Are you interested in leading a nationally recognized, community engaged initiative housed within UD's nationally ranked entrepreneurship program? Would you like to be part of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that is home to the largest university-anchored innovation space in the nation? Would you be excited about the opportunity to train the next generation of entrepreneurs? If so, then the Greater West Dayton Incubator Director's role may be right for you.
The GWDI Director is responsible for leading the University of Dayton’s strategy for a neighborhood incubation site in West Dayton. The director will engage with UD students and faculty to help support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Greater West Dayton. This includes connecting businesses and entrepreneurs to resources at UD and in the broader community, as well as promoting the GWDI initiative to UD students and faculty to build engagement. The position reports to the AVP Entrepreneurial Initiatives/Executive Director of UD’s Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Housed in the University of Dayton's nationally ranked L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurship, the Greater West Dayton Incubator Director works with the Executive Director/AVP of Entrepreneurial Initiatives to lead, and grow the University of Dayton's neighborhood incubator. The GWDI Director will work with UD students and faculty to support underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs through consulting, training, coaching and capital raise.
Located in West Dayton with a satellite office at The Hub powered by PNC in the historic Dayton Arcade, the GWDI Director will be part of Dayton, Ohio's growing and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Dayton metro area has a population of about 850,000 and is a diverse community with a vibrant downtown, a set of historic neighborhoods, and a highly favorable cost of living. Dayton is noted for its long history of innovation and invention, and this new initiative will add to that history with a groundbreaking program at a leading Catholic university focused on working for the common good.
At the University of Dayton, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals with experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. We encourage all candidates to apply because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
Minimum Qualifications:o Masters degree in business or a related field
o 3 years of professional experience in business or a community non-profit
o Operates with an entrepreneurial mindset and comfortable with ambiguity
o Experience in organizational leadership
o Excellent relationship building and cultivation skills
o Successful fundraising experience
o Experience coaching and supporting small businesses
o Service mentality demonstrated through professional experience
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills
o Strong evidence of cultural intelligence and a demonstrated ability to effectively establish cross-
cultural relationships across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to race,
gender, gender identity, cognitive and physical disabilities, class, religious perspectives, and
Sexual orientation.
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
o 3 or more years leadership or supervision experience in nonprofit or entrepreneurial business
o Experience working with disadvantaged businesses or startups or other groups
o Familiarity with the Greater West Dayton community needs
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position.
Closing Statement:Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.