Temporary Manager, External Ecosystem Engagement

Position Overview

KU's entrepreneurship ecosystem extends well beyond campus — into the Kansas City metro, across the state, and through a nationwide network of Jayhawk founders, operators, and investors. The Manager, External Ecosystem Engagement will build, cultivate, and steward ecosystem relationships that bring those external resources into direct contact with KU students and programs.

This is a temporary, .25 FTE, professional staff position for FY27, June 15, 2026 – June 17, 2027. The position will be reviewed annually, and may be renewed through April 2029, depending on funding and Business School needs. The temporary position is not benefits-eligible and may be terminated at any time with or without notice. This position is hybrid and will be required to be on-campus periodically for meetings and other events.

Job Description

100% - Serve as Manager of External Ecosystem Engagement by building and managing relationships with external entrepreneurship partners to connect those resources with KU students and programs. The role strengthens the university’s broader ecosystem by cultivating strategic partnerships, expanding mentor networks, and supporting key initiatives like Techstars and Venture Scholars. Specific duties may include but are not limited to:

• Build and maintain a structured network of external ecosystem partners — including angel investors, venture capital firms, corporate partners, and community entrepreneurship organizations — spanning the Kansas City metro, the state of Kansas, and key national markets with significant Jayhawk presence.
• Cultivate relationships with angel networks (e.g., Oread Angels) and venture capital partners — including KU-aligned funds such as The Hill Fund and regional firms such as Flyover Capital and KC Rise — to create durable pathways for student and program engagement.
• Develop and grow the program's high-impact mentor pool by identifying, recruiting, and onboarding external mentors aligned with student needs across program verticals, with particular attention to practitioners 10–15 years post-graduation who hold active interest in entrepreneurship.
• Serve as a key external-facing partner for the KU–Techstars partnership and the Venture Scholars programs, supporting sponsor cultivation and philanthropy, investor engagement, and ecosystem visibility efforts aligned with each program's strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree and at least ten years progressive professional experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, startups, economic development, higher education, partnership development, or business-related fields
2. Demonstrated experience building and managing external relationships with stakeholders such as investors, founders, corporate partners, or community organizations, as evidenced by application materials.
3. Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic gifts, sponsorship, or external partnership development efforts aligned with organization initiatives, as evidenced by application materials.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences and represent the university externally, as evidenced by application materials.
5. Ability to work independently and strategically in a part-time (.25 FTE) leadership role, managing priorities and advancing long-term relationship development.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in business, entrepreneurship, higher education or related discipline.
2. Strong understanding of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, including early-stage funding, mentorship, and startup support structures.
3. Experience organizing or supporting programs, events, or initiatives that connect participants with external partners or resources.
4. Familiarity with or commitment to supporting student development, experiential learning, and university-based programs.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application requires:

• online application
• current resume
• cover letter
• list of three professional references

Application review begins Friday, June 5, 2026. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to that date.