Director of the CSI Innovation Hub

Research Foundation of The City University of New York•Staten Island, NY

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The CSI Innovation Hub at the College of Staten Island serves as a central driver of entrepreneurship, workforce development, and emerging technology integration on Staten Island. Anchored by the CSI Tech Incubator, the Hub supports founders, small businesses, and students through hands-on mentorship, targeted programming, and access to critical resources that move ideas into viable, scalable ventures. Through partnerships with industry leaders in emerging technology, the Hub integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual and augmented reality across its programs, expanding how participants learn, build, and innovate. The space features flexible co-working areas, collaboration zones, and advanced technology labs designed to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem and create pathways to economic opportunity. The College of Staten Island seeks an experienced senior manager with a strong background in entrepreneurship and economic development to serve as Director of the CSI Innovation Hub. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director will help shape and execute the strategic vision for the Hub and the CSI Tech Incubator, oversee its 4,000 sq. ft. facility and technology labs, and lead a team of full-time and part-time staff and interns. The Director will build partnerships across the College, industry, local schools, and the Staten Island community, secure public and private funding, and be accountable for measurable outcomes in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and student success.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree is required.
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years managing a department, division, or multi-program operation with full responsibility for its staff, budget, and outcomes.
Substantial experience in entrepreneurship support, business development, economic development, or incubator/accelerator management.
Demonstrated experience directly supervising multiple full-time employees, including hiring, performance management, and staff development.
Experience managing an annual operating budget of $500,000 or more, including budgets supported by multiple funding sources such as grants, institutional funds, and sponsorships.
Experience working within a large, complex organization, such as a university, government agency, corporation, or large nonprofit, including navigating procurement, human resources, compliance, and approval processes.
Proven track record of securing grants and other funding from public and private sources, and of administering awarded grants, including compliance and funder reporting.
Experience designing and delivering programs for entrepreneurs, small businesses, or students.
Ability to collect, analyze, and report on program data and performance metrics.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment while working collaboratively within institutional structures, policies, and reporting relationships.
Skill in developing new workflows and business processes.
Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field.
Experience founding, owning, or operating a business.
Knowledge of technology incubation programs and familiarity with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual and augmented reality.
Experience working in higher education, government, or a nonprofit setting.
Experience developing partnerships with K-12 schools or youth entrepreneurship programs.
Knowledge of the Staten Island business community and economic development landscape.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic plans that expand the Hub’s impact on entrepreneurship, workforce development, community engagement, and education, in alignment with the College’s priorities.
Design, implement, and evaluate programs for Hub members, students, and the community, including incubation services, workshops, mentorship, pitch events, and training in emerging technologies.
Recruit, supervise, and develop a team of full-time and part-time staff and interns; set performance goals and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.
Provide and coordinate business development services for Hub members and incubator companies, connecting them with mentors, investors, service providers, and customers.
Manage relationships with technology and industry partners and oversee the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual and augmented reality, into the Hub’s labs and programs.
Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and student services to integrate entrepreneurship into curriculum, research, and experiential learning; support CSI students and alumni in developing and launching ventures, including a pathway into the CSI Tech Incubator; and expand internship and job opportunities for students.
Develop partnerships with local K-12 schools and youth-serving organizations to introduce students and young entrepreneurs to entrepreneurship, business development, and emerging technologies, building a pipeline to the College and the Hub.
Build and maintain partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders to stimulate economic growth in the borough.
Identify and secure funding from public and private sources, including writing grant proposals and cultivating sponsors. Manage existing grants to ensure compliance, timely reporting, and successful outcomes.
Oversee marketing, branding, and outreach to promote the Hub’s services, attract members and partners, and raise the Hub’s visibility on Staten Island and beyond.
Establish and track key performance indicators, such as businesses launched and supported, student ventures launched, jobs created, capital raised, and students and community members served, and report outcomes to College leadership, funders, and partners.
Manage the Hub’s budget and day-to-day operations, including the facility, technology labs, membership, and space scheduling, ensuring a safe, well-maintained, and welcoming environment.
Contribute to the Hub’s strategic direction in collaboration with leadership, and lead its programming and daily operations.
Supervise full-time and part-time staff and interns.
Provide support to Hub members and incubator companies.
Build and maintain partnerships with faculty, students, K-12 schools, industry, and community stakeholders.
Lead fundraising, grant writing, and grant management activities.
Track, analyze, and report on program outcomes and performance metrics.
Participate in occasional Hub events held on evenings and weekends.
Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned.