Executive Director of Entrepreneurship

Company: Lamar University - Beaumont
Location: Beaumont
Posted on: May 20, 2025

Job Description:

Please see Special Instructions for more details.Finalists for this position are subject to a criminal history background check, employment history check, and off-list reference checks. Applicants are required to sign an authorization for the release of prior employment records to Lamar University. We will only contact prior employers and off-list references for finalists.Position InformationPosting Number: 20113088Position Title: Executive Director of EntrepreneurshipFTE: 1.00Position Type: StaffDepartment: Office of the PresidentPosition Summary:About This Role:The Executive Director oversees and is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic vision for the Entrepreneurship Institute at Lamar University (EILU) to strengthen connections between LU and the Beaumont/Southeast Texas business community. This role focuses on fostering small business development, supporting business expansion and retooling, facilitating networking, driving product development, and promoting innovation and research activities. This is an in-person position based on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont, Texas, and requires regular on-site presence.The Executive Director will coordinate partnerships with small and medium-sized businesses in Beaumont and Southeast Texas to help transition technologies, ideas, or products into successful startups and accelerate early-stage growth. They will also collaborate with other leaders and play a key role in marketing LU's University Signature Centers (Resiliency, Midstream, Port Management) to government and industry leaders at all levels.This position requires a dedicated individual committed to on-campus engagement to foster an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, deeply integrated within the Schools of Business and Engineering and the broader regional business community. The Executive Director will actively nurture connections with students and faculty, ensuring the Institute's work is embedded within the business ecosystem. They will also represent EILU in professional associations and partner organizations to enhance Lamar University's reputation.Furthermore, they will collaborate with LU's Signature Centers and Colleges to create opportunities for entrepreneurial engagement with students, faculty, and the local business community. Candidates must be available to work in person on campus, as this role requires active engagement with university stakeholders and regional business partners.What You'll Do - Position Responsibilities:

• Business Consulting and Support Services:
  • Lead evaluation of companies seeking business support from LU.
  • Collaborate with the Small Business Development Center, Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, and local businesses.
  • Assist startups supported by LU with team formation, customer development, channel strategy, fundraising, and partnerships.
  • Provide incubation support and advisory services for faculty, students, and entrepreneurs.
  • Technology and Startup Development:
    • Identify and monitor prospective technologies and startups in Beaumont.
    • Mentor and develop ventures through university technology commercialization and growth strategies.
    • Research startup concerns and provide mentorship in marketing, business development, licensing, and manufacturing.
    • Develop a network of qualified managers for startup leadership roles.
    • Entrepreneurial Education and Outreach:
      • Present to LU faculty, students, and companies on entrepreneurship programs.
      • Promote student innovation and startup support within the Beaumont business community.
      • Increase awareness of the Institute's value among stakeholders and the public.
      • Represent EILU at major events and collaborate with other entrepreneurship programs.
      • Investment and Funding Strategy:
        • Build relationships with investors to encourage regional investment.
        • Evaluate funding proposals and present projects to the Advisory Board.
        • Seek external funding through grants and gifts.
        • Monitor and ensure proper use of funds.
        • Leadership and Strategic Planning:
          • Manage EILU staff and align with Institute goals.
          • Work with LU leadership to develop innovation as a core value.
          • Partner with LU's Signature Centers and Colleges.
          • Prepare annual budgets, strategies, and performance metrics.
          • Administrative Oversight and Reporting:
            • Prepare activity reports.
            • Ensure compliance with laws and policies.
            • Maintain operational efficiency.
            • Knowledge:
              • Leadership in community outreach and entrepreneurship initiatives.
              • Understanding of innovation activities, workshops, and accelerators.
              • Knowledge of RFP and grant management.
              • Skills:
                • Effective interaction with diverse groups.
                • Designing educational engagements for entrepreneurial development.
                • Project and budget management skills.
                • Abilities:
                  • Engage with entrepreneurs and alumni supporters.
                  • Develop partnerships and ensure resource availability.
                  • Represent EILU at events.
                  • Adhere to policies and ensure compliance.
                  • Collaborate effectively with partners.
                  • Handle confidential and complex issues.
                  • Analyze financial data and prepare reports.Physical Requirements:
                    • Constantly see, hear, sit, type, operate a PC, write, file, and twist body.
                    • Work in a typical interior environment.
                    • Occasional lifting (10-15 pounds), pushing, climbing, and pulling.Job Conditions: Office environment on campus in Beaumont, Texas. Moderate noise exposure.Who We Are:Lamar University, with over 17,000 students, is a rapidly growing Texas institution and part of the Texas State University System. It offers more than 120-degree programs, emphasizing leadership, research, and community involvement.Benefits include life insurance, retirement plans, tuition coverage, paid time off, and more. Candidates should have a Master's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree with significant entrepreneurial experience. Supervisory experience is required.EEO Statement: Lamar University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Veteran's Preference: Preference is given to veteran applicants per Texas law. Applicants must submit required documents via email as instructed.Preferred Qualifications:Security-sensitive position subject to criminal background checks.Salary: CommensurateWork Hours: Standard office hours, with flexibility as needed.Application Information:Posting Date: 04/01/2025Close Date: Open Until FilledSpecial Instructions:Finalists are subject to background and reference checks. Applicants must sign a release form for employment records. Only finalists will be contacted for references.
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Keywords: Lamar University - Beaumont, Houston , Executive Director of Entrepreneurship, Executive , Beaumont, Texas