Entrepreneurship Program Manager

Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B). Job Summary The Entrepreneurship Program Manager will support the Mississippi Polymer Institute’s (MPI’s) initiative to grow its entrepreneurship program, which includes management of the annual pitch event for Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Business Accelerator and regular networking events. The Entrepreneurship Program Manager will report to the director and work closely with the business development manager and staff to build a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within our region. The goal is to grow participation and build the ecosystem year over year by developing strategic client offerings, providing mentorship, and gaining additional external support for the MPI entrepreneur program. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Work with the director and business development manager to create the entrepreneurship strategic plan by taking input from key value chain members and concentrating on key activities, milestones, and metrics. Manage the entrepreneurship budget by monthly tracking expenditures and donations and staying within budget. Plan, execute, and measure participation of business pitch events, entrepreneurship outreach activities, and ecosystem development/support activities. Support start-ups by directly mentoring in a manner consistent with the CoBuilder™ business accelerator training. Improve efficiency of MPI’s existing entrepreneur processes by developing a formalized program for inventors and startups to advance startup’s progress on the growth curve, and by adding year-round touchpoints with existing and potential donors to grow external funding for entrepreneurs. Measure and report monthly on key metrics of success, such as number of startup interactions, number of Pitch applicants and participants, money donated directly to startups, number of mentors and service providers (finance, legal, accounting, marketing, business development) enrolled and associated participation rates, fundraising contributions, number of startups and respective growth status, number of event attendees, etc. Collaborates with other entrepreneurship centers and community organizations to create and implement joint programs that foster startup growth across the region. Develops and implements materials and social media for marketing communications. Performs other duties as requested.