Director for the Innovation and Incubation Center at United States International University – USIU Africa
- Kenya
- Permanent
- Full-time
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Jobs in Kenya