Senior Director, Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Santa Clara University • Santa Clara, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Join Santa Clara University and help the next generation of entrepreneurs acquire the life skills of an entrepreneur and start their own ventures! Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a resource hub and academic development program that promotes and encourages the Entrepreneurial Mindset across campus through academics, competitions, and on-campus programs and events. The Senior Director will play a critical leadership role in advancing the mission of Ciocca Center by managing a growing portfolio of innovation and entrepreneurship programs, supervising other program directors, and supporting institutional partnerships that bring these offerings to scale. This is a hands-on role that blends strategic leadership with program execution and team management. The role reports to the Executive Director and collaborates across SCU’s schools and administrative units.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or MBA strongly preferred
• 8–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, nonprofit, or corporate settings
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership, program development, and cross-sector collaboration
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and foster inclusive environments.

Nice To Haves

• Deep understanding of program management, experiential education, and innovation in higher education.
• Familiarity with strategic planning, university administration, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• Working knowledge of budgeting, assessment, and academic integration in university settings.
• Leadership and team development
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Event planning and project execution
• Marketing and communications, including social media strategy
• Fundraising and external relations
• Operational management
• Budget planning, financial analysis, and resource allocation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines and departments
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with efficiency and composure
• Proactive problem-solving and adaptability in a dynamic environment

Responsibilities

• Provide Strategic and Hands-On Leadership for Programs and Initiatives
• Supervise and Develop High-Performing Teams
• Foster Campus and Community Engagement
• Integrate Programs into University Operations and Infrastructure
• Advance Strategic Planning and External Relations
• Oversee the design, delivery, and assessment of Ciocca Center programs that promote the Entrepreneurial Mindset across disciplines.
• Lead the scale-up of successful pilot initiatives into sustainable, university-wide offerings.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop co-curricular and curricular experiences aligned with SCU’s mission.
• Monitor trends in innovation and entrepreneurship to evolve programs accordingly.
• Maintain a visible presence at events and actively engage in the execution of key programs.
• Provide guidance and directly supervise program directors and professional staff, including hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and coaching.
• Foster a team culture grounded in collaboration, creativity, accountability, and mission alignment.
• Manage student intern hiring, training, and development, ensuring meaningful learning opportunities.
• Create structures for cross-team collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Model inclusive leadership and provide opportunities for professional growth.
• Build relationships with student organizations, academic departments, and other centers to broaden awareness and participation.
• Lead outreach efforts to engage students from underrepresented backgrounds and across all disciplines.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies that speak to a wide range of audiences (students, parents, alumni, faculty, donors).
• Represent the Center in public forums, at campus events, and with industry stakeholders.
• Cultivate alumni and community networks that enhance mentorship and programming.
• Collaborate with academic units, deans’ offices, student life, and other university partners to align programs with SCU systems and calendars.
• Participate in administrative planning processes to ensure Center offerings complement and reinforce broader institutional goals.
• Develop and manage the Ciocca Center’s annual operating budget in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Establish program policies, workflows, and documentation that support long-term continuity and integration.
• Coordinate with finance, operations, and HR to ensure smooth execution and compliance.
• Contribute to data collection and reporting for internal assessment and accreditation needs.
• Partner with the Executive Director in developing and refining strategic plans for Ciocca Center.
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship, including drafting materials and participating in development meetings.
• Maintain relationships with industry partners and sponsors to enhance experiential learning opportunities.
• Oversee storytelling and reporting for internal and external audiences, highlighting student impact and program growth.
• Identify grant and funding opportunities aligned with Center goals and assist in proposal development.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees with programs and resources designed to promote and sustain personal health care, well-being, and the financial objectives of our employees and families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees