Director for the Innovation and Incubation Center at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Transformative Teaching Learning and Research the Director of the Innovation and Incubation Center is a key leadership role within the university, responsible for fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration among students, faculty, and external stakeholders. The incumbent will lead strategic initiatives to support the development and commercialization of innovative ideas, technologies, and startups originating from within the university community. The Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the center, including program development, mentorship, resource allocation, and partnership management.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the Innovation and Incubation Center aligned with the university's mission and goals.
• Set clear objectives, metrics, and milestones to measure the success and impact of the center's initiatives.
• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and industry partners to identify emerging trends and opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Program Development and Management:

• Design and manage programs to support ideation, prototype development, validation, and commercialization of innovative projects and startups.
• Establish processes and frameworks for selecting, incubating, and accelerating promising ventures.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and support to entrepreneurs and startup teams, leveraging internal and external expertise.

Resource Allocation and Fundraising:

• Manage the center's budget, allocate resources effectively, and ensure financial sustainability.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporate sponsors, and other sources to support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with potential donors, investors, and partners to secure funding, sponsorships, and in-kind support for the center's programs.

Partnership Development:

• Forge strategic partnerships with industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and other universities to enhance the center's resources, expertise, and network.
• Collaborate with academic departments, research centers, and student organizations to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Represent the university and the center in local, national, and international forums, conferences, and events to showcase innovation and entrepreneurship activities.

Performance Evaluation and Reporting:

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the center's programs and initiatives, collecting feedback and data to drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for university leadership, stakeholders, and funders, highlighting achievements, outcomes, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, regulations, and ethical standards governing innovation, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship.

Minimum Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Master's degree or higher in business administration, entrepreneurship, technology management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in innovation management, entrepreneurship, startup incubation, or related fields, preferably in a university or Innovation center setting.
• Proven track record of successful leadership, strategic planning, and program development in innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Strong understanding of technology commercialization, intellectual property, venture capital, and startup ecosystems.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage teams, foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, and drive results in a dynamic environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with a passion for empowering and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs to turn ideas into impactful ventures.