Position Function:
The Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship and Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship (E-center) will be responsible for leading innovative and practical instruction in entrepreneurship within the College of Business. This individual will bring a wealth of real-world experience and expertise to the classroom, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in entrepreneurial endeavors. This individual is responsible for overseeing Mississippi State University's entrepreneurial initiatives and collaborating with its stakeholders on campus and beyond. This position directs and manages an independent budget which it prepares and presents to an Executive Board comprised of VP of Research, VP of Development, Dean of the College of Business and chairs a formally established advisory board of faculty and external senior business leaders. The E-Center's mission is to empower students to plain, launch, and grow successful local and global companies based on new ideas of MSU invented technology.
While position reports to the Dean of the College of Business, a primary emphasis is placed on serving students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders from all parts of campus and the community.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
June 1, 2024
Tenure Track Status:
Non-Tenure Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Work independently and collaboratively to provide daily operational support in the planning, coordination, and execution of entrepreneurship activity on campus by engaging in the following activities:
1. Develop and teach undergraduate and / or graduate courses in entrepreneurship, covering topics such as opportunity recognition, business model development, financial management, marketing strategies, and venture growth.
2. Mentor and advise students interested in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, providing guidance on business idea refinement, market analysis, feasibility studies, and strategic planning.
3. Organize and oversee experiential learning opportunities such as business plan competitions, startup accelerators, and internships, fostering hands on experiences for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
4. Plan and implement strategic vision for campus-wide entrepreneurship efforts at the university. Recruits and engages students across campus. Develops procedures and processes to improve support mechanisms for university spin-out companies.
5. Provides direct support and guidance to rapidly growing number student and faculty start-ups.
6. Directs operations in four operating units: E-center Main Campus in McCool Hall, The Idea Shop in downtown Starkville, Cowork at the Hub in downtown Starkville, and the E-Center operations in Vicksburg, MS.
7. Identifies and Builds collaborations with other university organizations to facilitate entrepreneurship. Develops and improves processes with multiple stakeholders across campus with minimal oversight.
8. Serves as chair of Entrepreneurship Center Advisory Board. Seeks and builds new relationships to strengthen board value to the university and its constituents.
9. Identifies and promotes growth of MSU Angel & Mentor network.
10. Actively promotes entrepreneurship to student classes, faculty development sessions, foundation development groups, and prospective high school students to encourage entrepreneurship.
11. Other duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of Business.
This position may supervise exempt and non-exempt employees.
The above essential duties are representative of major duties in the position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon college needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in business administration, entrepreneurship, management, or closely related field.
Minimum of five years of leadership experience at an entrepreneurship center within a higher education context or leading a startup organization.
Experience developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Terminal degree (Ph.D., DBA, or equivalent) in entrepreneurship, business administration, or management.
2. Experience teaching entrepreneurship or product development courses.
3. Experience running pitch competitions.
4. Experience working with grant applications and reporting.
5. Experience working with investor networks.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work will primarily be within normal office setting. Some lifting may be required with helping and assisting students with startups.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply on line at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume, or curriculum vitae, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
