Director, Entrepreneurship Programming and Community Engagement
Description:
Salary: $61,337.00 - $69,004.00 Annually
Location : OH 45662, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300299
Division: Academic and Student Affairs
Department: College of Business & Engineering Technologies
Opening Date: 10/20/2025
Closing Date: 11/14/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Description Summary
The Director of Entrepreneurship Programming and Community Engagement leads the strategy, design, and implementation of high-impact entrepreneurial programs and ecosystem engagement initiatives at the Kricker Innovation Hub. This position develops scalable and inclusive initiatives that support founders, students, and regional partners in advancing innovation and economic growth. The role ensures strategic alignment with institutional priorities, cultivates internal and external collaborations, and delivers programs that position Shawnee State University as a catalyst for entrepreneurial transformation.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
FUNCTIONS:
Program Development & Strategic Leadership
Community Engagement & Ecosystem Building
Operational & Fiscal Oversight
Mentorship, Training & Curriculum Innovation
Partnership Development & External Relations
Research, Impact Tracking & Grant Development
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Development & Strategic Leadership
Develop and oversee comprehensive entrepreneurial programming including pitch events, bootcamps, and incubator services.
Align programs with institutional and state-wide innovation and workforce strategies.
Evaluate and refine offerings to ensure accessibility, equity, and measurable outcomes.
Community Engagement & Ecosystem Building
Build and maintain a dynamic innovation ecosystem through events, collaboration, and networking.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement across 15-county service region.
Develop peer networks, mentor programs, and student/alumni founder engagement initiatives.
Operational & Fiscal Oversight
Manage program budgets, contracts, procurement, and compliance.
Supervise student workers, part-time program assistants, and contract support.
Oversee day-to-day logistics of events, program schedules, and facility use.
Mentorship, Training & Curriculum Innovation
Design and facilitate experiential learning, workshops, and digital content.
Collaborate with academic departments to embed entrepreneurial education.
Manage pre-accelerator and mentorship matching systems.
Partnership Development & External Relations
Serve as a liaison to K-12, higher education, nonprofit, and industry partners.
Cultivate sponsorships, co-branded events, and strategic initiatives.
Represent the Hub and SSU at community, state, and national forums.
Research, Impact Tracking & Grant Development
Lead data tracking, impact reports, and KPI analysis for internal and external reporting.
Develop grant proposals in coordination with SSU Grants Office.
Coordinate program evaluations and funding compliance reporting.
Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strategic program design and implementation, cross-sector relationship-building, and coalition development
Budget management and team supervision
Public speaking, workshop facilitation, and training delivery
Grant writing and performance reporting, CRM/database fluency, and data visualization
Business/Entrepreneurial background
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, Higher Education, Entrepreneurship or a related field
4 to 5 years of work experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Certifications or experience in business, entrepreneurial education, grant writing, or economic development preferred
Higher education experience
Advanced degree preferred
Shawnee State University offers a competitive starting salary (commensurate with overall qualifications) including an attractive benefits package. See Overview of Employee Benefits for more information. Some of our benefits include:
Paid Holidays
Paid Winter Break in December
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Tuition Waiver
Life Insurance
Retirement Plans