions.
- Entrepreneurial Leadership Center: set the direction and goals and oversee the operation
- Recruit start-up companies in industry sectors including but not limited to: life sciences/bio-tech, homeland security, health care, information technology, financial services and advanced manufacturing, and ensure compliance with Business Accelerator Program Guidelines.
- Serve as the liaison with career and workforce development to facilitate internship and externship experiences for Business Accelerator, Warrior Launchpad, coworking and associated entrepreneurial programs.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships that support and promote innovation and entrepreneurship including Ben Franklin Technology Partners, International Network of Business Incubators and Accelerators (INBIA) and global partnerships.
- Grants and Research: collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Projects and Research to identify funding and research opportunities that support innovation and entrepreneurship
- Establish a Mentoring Program in collaboration with the ESU Alumni Association and regional business/industry organizations to support early stage companies.
- Develop new programs and non-credit certifications in innovative and entrepreneurship.
- Fundraising: work in collaboration with the ESU Foundation to identify sponsors and funding opportunities.
- Market and promote the Business Accelerator Program to community/business partners, faculty, students and legislative representatives.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree. Minimum four years of proven business development and finance experience working with entrepreneurs.
- Demonstrated understanding of startup ecosystems and entrepreneurship
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups and promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion.
- Demonstrated record of building strong networks with business leaders
- Demonstrated experience in strategic thinking to align tactical work efforts with strategic vision
- Experience in technology transfer/intellectual property
- Effective communication/presentation and technical skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Effective communication/presentation and technical skills
- Experience as a founder of a company and/or company investor
Deadline to Apply
November 16, 2020
Salary
Salary commensurate and based upon experience/qualifications. Final selection will be based upon a successful interview and background check. All candidates must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. at the time of employment.
