Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator

Job Category: University Staff | Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term) | Job Profile: Administrative Assistant II

About the role

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator develops and delivers entrepreneurship, innovation, and K12 standards-aligned programming through the Huff Family Innovation Center (HFIC), the Mobile Incubator, and the Platteville Business Incubator. This position serves as the primary coordinator of community-based entrepreneurship education, founder development programs, innovation outreach, and regional partnership initiatives. Through collaboration with schools, libraries, entrepreneurs, economic development organizations, faculty, students, and community stakeholders, the Coordinator expands access to innovation and entrepreneurial resources throughout Southwest Wisconsin and the Driftless Region. The position creates educational pathways that connect participants with entrepreneurial training, innovation programming, prototyping resources, business incubation services, and university-supported learning opportunities. The Coordinator helps build a regional culture of innovation by delivering consistent programming across the Mobile Incubator, HFIC, and the Platteville Business Incubator.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate scheduling, deployment, and operation of the Mobile Incubator throughout Southwest Wisconsin.
• Develop, organize, and help facilitate entrepreneurship, innovation, prototyping/makerspace themed, and small business education programs delivered through the Mobile Incubator in the region’s libraries and schools.
• Coordinate logistics, materials, curriculum, and resources necessary to deliver successful Mobile Incubator programs.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain records of program participation, outcomes, and regional impact.
• Work with campus partners to develop and execute a sponsorship avenue for future funding.
• Coordinate educational programming and entrepreneur engagement activities at the Platteville Business Incubator in collaboration with the UWP School of Business and local partners.
• Develop workshops, speaker series, networking events, and educational opportunities for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and small business owners.
• Assist entrepreneurs in identifying and accessing university resources, prototyping services, technical expertise, mentors, and community support networks.
• Support tenant engagement and community-building initiatives within the incubator environment.
• Adapt and deliver HFIC educational programming for schools, libraries, community centers, and partner organizations, pertaining to makerspace usage, safety, and best practices.
• Facilitate workshops focused on creativity, innovation, design thinking, EDP, emerging technologies, problem solving, and entrepreneurial mindset development.
• Support existing and new K-12 youth entrepreneurship initiatives, career exploration programs, camps, after-school programs, and community learning experiences at HFIC, PBII, rural partners, and virtually.
• Represent HFIC and university innovation initiatives at public events, conferences, and community gatherings.
• Develop opportunities for UWP student involvement in entrepreneurship programs, community outreach activities, workshops, and events.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop experiential learning opportunities connecting students with PBII businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations.
• Support student participation in PBII and HFIC resources, entrepreneurship, and small business development activities.
• Create connections for graduating students and PBII resources.
• Track participation and program outcomes.
• Support reporting requirements for sponsorships and grants when applicable.
• Work with marketing to document stories, impacts, and community achievements.
• Assist with marketing, outreach communications, and promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship programming.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in one of the following or a related field: Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Education, Community Development, Communications, Marketing, STEM Education, Library Studies.

Required skills and experience

• Strong public speaking, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage audiences ranging from K-12 students to adult professionals.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and event-planning skills.
• Ability to work independently while building collaborative partnerships.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and community engagement.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in entrepreneurship, small business development, startup support, or economic development.
• Experience working with business incubators, innovation centers, makerspaces, libraries, or community education programs.
• Experience developing curriculum, educational resources, or instructional materials.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs or projects.
• Experience working with youth entrepreneurship, workforce development, or STEM education initiatives.
• Experience building partnerships across educational, governmental, nonprofit, and business sectors.
• Familiarity with design thinking, innovation methodologies, customer discovery, or entrepreneurial ecosystem development.

About the University

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers 47 baccalaureate and 10 master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Application deadline: November 2, 2026 (applications accepted until the position is filled).