Associate Director of Entrepreneurial Services - Muskegon Innovation Hub

This position leads client-facing business development for the Muskegon Innovation Hub, from initial outreach through 1-on-1 coaching, driving the Hub's growth and its portfolio of success stories. The role focuses on developing high-growth technology companies from concept to commercialization and serving early- through growth-stage businesses with limited access to capital, networks, or technical assistance.

About the Role

As the Hub's tactical lead for ecosystem relationship-building, this role is accountable for filling the Hub's pipeline of clients by partnering with community-based organizations that refer entrepreneurs to the Hub. The position is also responsible for designing and sustaining the coaching and client-lifecycle systems that allow the Hub's programs to operate efficiently and endure through staff transitions.

Responsibilities

• Fill the Hub's client pipeline across coaching, accelerator, and grant programs through direct outreach to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including early- through growth-stage businesses with limited access to capital, networks, or technical assistance.
• Serve as the Hub's tactical lead for ecosystem relationship-building across the six-county region, proactively establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with GVSU faculty and staff, other entrepreneurial support organizations, economic development organizations, and service providers who scout and refer clients.
• Co-plan and coordinate partner-delivered programming with partners, and collect partner activity and outcome metrics for Hub reporting.
• Provide 1-on-1 coaching and mentoring to Hub clients in strategic business management, innovation, and growth planning, conducting needs assessments and co-creating actionable business plans that address each client's specific challenges and goals.
• Plan, develop, and lead the Hub's cohort-based accelerator program ElevateWest, including curriculum, cohort recruitment and onboarding, and program delivery.
• Connect clients to capital and financing across the ecosystem, providing direct coaching support for Business Accelerator Fund applications, including business-plan and executive-summary development in coordination with the Assistant Director.
• Design, document, and continuously improve sustainable coaching and client-lifecycle processes and systems—including client intake, coaching workflow, pipeline tracking, and a repeatable accelerator playbook—so that programs run efficiently across the team and sustainably.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum seven (7) years of business experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage partnerships and stakeholder relationships across organizations.
• Experience providing 1-on-1 coaching or mentoring.
• Ability to articulate an understanding of traditional and emerging industries relevant to Michigan's economic recovery and future success.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Resourceful and proactive in gathering information, sharing ideas, and building and sustaining programs and business processes and systems.
• Strong/advanced computer skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and client relationships simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent relevant post-graduate degree.
• Experience coaching early-stage or rural businesses with limited access to capital, networks, or technical assistance.
• Working familiarity with the Business Model Canvas.
• International Business Innovation Association’s Entrepreneur Center Manager or equivalent certification.
• Project Management Institute Certified Associate in Project Management or equivalent certification.
• Coaching certification or relevant training in business coaching methodologies.
• Grant or proposal writing experience.
• Five (5) years of entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial management experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Generous employer retirement contributions.
• Wellness resources.
• Tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Pay

Minimum starting salary of $75,000, commensurate with experience.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment. Some travel required.