Associate Director, Programs and Engagement

University of St Thomas•Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN

11h

About The Position

The Associate Director of Programs and Engagement plays a key role within the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship team, providing leadership for program-level strategy and execution, and overseeing the design and execution of co-curricular and extra-curricular initiatives. This position serves as the primary integrator of co-curricular activities across the Schulze School, ensuring cohesive student experiences and strategic alignment. Reporting to the senior director, Schulze School of Entrepreneurship, the associate director will build and strengthen relationships with various stakeholders, including university students and faculty, alumni, as well as the business community to deliver a diverse array of events and programs that support innovation and entrepreneurship across the entire campus. These activities encompass workshops, venture competitions, speaking events, and internships, fostering dynamic connections and opportunities. Programs include both annual events as well as new programs as determined through strategic outreach with on-campus and off-campus partners. This role will oversee all major co-curricular activities of the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship, including management of program support staff. This position requires a unique combination of operational effectiveness and attention to detail, paired with strategic thinking and relationship-building capabilities. This role ensures that the Schulze School’s programming portfolio reflects institutional priorities, operational capacity, and high-impact student experiences. “Engagement” in this role refers to fostering participation, visibility, and collaboration across the University of St. Thomas community - including students, faculty, and campus partners — to expand access to entrepreneurship programming and cultivate an innovative culture aligned with the university’s strategic priority to empower the entrepreneurial mindset across campus. Some local travel is required (5-10% annually).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, education, or a related field
5+ years of professional experience providing leadership for large-scale programs, events, or initiatives, including responsibility for execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement
Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and enhancing high-impact educational or experiential programs
Proven ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups - such as faculty, staff, students, and external partners - to shape and deliver programming aligned with strategic goals
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making and guide program-level strategy
A Valid Driver’s License
A DMV background check is required
Ability to work some nights and weekends is required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business, education, or a related field
Experience supervising or leading staff, including mentoring, goal setting, and fostering a collaborative, results-driven culture
Experience working within or alongside donor-funded or philanthropically supported programs, including providing program impact updates or stewardship support
Demonstrated ability to innovate within program portfolios, incorporating emerging technologies, trends, or pedagogical approaches
Experience in higher education, entrepreneurship, innovation programming, or experiential learning environments