Director of Programs, Spears Institute (HR title: Executive Program Director)

Southern Methodist University - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Dallas, TX

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership at SMU is seeking an Executive Program Director to lead the development and execution of programs that engage students in entrepreneurship. This role is pivotal in fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and facilitates the launch of student-led start-ups, while also building strong networks with industry leaders, alumni, and investors. The Executive Program Director will be responsible for strategizing and implementing initiatives that serve both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni and the broader community, ensuring high standards of execution. The Executive Program Director will manage a complex portfolio of programs, including speaker series, internships, seminars, networking events, and competitions. This position requires securing funding and managing resources efficiently, exploring grants, sponsorships, and donations to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Institute's programs. The role also involves overseeing daily operations, leading interns and student workers, and establishing partnerships with faculty, corporations, entrepreneurs, investors, and alumni to provide mentorship and funding opportunities for students and start-ups. In addition to program management, the Executive Program Director will cultivate a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem within the university, encouraging collaboration among students, faculty, and external partners. This position requires regular evening or weekend work for events, workshops, corporate treks, meetings, and networking engagements, necessitating oversight of all these activities. The Executive Program Director will also provide budget input to the Executive Director and track the costs of individual programs to ensure adherence to budgetary constraints.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students.
• Identify opportunities for the Institute to lead in cutting-edge areas of entrepreneurship education and start-up support.
• Design, launch, and manage a highly complex portfolio of programs, including a speaker series, internships, seminars, networking events, and competitions.
• Secure funding and manage resources efficiently to support program activities.
• Explore grants, sponsorships, and donations to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Institute's programs.
• Oversee daily operations, including leadership of interns and student workers.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with faculty, corporations, entrepreneurs, investors, and alumni to provide mentorship, funding, and real-world opportunities for students and start-ups.
• Represent the program to program officers at not-for-profit institutions, director/VP-level corporate leaders, and existing start-up entrepreneurs.
• Actively engage with undergraduate and graduate students across SMU to understand their needs, interests, and aspirations related to entrepreneurship.
• Provide guidance, support, and resources to student entrepreneurs and start-ups.
• Develop, implement, analyze, and evaluate metrics to assess performance of programs and initiatives, adjusting as necessary to enhance outcomes.
• Cultivate a vibrant, inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem within the university, encouraging collaboration among students, faculty, and external partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is required; Master's preferred in Education, Business, Entrepreneurship, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of six years of professional experience in entrepreneurship, business development, and/or educational program management, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Experience managing large events is required.
• Experience in student engagement at the undergraduate and/or graduate level preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to engage with a diverse range of individuals and develop effective relationships.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to develop partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems and devise solutions.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong leadership and management skills with a proven track record of building and leading teams.
• Strong understanding of the start-up ecosystem, including challenges and opportunities faced by new entrepreneurs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans and programs.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Adobe InDesign.
• Experience in customer database management (e.g., Salesforce), internet research, and electronic event management tools.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in higher education settings is a plus.
• Familiarity with social networking tools such as LinkedIn and Instagram.

Benefits

• Broad, competitive array of health and related benefits including health, dental, and vision plans.
• Wide range of wellness programs to support and retain employees.
• Array of retirement programs that benefit and protect employees and their families.
• Access to professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.