Executive Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Job Title

Executive Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Dean Of Business Administration

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Who we want 

Mays Business School is seeking a leader to shape and direct the school's vision to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset across the campus, accelerate startup activity, and build a vibrant innovation ecosystem. The Executive Director is instrumental in developing physical and intellectual spaces where students, faculty, alumni, and external partners engage in high-impact entrepreneurial experiences. Bringing deep experience from the entrepreneurial world and a track record of building successful programs, networks, and cultures of innovation, you will be an inspiring leader, capable of building partnerships, mentoring student ventures, and translating entrepreneurial theory into practice at scale. As the Executive Director, you will also play a key role in designing a dedicated entrepreneurship space in a new Mays Business School building, shaping it into a hub for innovation, collaboration, and venture creation.

What you need to know 

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire’s experience. 

Cover Letter/Resume’: A cover letter and resume’ will assist us in our review of your application materials.  These can be uploaded on the application under CV/Resume. 

Qualifications

Required Education

• A bachelor’s degree required

• 10 years of related experience in management

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.

• Experience in higher education or working closely with academic institutions.

• Track record of fundraising or building advisory boards.

• Familiarity with design thinking, lean startup methodology, or similar entrepreneurial frameworks.

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven experience leading entrepreneurship programs or successful startups.

• Deep understanding of startup formation, venture capital, and innovation ecosystems.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build and lead cross-functional partnerships.

• Demonstrated success in mentoring and developing entrepreneurs.

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership style.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Design and Launch High-Impact Entrepreneurship Programs and Curriculum

• Develop and oversee a portfolio of new co-curricular and curricular entrepreneurship programs, including venture accelerators, startup boot-camps, pitch competitions, and founder workshops.

• Create and scale credit-bearing courses and certificate pathways in entrepreneurship in collaboration with Mays faculty and university partners.

• Lead the development of flagship annual events to establish the Center’s brand and visibility.

• Partner with faculty to integrate entrepreneurship modules and experiential components into existing Mays courses and new program offerings.

• Build partnerships with industry to bring real startup challenges into the classroom and provide live case and capstone project opportunities.

• Instill and promote a mindset and culture of entrepreneurship across Mays and the broader Texas A&M campus.

Develop and Lead a Thriving Startup Ecosystem

• Activate and manage dedicated entrepreneurship spaces, transforming them into vibrant places for