Position Function:
The Sr. Program Manager is a new position on our team to add capacity to support entrepreneurial commercialization of research-derived IP. This position will also oversee the launch of our new Vicksburg satellite location in coordination with ERDC and ERDCWERX under the support and oversight of the MSU main campus. Reporting to the E-Center director, this position has a dual responsibility of managing various training and entrepreneurial development programs, as well as serving as a practitioner coaching hands-on with clients. Someone who possesses first-hand experience as an entrepreneur in a technology startup company, as well as familiarity with common best educational practices, will particularly excel. Finally, he or she must be deeply motivated by the mission of service and inspired by the thought of transforming Mississippi through tech entrepreneurship.
Salary Grade: 16
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Oversees the launch and execution of the MSU's new satellite entrepreneurship office in Vicksburg, MS, including making key decisions on program implementation.
2) Assists and provides consultation to the Office of Technology Management, home departments, and faculty on the market potential of intellectual property.
3) Plans, implement, evaluate, and oversees the researched-derived startup programs, including recruitment of teams, tracking of team progress, and assistance to exit.
4) Identifies and manages key relationships with statewide partners relating to research-derived entrepreneurship
5) Manages mentors and connects with other external constituents to assist with startup programs
6) Meets one-on-one with entrepreneurial teams to refine business models and assist them with prioritizing tasks. Provides strategy suggestions to teams.
7) Manages special projects supporting economic development at MSU and its coordination with other statewide partners
8) Identify resources available within MSU and the broader Mississippi ecosystem helpful to startups
9) Seeks, identifies, and promotes collaborative research opportunities that could lead to IP or technology startups
10) Actively promotes entrepreneurship to a broad range of audiences
11) Completes other related duties as requested.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree with a focus in Science, engineering, or advanced technology discipline.
Experience: 1-3 years experience working in or around a technology startup OR; 3-5 years experience working in a reputable entrepreneurship support organization
Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct experience as the founder of a venture or angel funded company
- 3-5 years experience in a business client advisory or consulting capacity
- Experience and familiarity with lean startups
- Experience working in a professional office environment
- Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and customer relationship management software
- Exemplary soft skills
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1) The applicant in this position is expected to shape and manage sustainable processes that result in individuals forming technology-based companies based on intellectual property developed within Mississippi.
2) Day-to-day activity will often be somewhat undefined, and a successful candidate must thrive as a self-starter.
3) This person must be able to create, cultivate, and energize an ecosystem consisting of entrepreneurs and people to support those entrepreneurs.
4) Ultimately, all of these efforts must result in trained individuals and a subset of those who continue on to find capital sufficient to launch startup companies.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply online 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.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
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 (ADAAA), 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.
