Associate Director of Entrepreneurial Services - Muskegon Innovation Hub

This position leads client-facing business development for the Muskegon Innovation Hub, from initial outreach through 1-on-1 coaching, driving the Hub's growth and its portfolio of success stories, with particular emphasis on developing high-growth technology companies from concept to commercialization and on serving early- through growth-stage businesses with limited access to capital, networks, or technical assistance. As the Hub's tactical lead for ecosystem relationship-building, this role is accountable for filling the Hub's pipeline of clients by partnering with community-based organizations that refer entrepreneurs to the Hub. The position is also responsible for designing and sustaining the coaching and client-lifecycle systems that allow the Hub's programs to operate efficiently and endure through staff transitions.

Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $75,000, commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties:

• Fill the Hub's client pipeline across coaching, accelerator, and grant programs through direct outreach to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including early- through growth-stage businesses with limited access to capital, networks, or technical assistance.
• Serve as the Hub's tactical lead for ecosystem relationship-building across the six-county region, proactively establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with GVSU faculty and staff, other entrepreneurial support organizations, economic development organizations, and service providers who scout and refer clients;
• Co-plan and coordinate partner-delivered programming with partners, and collect partner activity and outcome metrics for Hub reporting.
• Provide 1-on-1 coaching and mentoring to Hub clients in strategic business management, innovation, and growth planning, conducting needs assessments and co-creating actionable business plans that address each client's specific challenges and goals.
• Plan, develop, and lead the Hub's cohort-based accelerator program ElevateWest, including curriculum, cohort recruitment and onboarding, and program delivery.
• Connect clients to capital and financing across the ecosystem, providing direct coaching support for Business Accelerator Fund applications, including business-plan and executive-summary development in coordination with the Assistant Director.
• Design, document, and continuously improve sustainable coaching and client-lifecycle processes and systems—including client intake, coaching workflow, pipeline tracking, and a repeatable accelerator playbook—so that programs run efficiently across the team and sustainably
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum seven (7) years of business experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage partnerships and stakeholder relationships across organizations.
• Experience providing 1-on-1 coaching or mentoring.
• Ability to articulate an understanding of traditional and emerging industries relevant to Michigan's economic recovery and future success.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Resourceful and proactive in gathering information, sharing ideas, and building and sustaining programs and business processes and systems.
• Strong/advanced computer skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and client relationships simultaneously.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• MBA or equivalent relevant post-graduate degree.
• Experience coaching early-stage or rural businesses with limited access to capital, networks, or technical assistance.
• Working familiarity with the Business Model Canvas.
• International Business Innovation Association’s Entrepreneur Center Manager or equivalent certification.
• Project Management Institute Certified Associate in Project Management or equivalent certification.
• Coaching certification or relevant training in business coaching methodologies.
• Grant or proposal writing experience.
• Five (5) years of entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial management experience.

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some travel required.

How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume. Applications missing required documents will not be considered . The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact search chair Tom Hopper at View email address on us.fitly.work. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at View email address on us.fitly.work .

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Application Deadline: Application closes August 28, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or View phone number on us.fitly.work (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.