Director of Women's Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Notre Dame, United States - Saint Mary's College

Description

Job Description

Job Introduction

The Director of Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative will oversee the Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) at Saint Mary's College. WEI is a non-profit, community-operated, and funded initiative that empowers women entrepreneurs and business women through personal and professional development, the SPARK program (an 8-week entrepreneurship program), the Engaging Women conference, workshops, and seminars. The Director will lead WEI in expanding programs and developing new initiatives to maximize the College's entrepreneurial footprint. The Director will work collaboratively with campus and community partners within the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Job Description

The Director of Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative will manage business-oriented workshops, seminars, and training courses each year conducted collaboratively with several community partners (1st Source Bank, ISBDC, SCORE, etc.), and implement the SPARK 8-week entrepreneurship training program, including but not limited to program marketing, participant recruitment, and teaching course content as needed, as well as management of contracted instructors and facilitators. This position will develop annual operating plans and budgets, prepare monthly financial and activity reports for review, reconciliation, and recommended actions by SMC business office, Advisory Boards, and other stakeholders

This position will develop partnerships with regional, state, and local entities (ISBDC, SCORE, City of South Bend, SBERP, ND IDEA Center, etc.) to provide targeted financial and business support services for women entrepreneurs and small businesses, and Oversee WEI's grant management and fundraising program, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and near-term growth. The Director will establish and maintain a network of high-quality service providers who can deliver training, mentoring, advisor services, and/or resources to programs and students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree or the equivalent in business, marketing, community economic development, or related field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in entrepreneurial venture, corporate entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial design, business development, business planning, venture development, venture investment, entrepreneurship education, or family business.
• Passion for and professional experience in micro-enterprise, community economic development, or a related field
• An understanding of business operations (accounting, finance, marketing, business use of the internet, management, etc.) in a small business context
• Knowledge of business start-ups, business incubation/acceleration, translating research into commercial applications, etc.
• Proven ability to multi-task and manage a complex undertaking, balancing both strategic and operational responsibilities
• Ability to establish collaborative and cooperative relationships with diverse constituencies, including partners and volunteers within the local community
• Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing effectively
• Proven track record of successful fundraising from individuals, businesses, foundations, special fundraising events, government grant programs, endowment initiatives, and planned giving
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including some evenings and weekends
• Ability to understand and use multiple technology tools including: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, databases/spreadsheets, video conferencing programs, learning management systems, and email management systems
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet evolving priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience directing an entrepreneurship or business development program
• Marketing and media experience with the ability to build visibility and presence nationally and in the region
• A successful track record directing a microenterprise program and/or experience running a small business
• Proven ability to foster strong ties with the local community and to recruit a diverse base of volunteers, mentors, clients, and students
• Prior administrative experience in a College environment or related organization setting
• Comfort in a fast-paced, dynamic, high-energy intercultural work environment
• Experience in fundraising and outreach
• Experience with women's leadership, community-based, and intercultural learning
• Demonstrated leadership in program management in the nonprofit area
• Experience in event coordination

Schedule

40 Hours/ 12 Months, Monday - Friday

EEO Statement

Saint Mary's College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, in keeping with the College's mission, Saint Mary's is committed to increasing racial and ethnic diversity at all levels - students, faculty, and staff - and seeks applications from candidates who share this commitment.