Director Of Innovation Jobs in Arkansas

Director of the Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Job Description: The Director of the Institute for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for a campus- and community-wide innovation center established through a $1 million endowment meant to integrate a rigorous liberal arts education with real-world venture creation, while fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and economic development. The Director's role is central to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that bridges academic excellence with real-world application, positioning the institution as a catalyst for innovation and regional economic growth.

Required Experience: 5+ years of experience in entrepreneurship, startup creation, or as an ecosystem builder. Education: Bachelor's degree or transferable skills required; Master's or PhD preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the vision, development, and daily operations of the innovation center, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and regional economic priorities.
• Design, launch, and manage startup accelerators, incubators, and venture development programs for students, faculty, and community entrepreneurs.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with industry leaders, investors, alumni, and economic development organizations.
• Identify, pursue, and secure external funding, including grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic support.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate entrepreneurship into the liberal arts curriculum through courses, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Mentor and support student and faculty entrepreneurs in venture ideation, development, and scaling.
• Oversee the creation and growth of a regional business incubator to support economic vitality in Arkansas.
• Organize events, workshops, pitch competitions, and speaker series that promote innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Track program outcomes and impact, using data to inform strategy and demonstrate value to stakeholders.

Key Performance Indicators (First Three Years)

• External funding secured annually.
• Financial self-sustainability of the Center activities.
• Certification Program launched.
• Visiting professorship filled regularly.
• Growth in relevant Lyon College enrollment.
• Course fill rates and student retention.
• Business Incubator success.
• Number of active partnerships (corporate, nonprofit, government).
• Number of grant applications and success rate.
• Number of startups supported annually.
• Media mentions, rankings, or awards.
• Student and startup success stories.
• Community impact measures (jobs created, ventures launched).