Director of Innovation and Incubation Programs

California State University•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$155,000 - $177,000

About The Position

At CSUN we aspire to continually grow as an inclusive, cooperative community! CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. As a leader you will have the opportunity to thrive in a community in which our leaders share common traits as identified in our Leadership Principles https://www.csun.edu/leadership-principles. If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business or a job-related field.
Equivalent to five years of entrepreneurship/business development experience, with two of the five years in a managerial role preferred.
Experience launching or leading innovation or incubation programs in a university or college environment.
Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor early-stage ventures and lead innovation programs.
Proven experience in fundraising and securing financial or partnership support for programs or startups.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with a proven ability to build relationships on and off campus.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse student populations and to foster an inclusive, collaborative environment.
Lead diverse teams to support the operational mission and vision of employers by fostering an ethical, inclusive and collegial work environment.
Demonstrated ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership.
Lead varying initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented and communicative approach.
Demonstrated commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further operational goals.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business or a related field is preferred.
Established network within the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley entrepreneurial ecosystem is preferred
Experience supporting both technology-driven and socially impactful startups is preferred.
Familiarity with academic research and trends in entrepreneurship and innovation education.

Responsibilities

Leads, manages, and ensures the success of all C-STE innovation and incubation programs and spaces, including I-Corps, the Summer Accelerator, Sunstone Startup Launch, Demo Day, and the Student Innovation Incubator.
Envisions, designs, and implements new programs that fill gaps in the CSUN entrepreneurial ecosystem such as a pre-Incubation program, Digital Venture Studio, academic spinoffs, etc.
Builds and sustains partnerships with local startups, corporations, investors, community organizations, and government entities.
In collaboration with the Dean and C-STE Executive Director, raises funds to support C-STE programs, student and alumni ventures, and innovation initiatives through grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships.
Provides mentorship and guidance to student and alumni entrepreneurs, helping them move their ideas from concept to launch.
As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university’s vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set. Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.
Performs other duties as assigned.