Program Director for the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Job Summary

The Program Director provides leadership and operational oversight for programs, events, competitions, and student engagement initiatives within the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

Job Description

The Program Director provides leadership and operational oversight for programs, events, competitions, and student engagement initiatives within the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

Reporting

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position is responsible for managing the daily operations of the center, coordinating entrepreneurship programming, supervising staff and student workers, supporting strategic initiatives, working with donors, and fostering relationships with students, mentors, alumni, faculty, and community partners.

Department

Department Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience in program management, event coordination, student engagement, higher education administration, or related fields.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, higher education administration, entrepreneurship, or related field.
• Experience working in higher education, entrepreneurship programs, innovation centers, or student development environments.
• Experience managing events, competitions, or experiential learning programs.
• Experience supervising student employees or part-time staff.
• Familiarity with university operational procedures and event coordination systems.

Job Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the CIE and ensure efficient coordination of programs and activities, including managing CIE Marketing Specialists and student workers.
• Lead planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of entrepreneurship programs and student engagement initiatives.
• Develop operational processes and systems to support program effectiveness and participant experience.
• Maintain organized records, program data, reports, and operational documentation.
• Care for center schedules, shared spaces, and program calendars.
• Aid the Executive Director with strategic initiatives and operational planning.

Event & Competition Management

• Lead planning and execution of entrepreneurship competitions, workshops, networking events, speaker series, mentor sessions, and special initiatives.
• Manage event logistics including: venue coordination, catering, registration, parking, and participant communication.
• Develop event timelines, operational checklists, and planning systems.
• Cook up event management and troubleshoot operational issues as needed.
• Support post-event assessment and reporting, including data analysis from attendees and participants.

Student Engagement & Mentorship Coordination

• Support student participation in entrepreneurship programming and experiential learning opportunities.
• Coordinate mentor engagement activities, mentor scheduling, and communication.
• Aid with student advising and program participation support as appropriate.
• Foster a welcoming, professional, and student-centered environment within the CIE.
• Support relationship-building with alumni, entrepreneurs, judges, donors, and community partners.

Student Worker Supervision

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate student workers assigned to the CIE.
• Cook up staffing schedules and assign operational and event-related responsibilities.
• Monitor professionalism, performance, and accountability of student assistants.
• Aid with timesheet approval and student employment processes in accordance with university policies.
• Manage, Collaboration & Communications
• Support Work collaboratively with University Leadership including the Chancellor’s office, Provost’s office, University Marketing, Dean’s Office and School of Business Staff to support promotion of programs, competitions, and events.
• Manage and work collaboratively with the CIE Marketing Specialists to support promotion of programs, competitions, and events.
• Aid with participant communications, registration systems, and engagement tracking.
• Support development of presentations, reports, internal communications, and program materials.
• Cook up collection and organization of participation data and operational metrics.
• Will lead the job search committee and manage an administrative assistant.

Substitution Statement

An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role.

Interview Requirement

Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.