Job Description Summary
The Executive Director of the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship manages all aspects of the Institute, which is part of the Department of Entrepreneurship. The program, currently ranked 7th globally among entrepreneurship programs by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine, has been ranked among the Top 10 public university entrepreneurship programs for 16 consecutive years. The interdisciplinary practice-based program offers a wide variety of competitions, experiential and co-curricular learning opportunities, and internships. The faculty are deeply committed to educating the next generation of entrepreneurs, fostering student success, and maintaining close relationships with alumni.
Job Description
The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of all non-academic activities associated with the Altman Institute, including external stakeholder engagement and communication, events, alumni engagement, and the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs) program. They also support the initiatives of the Institute’s academic centers and focus areas (the startup focus area, innovation and creativity focus area, social entrepreneurship focus area and Center for Social Entrepreneurship, corporate innovation focus area, and the Center for L.I.F.E. - Leading the Integration of Faith and Entrepreneurship). Activities in these focus areas and centers distinguish our program from its competitors and play a vital role in the success of both the program and its graduates. The Executive Director is also tasked with maintaining, building, and strengthening relationships across campus, with alumni, and within the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem in coordination with the academic focus area and center leads.
The Executive Director reports to the Chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship, who is also responsible for academic operations. Positions reporting to the Executive Director include the Associate Director for Community Engagement and External Relations, the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and the RedHawk50 Program Coordinator.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Fundraising & Resource Coordination: Partner with the Farmer School fundraising team and focus area/center leads to engage in fundraising for the institute.
- Program & Initiative Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthen external stakeholder involvement in Institute activities, including:
- Centers: Thomas C. Page Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Center for L.I.F.E.
- Student Programs: RedHawk Ventures, Social Impact Fund, Altman Summer Scholars Internship Program, RedHawk Launch Accelerator.
- Competitions: Business Model Road Test, RedHawk Venture Pitch Competition.
- Events & Student Organizations: World Creativity & Innovation Week/Day, Techstars® Startup Weekend Miami, Social Innovation Weekend, COSE, MUCCI, Sidehustle Club, AWE, and more.
- University Collaboration: Champion innovation and entrepreneurial programs across Miami University in partnership with focus area/center leads, including the Fisher Innovation College@Elm Entrepreneurial Hub.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Build relationships with alumni, community organizations, and external partners. Manage communications with stakeholders, including students and the entrepreneurial community. Lead engagement and communication initiatives of the focus areas/centers.
- Advisory Board Leadership: Organize the Altman Institute’s Advisory Board under the supervision of the Chair.
- Teaching: Teach one class per term and three classes per year.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Required: Bachelor’s degree plus 10 years of experience working in an entrepreneurial environment, with demonstrated experience in new venture businesses and/or social entrepreneurship. Demonstrated experience with private equity and venture capital companies.
- Consideration will be given to those with a Master’s or PhD, and experience as a company founder or CEO.
Additional Position Information (if applicable)
This position requires some travel. Miami University recognizes that technology enables us to find new ways of providing first class service and workplace flexibility. This position is approved for remote work on a hybrid basis (up to 40% of the time or two days a week), as the job permits. Remote work is a working arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason.
Required Application Documents
Submit cover letter and resume with application.
Special Instructions (if applicable)
Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Michael Conger at congermj@miamioh.edu. Screening of applications begins December 2, 2024 and continues until the position is filled.
Additional Information
A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.
This organization participates in E-Verify.
Remote Work
For positions that are approved for remote work: Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.
Reasonable Accommodations
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.
Diversity Statement
Miami University is committed to creating an inclusive and effective teaching, learning, research, and working environment for all. For more information on Miami University’s diversity initiatives, please visit the Office of Transformational and Inclusive Excellence webpage. For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560.
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