Job Description

The vision of the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs is to provide a comprehensive program in entrepreneurial venture development. The Center serves as an interdisciplinary resource to support students, faculty, and VT alumni and is expected to contribute to the University’s tripartite mission of research, teaching, and service. The Executive Director will be responsible for leading the Center as it enters a new phase of growth and expansion, contributing more broadly and boldly to this critical Pamplin and university initiative. The Executive Director will be responsible for engaging internal and external stakeholders to help build Center capability and support ongoing programming growth and value creation. The Executive Director will be responsible for developing both intermediate and long-term strategic plans consistent with the vision of the Center and will also be responsible for implementing this plan. In addition to providing leadership in the Center’s planning efforts, the Executive Director will also be responsible for the daily operations of the Center, and will be responsible for program management, staffing and fund raising. This position will interface with other stakeholders within and outside the university, including Departments and Centers housed within the College and the University, as well as government, peer institutions the business community, economic development entities, faculty, staff, and students. The Executive Director will report directly to the Associate Dean for Centers at the Pamplin College of Business.

Required Qualifications

•A Master's degree or terminal degree in business, entrepreneurship, or a related area.
•Excellent networking, interpersonal, and communication skills.
•Ability to work with diverse groups.
•Ability to teach and mentor undergraduate students on topics related to entrepreneurship.
•Demonstrated evidence of leadership ability.
•Experience working for or with startup firms.

Preferred Qualifications

•Prior experience with technology-oriented business, particularly startup or early growth stage businesses.
•Prior experience with seeking and managing industry startup fundraising and/or sponsored research funding.
•Prior experience in academic business program or center management.