Director, Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Director

Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (ZCEI)

Division of Strategic Growth

Thomas More University

Position Summary

Thomas More University invites applications for the position of Director of the Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (ZCEI). This is a full-time faculty appointment within the Robert W. Plaster College of Business that combines excellence in teaching with leadership of the University's entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives.

The ZCEI Director serves as the chief academic and strategic leader of the ZCEI, advancing the University's mission by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, cultivating partnerships throughout the regional business community, and expanding the University's reputation as the innovation destination for the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.

The successful candidate will teach a standard four-course teaching load each semester and receive a two-course release per semester in recognition of the administrative responsibilities associated with directing the Center.

Primary Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in entrepreneurship, innovation, and related business disciplines.
• Develop and enhance an innovative entrepreneurship curriculum.
• Mentor students pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
• Collaborate with faculty across disciplines.

Center Leadership and Strategic Growth

• Provide strategic leadership for the ZCEI.
• Serve as the University's primary spokesperson for entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Position the University as a regional leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Advancement and Philanthropy

• Partner with the Thomas More University Foundation and Institutional Advancement to cultivate donors and secure financial support.
• Engage in the procurement of grants to support the ZCEI, the College of Business, or related University areas when appropriate.
• Recruit, support, and engage with an external advisory board of key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region and/or proven entrepreneurs who might serve as potential investors in start ups who are engaged in formal relationships with the ZCEI.

Entrepreneurial Venture Development

• Recruit and support promising startup companies.
• Provide mentorship and coaching in collaboration with the Advisory Board.
• Develop partnership agreements through revenue sharing, royalties, equity participation, or other mission-aligned investment models, as appropriate.

Regional Partnership Development

• Build relationships with investors, venture capital firms, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and entrepreneurial partners.

• Design and facilitate workshops, executive education, speaker series, and professional development

University Leadership

• Serve on the University's Strategic Growth Committee and contribute to strategic initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• A master's degree in Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Management, Innovation, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated success teaching entrepreneurship or related business disciplines.
• Experience leading entrepreneurship, innovation, incubation, or ecosystem initiatives.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• A doctorate degree in a related field.
• Experience directing a university entrepreneurship center.
• Experience mentoring startups.
• Experience with fundraising, grants, or corporate partnerships.

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will be a visionary and collaborative leader who serves as a public ambassador for the Center and consistently demonstrates the Thomas More University core values of Hospitality, Humility, Service, and Stewardship.

About the Center

Mission

The Dr. Anthony '65 and Geraldine '66 Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will equip students from diverse disciplines with essential, real-world skills that empower them to succeed in any field they pursue. We help students identify opportunities for innovation, starting a business, and learn how to approach the world with a creative, resourceful, and entrepreneurial mindset.

Vision

To be the leading destination for innovation in the region and a hub for our students and community to develop and foster entrepreneurial thinking to start and grow businesses and as a way of life

Compensation details: 0 Yearly Salary

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