Associate Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Position Details Location Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States Division Entrepreneurship Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded Yes Pay Grade E12 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Job Summary The Associate Director will provide leadership, management, and oversight of the Southern Miss Center for Entrepreneurship’s student startup program, maker programs, and The Hatchery Inspiration Lab. The Associate Director will report to the Center’s Director and collaborate with the Assistant Director, graduate students, students, faculty, and staff to build a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation at Southern Miss. Primary Duties and Responsibilities + Provides direct support to the Director and fellow Associate/Assistant Directors in program scheduling, development, and budget oversight. This includes the strategic planning and evaluation of Center programs, the development of metrics for measuring success, the coordination of activities with affiliated faculty and graduate students, and the development of materials and media for training, reports, and marketing. May supervise other student staff or special projects as assigned. + Oversees and manages Center for Entrepreneurship’s student startup program. This includes team recruitment, progress tracking, and providing individualized guidance on business model refinement, prototyping, task prioritization, and external investment. Responsible for identifying and connecting relevant resources available within the Center and The University of Southern Mississippi to support startup team needs. + Oversees and manages Center for Entrepreneurship’s Maker programs and The Hatchery Inspiration Lab. This includes planning, implementing, evaluating, and overseeing equipment acquisitions, integrated curriculum development, and the coordination of related efforts among university labs and centers. Responsible for technical training of students, staff, and faculty including the use of various equipment, equipment related software, and safety. + Works closely with federal, state, corporate, and non-profit research sponsors, as well as alumni and community partners, to foster enduring relationships and support the Center’s entrepreneurship initiatives. Includes actively promoting entrepreneurship to foundation development groups, faculty, and current and prospective students. + Advises on streamlining processes, programmatic improvements, proposal preparation, grant management, donor interfacing, and securing funding for Center initiatives. + Collaborate with entrepreneurship centers at state universities to create and implement joint programs that foster startup growth across the region. + Completes other duties as requested. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field such as engineering, business administration, entrepreneurship, or a similar field. In addition, a minimum of 2 years of related experience, such as product development, entrepreneurship program management, or direct entrepreneurial experience. Comfortable interacting with diverse stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, and off-campus partners. Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities + Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. + Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including university faculty and staff, students, and the general public, colleagues, coworkers, constituents, and volunteers. + Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software. + Skill in active learning by understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. + Skill in identifying complex information and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. + Ability to exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions. + Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues. + Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines. + Ability to work with little to no supervision. + A high degree of creativity, initiative, and flexibility; a capacity for growth and leadership; an entrepreneurial mindset, as demonstrated through a willingness to pursue knowledge, skills, and opportunities. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering or STEM or a Master's degree in Business Administration. A working knowledge of lean startup methodologies; and a working knowledge of the typical equipment and software found in a marketplace. About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.