Executive Director (CIE)

The Executive Director (ED) of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) is responsible for strategic planning, program administration, staff supervision, outreach, fundraising, budget management, and compliance with applicable rules and regulations. This position requires 8-10 years of experience in entrepreneurial ventures and/or experience running entrepreneurial support organizations (e.g. VC, accelerator, incubator) as well as experience in higher education environments (such as mentoring in a CIE environment etc) and managing teams.

The CIE serves as a dynamic hub, transforming motivated students, faculty, and staff into resourceful, entrepreneurial, and innovative leaders through unique classroom, extracurricular, and hands-on experiences. Dedicated to serving the entire university and community, the ED will expand CIE’s impact by fostering meaningful connections across Cal Poly’s colleges and divisions, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrating CIE programming into a broader range of academic areas.

Responsibilities

• Drive the CIE’s mission by developing and executing a strategic business plan that positions the CIE as a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages faculty engagement and interdisciplinary integration, ensuring CIE programming is aligned with, complements and enhances Cal Poly’s academic programs.
• Collaborate with the CIE Advisory Board, Deans, university leadership and stakeholders, and community partners to establish and continually refine the CIE’s strategic direction.
• Build and sustain connections with faculty across all colleges and divisions, with the goal of bringing entrepreneurship into the curriculum.
• Spearhead fundraising efforts to ensure sustainable financial support for CIE programs, traveling as needed to build relationships with donors and potential funders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree a plus
• 8-10 years’ experience in entrepreneurial ventures and/or experience running entrepreneurial support organizations (e.g. VC, accelerator, incubator).
• Meaningful involvement with relevant professional, government or industry associations and agencies
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with experience fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding from private and public sources.

Benefits / Other:

Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.

Employees are eligible to participate in the CP Partners Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CPC covers a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.

All employees are members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.

EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer

To see the full job description, click on the link https://calpolypartnersjobs.org/postings/2153 OR click on APPLY.