Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre at James Hope University Business School

About the Position

• The Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at a James Hope Business School plays a key role in fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing strategies to promote innovation and entrepreneurship within the JHBS community. This could involve creating programs, initiatives, and partnerships to support entrepreneurial endeavours.
• Incubator and Accelerator Management: Overseeing university-based incubators or accelerators that provide resources, mentorship, and support to students, faculty, and alumni who are launching start-ups or pursuing innovative projects.
• Resource Allocation: Allocating funds and resources to support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, including grants, scholarships, and funding for research and development.
• Partnership Development: Cultivating partnerships with industry, government agencies, investors, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, funding opportunities, and real-world application of innovative ideas and technologies.
• Education and Training: Developing and delivering educational programs, workshops, and training sessions to equip students, faculty, and staff with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Networking and Community Building: Creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and other members of the university community.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the commercialization of research and intellectual property developed within the university by connecting researchers with potential industry partners, licensing technologies, and supporting start-ups based on university research.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to individuals and teams engaged in entrepreneurial activities, including business planning, market research, and fundraising.
• Facilitate the commercialization of JHBS research and intellectual property by connecting researchers with industry partners, licensing technologies, and supporting start-up ventures.
• Develop and implement metrics and evaluation methods to assess the impact and effectiveness of innovation and entrepreneurship programs and initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between academic departments, administrative units, and external partners to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the university.
• Stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.
• Conduct original research in the field of innovation, entrepreneurship, and related areas, with a focus on generating new knowledge and insights that contribute to academic scholarship and practice.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, books, conference proceedings, and other scholarly outlets to disseminate knowledge and advance the field.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. Degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, or a related field; Advanced Degree preferred.
• Extensive experience (typically 5-10 years) in entrepreneurship, innovation management, technology commercialization, or a related field, preferably in a university setting.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate individuals and teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successful program development, partnership building, and resource allocation.
• Knowledge of intellectual property, technology transfer, and start-up ecosystem dynamics.
• Familiarity with funding sources, grants, and investment opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in entrepreneurship and innovation efforts.

Remuneration
We offer a competitive and negotiable salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.