"Director, CBE Sparkhouse Student Fund"

Director, CBE Sparkhouse Student Fund

Company: Spelman College

Job Location:

Category: Economic and Business Development

Type: Full-Time

Position Title

Director, CBE Sparkhouse Student Fund

Position Summary

The Director of the CBE Sparkhouse Student Fund at Spelman College will lead the operations and growth of an innovative program designed to empower students with hands-on experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. The CBE Sparkhouse Student Fund is housed within the Center for Black Entrepreneurship (CBE), a pioneering initiative committed to fostering the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and investors. Through this fund, students engage in sourcing, evaluating, and investing in early-stage startups led by diverse founders. The Director will mentor students, build strategic partnerships, and ensure the fund aligns with the CBE's mission to elevate underrepresented voices in venture capital and entrepreneurship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Leadership:
  • Oversee the daily operations of the CBE Sparkhouse Student Fund, including deal sourcing, due diligence, investment decisions, and compliance, with support from CBE legal and finance professionals
  • Develop and implement best practices for fund governance and performance monitoring.
• Student Development:
  • Teach up to two courses per year in which to:
    • Train and mentor students in venture capital fundamentals, including market analysis and portfolio support.
    • Prepare students for careers in entrepreneurship and early stage investment.
• Community Engagement:
  • Build relationships with startups, accelerators, and venture capital firms, with a focus on supporting underrepresented founders.
  • Represent the CBE Sparkhouse Student Fund at networking events, conferences, and pitch competitions to promote its mission and impact.
• Partnership Building:
  • Collaborate with Spelman College alumni, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to enhance the fund's visibility and resources.
  • Establish connections with investors and organizations dedicated to advancing the future of entrepreneurship.
• Integration with the CBE:
  • Work closely with CBE faculty and leadership to align the fund's activities with Spelman's academic curriculum and the Center's broader goals.
  • Advise on CBE initiatives such as courses, speaker series, and pitch competitions to catalyze holistic entrepreneurial education.
• Governance and Reporting:
  • Recruit and confirm the initial members of the fund's volunteer inaugural advisory board.
  • Organize and manage meetings with the fund's advisory board, ensuring transparency and alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Prepare regular reports showcasing the fund's financial performance and educational impact.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Finance, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience across venture capital and entrepreneurship.
• Proven ability to mentor or teach students or early-career professionals.
• Strong network within the entrepreneurial and investment communities.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• A commitment to Spelman College's mission of empowering women of African descent and positive social change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing or participating in early-stage investments or student-run investment funds.
• Familiarity with startup ecosystems, financial modeling, and term sheet negotiations.
• Knowledge of trends and challenges in venture capital, particularly those impacting underrepresented founders.
• Prior work at a college/university.

Certifications, Licenses, Restrictions

None

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: sit, talk, walk, hear, use hands to handle office supplies, operate computer and other office equipment. The employee is frequently required to: reach with hands and arms, and stand. The employee is occasionally required to: climb, and lift and/or move up to 15 pounds without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Work Location/Schedule

This position requires onsite work and is not eligible for remote work.

Posting Number: SC0838P

Open Until Filled: No

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