Associate Director for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Programming

VANDERBILT job sync and candidate sync

Position Summary: 

The Associate Director for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Programming at the Owen Center for Entrepreneurship will play a crucial role in advancing the Vanderbilt University’s pursuit of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. This position will be crucial in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem for Vanderbilt undergraduate students. The Associate Director of Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Programming will be responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing a comprehensive suite of entrepreneurship programs, workshops, competitions, and other experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students at Vanderbilt University. This role will work closely with faculty, student groups, and external partners to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and provide practical skill-building for aspiring student entrepreneurs.

About the Work Unit:

The Owen Graduate School of Management (OGSM) is a professional school at Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, focused on graduate-level business education. Owen's mission is to create opportunities for its faculty, staff, and students to discover, grow, and thrive in business and beyond. Owen recognizes discovery in traditional forms, such as scholarly research, intellectual curiosity, and curricular learning. But it also celebrates discovery unique to the human experience, that is, the art of becoming, which is lived through a desire to connect with others, to find meaning in work and relationships, and to create something new. Owen sees transformation as foundational.

The Owen Entrepreneurship Center serves as a centralized hub for entrepreneurial efforts at the Owen Graduate School of Management and the Vanderbilt University as a whole while working across the university with the Innovation Center (Wondry), Center for Technology Transfer & Commercialization, and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The center brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, faculty, and students to share innovative ideas and build productive relationships through programs such as FireStarter events, entrepreneurial competitions, and informal networking lunches with established entrepreneurs.

Please Note: This position is deemed to be flexible/hybrid, expected to work at OGSM at least 4 days a week.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Workshop Planning and Execution

• Lead the development and execution of workshops, speaker series, and seminars tailored to undergraduate students interested in entrepreneurship.
• Engage industry speakers, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts to deliver compelling content and insights.
• Analyze participation and impact metrics to assess program effectiveness and continuously enhance offerings for student engagement.

Resource Accessibility

• Provide strategic guidance to undergraduate students in navigating resources for startup development and entrepreneurial ventures.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of tools, resources, and information to support student entrepreneurs.

Startup Accelerator Support

• Assist in the logistics and execution of the summer startup accelerator program, facilitating mentorship and programming.
• Gather and assess participant feedback to refine program structure and outcomes.

Community Engagement

• Cultivate a vibrant community among student entrepreneurs through networking events, mentorship initiatives, and collaborative projects.
• Equip students with resources to effectively develop and present their business ideas.
• Serve as a key point of contact between students and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem at Vanderbilt and beyond.
• Work with the Owen Venture & Entrepreneurship Club (OVEC) and other student organizations to identify collaborative opportunities and synergies.

Marketing and Outreach 

• Create and implement marketing strategies to actively engage undergraduate students in entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Build and nurture relationships with campus organizations and external stakeholders to enhance the visibility of entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Partner with Owen and Vanderbilts Marketing and Communications teams to effectively promote the Centers initiatives geared towards undergraduate entrepreneurship.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position currently does not have staff supervisory responsibility but may supervise student employees and interns. This position reports directly to the Director of Owen Center for Entrepreneurship. 

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• Masters degree from an accredited institution of higher education in business, education, or a related field preferred is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of work experience required, preferably in entrepreneurship, education, program management, or related fields.

Experience and Skills:

• Strong relationship building skills, both internally and with clients, to create long-lasting relationships.
• Experience with developing and implementing community or student-based programs and event planning. 
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, collaborative attitude, and eagerness to participate in a dynamic and hands-on approach to student and community development. 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; written, verbal and presentation.
• Proven ability to engage and inspire students, faculty, and industry professionals.
• Knowledge of the startup landscape and resources available for entrepreneurs.
• Experience in marketing, outreach, or community engagement in an academic setting.
• Passion for entrepreneurship and supporting student innovation.
• Familiarity with the Vanderbilt University environment and culture is preferred.