Director, Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Thomas More University•Crestview Hills, KY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Thomas More University invites applications for the position of Director of the Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (ZCEI). This is a full-time faculty appointment within the Robert W. Plaster College of Business that combines excellence in teaching with leadership of the University's entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives. The ZCEI Director serves as the chief academic and strategic leader of the ZCEI, advancing the University's mission by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, cultivating partnerships throughout the regional business community, and expanding the University's reputation as the innovation destination for the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. The successful candidate will teach a standard four-course teaching load each semester and receive a two-course release per semester in recognition of the administrative responsibilities associated with directing the Center.

Requirements

A master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Management, Innovation, or related discipline.
Demonstrated success teaching entrepreneurship or related business disciplines.
Experience leading entrepreneurship, innovation, incubation, or ecosystem initiatives.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

A doctorate degree in a related field.
Experience directing a university entrepreneurship center.
Experience mentoring startups.
Experience with fundraising, grants, or corporate partnerships.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in entrepreneurship, innovation, and related business disciplines.
Develop and enhance an innovative entrepreneurship curriculum.
Mentor students pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
Collaborate with faculty across disciplines.
Provide strategic leadership for the ZCEI.
Serve as the University's primary spokesperson for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Position the University as a regional leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Partner with the Thomas More University Foundation and Institutional Advancement to cultivate donors and secure financial support.
Engage in the procurement of grants to support the ZCEI, the College of Business, or related University areas when appropriate.
Recruit, support, and engage with an external advisory board of key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region and/or proven entrepreneurs who might serve as potential investors in start ups who are engaged in formal relationships with the ZCEI.
Recruit and support promising startup companies.
Provide mentorship and coaching in collaboration with the Advisory Board.
Develop partnership agreements through revenue sharing, royalties, equity participation, or other mission-aligned investment models, as appropriate.
Build relationships with investors, venture capital firms, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and entrepreneurial partners.
Design and facilitate workshops, executive education, speaker series, and professional development.
Serve on the University's Strategic Growth Committee and contribute to strategic initiatives.