Student Entrepreneurship Associate Director

Job Summary

Serves as a key leader in advancing entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives at Kennesaw State University. Will help drive entrepreneurial initiatives at KSU, recruit students into programs, and build strong relationships with campus partners, the Atlanta startup ecosystem, and other institutions. Reporting to the Department Chair and working closely with the Shore Center Director and Academic Director, this role bridges academic and co-curricular entrepreneurship efforts. Will develop and implement programming that promotes a culture of entrepreneurship across campus, manage student startup initiatives, foster strategic partnerships, and support faculty engagement through the KSU Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship Alliance (KSU IDEA). Additionally, this position will coordinate assessment and reporting for entrepreneurship programs, ensure alignment with academic goals and accreditation standards, and will assist with the management of the day-to-day operations at the Shore Center's KSU campus location.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Collaborate with entrepreneurship faculty to integrate experiential learning opportunities into courses and co-curricular programs and assist with curriculum-related initiatives and reporting aligned with AACSB and SACSCOC accreditation standards.
2. Collaborating with faculty, academic units/colleges, campus organizations and external entities, in order to lead and contribute to new and existing student innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives and curricula across Kennesaw State University
3. Overseeing the management, coordination, improvement, growth and assessment of signature programs (Scrappy's Pitch Competition, KSU IDEA network, etc).
4. Coordinating workshops, competitions, events, celebrations, and other activities related to innovation and entrepreneurship
5. Maintaining websites, social media, print materials and other communication/marketing outlets to encourage student and faculty participation in innovation and entrepreneurship
6. Supervise student staff and manage special projects as assigned.
7. Assist with process optimization, program improvements, and proposal preparation for grants and sponsorships.
8. Support donor relations and fundraising efforts to secure funding for Shore Center and Leven School entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives.
9. Promote Shore Center offerings and entrepreneurship curriculum to colleges across KSU, foundation development groups, faculty, and current/prospective students
10. Serve as the primary point of contact for operational needs and inquiries of the Shore Center's location on the Kennesaw Campus and assist with the management of day-to-day operations at the Shore Center's KSU campus location, ensuring smooth functioning of facilities, technology, and resources.
11. Serve on relevant campus and divisional committees and working groups as well as participating in other campus events and activities (orientation (FASET), admission programming, Week of Welcome, etc.
12. Participate fully in all programs, events, and other aspects and duties assigned by the Office of Undergraduate Education, Experiential and Engaged Learning, including training, town halls, marketing, outreach, operations, and campus relations

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid and unrestricted driver's license.

Required Experience
Five (5) years of related experience required

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in business, management, entrepreneurship, or related field

Preferred Experience
Proven experience in program management, business development, entrepreneurship or related roles, preferably within higher education.
Experience in marketing, developing, and implementing large-scale, high-quality events and programs.
Grant writing, fundraising and student engagement experience.
Demonstrated experience with and understanding of entrepreneurship principles, concepts, and practices, including the roles of entrepreneurs and investors and core processes such as customer discovery, problem-solution fit, minimum viable product development, and early stage venture validation, particularly in educational or ecosystem based settings.
Direct entrepreneurial experience as a founder or key team member in a startup or venture focused organization, demonstrating practical, hands on knowledge of the entrepreneurial process from ideation through early execution, growth, or scaling.
Demonstrated success in building, managing, and sustaining collaborative relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, academic units, campus partners, alumni, entrepreneurs, investors, and community or industry partners.

Proposed Salary

The budgeted salary range is $65,400 to $85,000. Offers are based on relevant experience. Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Able to analyze data and generate actionable insights
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of entrepreneurial methodologies (e.g., lean startup, design thinking).
Knowledge of project management skills and techniques
Knowledge of event planning and execution

SKILLS
Proficiency in marketing and social media
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, planning, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, Banner)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Location
(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time