The search for the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation SmartZone (MTECSZ) Chief Executive Officer is underway. We seek an accomplished business leader to join our team in Houghton, Michigan.

 The MTECSZ is a not-for-profit high-technology focused business incubator/accelerator that has guided entrepreneurs to develop successful technology businesses, as well as supporting the creation of technology-based jobs, on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. MTECSZ partners with business and innovation accelerators to create a diverse ecosystem that delivers new value propositions. Established in 2002, MTECSZ has worked closely with Michigan Technological University (MTU), the cities of Houghton and Hancock, and the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA). The ideal candidate understands the importance of multi-faceted collaboration to ensure start-up business success and has experience working with multiple types of organizations. Since the MTECSZ and MTU have a strong relationship built around transferring technology developed at the university, the candidate’s ability to translate basic research into commercialization opportunities is especially important.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage overall operations of the MTECSZ organization including budgeting, board interaction, staffing, and implementation of strategic direction
• Support/update MTECSZ strategic plan by regularly assessing progress toward organization goals and metrics
• Serve as the face of MTECSZ in the media and community
• Support the marketing effort to attract/retain high-tech businesses and foster community entrepreneurial climate
• Network with local, state, regional, and national organizations, and citizens to identify and coordinate economic development opportunities
• Cultivate collaborative partnerships within the state, region, local communities and university
• Report to MTECSZ Board of Directors on a regular basis and additionally as necessary
• Review, approve and execute agreements and contracts

 SKILLS

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to quickly understand the key attributes of technologies, products, markets and teams that lead to successful MTECSZ start-up companies
• Ability to translate basic research into commercialization opportunities
• Ability to create, mentor, coach and manage high performing teams
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence decision-making
• Possess strong financial management acumen and familiarity with early-stage funding opportunities for start-ups
• Possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills

 MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, engineering or related discipline(s) preferred; Master’s degree, a bonus
• 10 years’ experience leading and mentoring business development
• Experience working in a University technology transfer operation or with very early-stage technologies
• Experience working with start-ups and accelerators, a plus
• Experience reporting to and working with a board of directors required
• Ability to relocate and reside in Michigan’s Houghton County required
• Willingness and ability to travel (up to 20%), required

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

Starting annual salary of $120,000-$150,000 based on the knowledge and experience you bring. In addition, the MTECSZ offers a comprehensive package of benefits including health, dental, prescription drug, and vision coverage; paid holidays and paid vacation time; retirement plan, disability insurance, and relocation assistance. 

INTERESTED? Apply online at mtecsz.hirescore.com 

Learn more about the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation SmartZone at mtecsz.com

Endowed Chair/Professorship in Entrepreneurial Leadership

David D. Reh School of Business

Clarkson University’s David D. Reh School of Business invites applications for an endowed Chair/Professorship in Entrepreneurial Leadership beginning July 1, 2021. We seek a thought leader who will (a) anchor our nationally ranked entrepreneurship and innovation (E&I) program, (b) promote high-impact scholarship and educational programs in entrepreneurship and innovation, and (c) cultivate entrepreneurial culture and mindset and advance understanding of entrepreneurship as an engine of economic prosperity and progress. In this role, he or she will work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff and alumni and other stakeholders within a dynamic innovation ecosystem. This person will also collaborate with our partner universities in the region and around the world to develop leaders with a global perspective to benefit business and society. They will demonstrate and experience understanding the needs of a diverse student population through inclusive course materials and teaching strategies, and actively support the drive to become an anti-racist business school and university.

We specifically seek candidates within the management and organizational studies field, with a focus on entrepreneurial leadership; however, candidates from other academic disciplines with a focus on entrepreneurship will be considered. The ideal candidate for the endowed chair would have a demonstrated record of scholarship, teaching and service at the rank of full professor. Candidates with tenurable record of scholarship, teaching and service at the rank of associate professor would be considered for the endowed professorship. We invite applications from candidates with an earned doctorate in a relevant field and demonstrated evidence of intellectual leadership with a publication record in top-tier journals.

Clarkson fosters an active environment for entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, social enterprise, and innovation. Our unique innovation ecosystem draws expertise and resources from various entities, including the Shipley Center for Innovation and our new Innovation Hub (Ignite)– an interdisciplinary, collaborative laboratory and workspace, promoting innovation through information and knowledge exchange among students, faculty and other stakeholders across the university. Ignite is designed to spur ideation, problem solving and venture development.

To receive full consideration, please submit your application package by January 29, 2021. Candidates with a documented record of high-quality, impactful scholarship in entrepreneurship, a strong record of teaching graduate, undergraduate and professional courses in entrepreneurship, and documented record of impactful engagement and outreach activities will be given strong consideration. We invite dual-career applications since we may also have advertised openings in related business fields (such as marketing, and business law and ethics). We also strongly encourage and welcome applications from women and minorities in order to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have an earned PhD degree in Entrepreneurship, or a closely related field.  Salary and resource support are competitive and commensurate with rank and record of accomplishments. This endowed Chair position will be based at our Potsdam, NY campus, located on the Raquette River in the foothills of the Adirondacks, close to nearby Montreal and Ottawa. CU has another campus for graduate studies in Schenectady, NY, home to biotech, semiconductor, healthcare and other technology-based companies.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae (CV) online at www.clarkson.edu/hr and select “Career Opportunities” on the left hand navigation bar.   Following initial review, selected candidates will be asked to submit additional supporting documentation. Questions about the position should be directed to the search committee chairs Michelle Crimi ([email protected]) or Farzad Mahmoodi ([email protected]) or  Marcy Wilcox, Assistant to the Dean, Reh School of Business ([email protected] | 315-268-2300).

ABOUT THE BUSINESS SCHOOL: Clarkson University’s David D. Reh School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Our undergraduate and graduate programs are consistently ranked by US News & World Report and other publications and reports among the top 100. In addition, our Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain programs are consistently ranked in the top 25. This endowed chair position will be based at our Potsdam, NY campus. The standard faculty teaching load within the Reh School of Business is two courses per semester. Salary, teaching load, and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY: Clarkson University is a major research institution having attained a high research activity designation from Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. We provide comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs. The University is located in Potsdam, NY, offering easy access to the Adirondack National Park, and Ottawa and Montreal, Canada. CU has another campus for graduate studies in Schenectady, NY, home to biotech, semiconductor, healthcare, and other technology-based companies. In total, about 4,500 students attend the University. We are members of the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley along with our neighboring schools SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University.

Clarkson University is an equal opportunity employer; we actively seek and encourage applications from minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

36 Degrees North Program Manager

To Apply: https://www.36degreesnorth.co/jobpostings/2020/11/18/36n-program-manager

Position Title 

Entrepreneur Coach for Startup Growth & Fundraising

Description

The mission of the UND Center for Innovation (CFI) is to advance the creation and development of innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, services and businesses. The Center works as a collaborative partner in a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Grand Forks, across North Dakota and as part of the One UND Strategic Plan. The CFI helps innovators, students and entrepreneurs grow new and emerging ventures and helps them bring new products and technologies to market. The vision for the Center for Innovation is to be the principal leader guiding innovation in the Northern Plains. Experienced and dedicated staff are ready to facilitate relationships, provide commercialization support, develop University/industry partnerships and provide high-impact internship opportunities. The Center guides entrepreneurs and innovators using face-to-face and online resources and take advantage of the vast innovation and entrepreneurial expertise available throughout North Dakota. The Center’s staff bring a wide range of entrepreneurial experience, expertise and tools to support faculty, students, and the community.

This position is a critical component of the Center for Innovation’s entrepreneurial coaching program staff with a focus on startup growth and fundraising activity. This position will take leadership for guiding growth ready startups and small business expansion opportunities by ensuring clients have access to appropriate learning, tools, and mentorship. In addition, this position must be able to assist startups with identifying, fostering and maintaining strong funding pathways through the commercialization journey. And finally, this position’s fundraising focus means the person will assist the director with execution of the organization’s fundraising strategy to include grant and foundation proposal research and development as well as donor and stakeholder outreach.

A successful candidate for this position will be responsible for two key tasks. First, supporting startup growth, expansion and acceleration. This position will develop a startup accelerator curriculum using recognized best practice principles, identify mentors, and coordinate a formalized mentorship strategy and program. Initially, the accelerator curriculum will focus on startups in the UAS/AUS and tech-sector with an opportunity to expand to additional industry sectors over time. Second, this position has a strong emphasis on fundraising. The first fundraising component is dedicated to fostering a strong funding pipeline for start-ups, especially those at the growth stage. This work will involve activities such as assessing, fostering and managing a portfolio of startup capitalization opportunities on a local, state and national level. The second fundraising component is to support the Center director with ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Center’s entrepreneurial programs. This position will assist the Center for Innovation Director with activities such as grant research and writing, donor outreach, and fostering relationships with key organizational and community stakeholders.

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities at this time; however, an assistant and/or intern(s) may be assigned at a later date.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the execution of entrepreneurial programming focused on startup growth and acceleration to the market.
  • Develop, facilitate and ensure all logistical needs are arranged for the implementation of a startup accelerator curriculum
  • Revise and maintain a flexible startup accelerator curriculum and demonstrate alignment with current best practice
  • Collaborate with Center staff and our entrepreneurial ecosystem partners in the recruitment of companies to participate in the accelerator program curriculum facilitated by the Center for Innovation
  • Identify mentors for critical and emerging industry sectors in North Dakota and coordinate a formalized mentorship strategy and program for selected accelerator companies
  • Assist in the onboarding of mentors, speakers and companies engaged with the accelerator program
  • Facilitate communication between mentors, partners, accelerator participants, etc.
  • Design and administer surveys as well as other metric capturing tools to capture and analyze accelerator program outcomes.
  • Communicate startup acceleration and growth stage learning and mentorship opportunities for companies.
  • Celebrate success stories for companies engaged in the Center for Innovation acceleration program.
• Identify, foster and assist in fundraising activity for entrepreneurs and the Center for Innovation to ensure the long-term sustainability of entrepreneurial activity programs.
  • Assess, develop and manage a working portfolio of startup capitalization opportunities in North Dakota, regionally and nationally with a focus on critical and emerging ND industry sectors.
  • Identify funding gaps for ND entrepreneurs, and where gaps exist, work to develop and foster new relationships to build high-level opportunities to increase business acceleration for startups.
  • Lead the research of funding proposals such as grants, foundation applications, awards, etc. to state and federal opportunities and collaborate with the Center director, CFI staff, or other entrepreneurial ecosystem partners in submitting proposals to maintain and/or expand entrepreneurial programming at the Center.
  • Assist in the submission of reports, as appropriate, to comply with university, grants, and other funding requirements of any organization and/or stakeholder supporting the Center’s entrepreneurial programs.
  • Build and maintain high-level relationships with key funding agencies, foundations, donors, and stakeholders and the ecosystem at large
  • Assist CFI Director and staff in the development of presentation decks and outreach material highlighting Center for Innovation entrepreneurial programs, success stories, etc.
  • Participate in fundraising activity with the Center director and the UND alumni association.
  • Represent the Center for Innovation by attending events and activities and being active in the entrepreneurial community.

Required Competencies

• Training, teaching and/or workshop development skills
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Self-directedness
• Project management skills
• Excellent writing, interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Quantitative and analytical skills
• Knowledge and/or experience with startup acceleration, business incubation, sales, fundraising, grant writing, or proposal writing
• Demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship, startups, fundraising, sales, or innovation.
• Ability to cultivate, build and maintain strong long-term working relationships with individuals or organizations wtih diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, empathy, flexibility, and independent judgement.
• Ability to quickly learn new or unfamiliar business models, industries, etc.
• Comfort working in ambiguous work environments.
• Motivated work ethic in a culture of independent, professional activity in fast-paced, deadline driven climate.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team based environment.
• There is also an expectation that this person will engage with their colleagues, clients and partners with professionalism at all times, be punctual, use work time appropriately, and have organizational habits to provide necessary notification and documentation of work activity to supervisors, UND departments, and funders.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, entrepreneurship, engineering, economics, aerospace, education, or a related field.
• 5+ years related work experience.
• Experience or familiarity with entrepreneurship, startup businesses, or commercialization of research.
• Experience with entrepreneurial activity either through the launch of their own startup, working at or with a startup, or through business expansion in larger corporations.
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, databases and other basic business software.
• Position requires occasional evening and weekend work or travel.
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in business, engineering, aerospace, law, life sciences, entrepreneurship, economic development, or a related field.
• Experience with entrepreneurial coaching, curriculum development, or program design for entrepreneurs or businesses.
• Experience recruiting, managing and on-boarding mentors or volunteers to support a project, cause or organization.
• Fundraising experience through grant writing, business development, startup capitalization, etc.
• Experience working with local, state, and federal government entities.

Minimum Hiring Salary/Position Classification

$55,000 – $75,000

Work Schedule/Start Date

This is a Full-time, 12 month, benefited position based at the UND Center for Innovation. The anticipated start date for this position is approximately January 25 – February 1, 2021.

Benefits

Includes single or family health care coverage (premiums paid for by the university), basic life insurance, EAP, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual and sick leave. Optional benefits available: supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

To Apply

CLICK HERE to learn more information and to apply for this position.

This posting will be open until filled with first review of candidates starting December 22, 2020.