Executive Director, The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship

The Executive Director of The Blank Center is responsible for working with the Babson community to successfully grow and scale the Center. The Executive Director will work with the leadership of Babson College, Babson faculty, staff, students, alums, advisory board members, and, potentially, non-Babson faculty who affiliate with the Center, and other stakeholders to coordinate all activities of the Center. The Executive Director will serve as a global ambassador for the Center and represent the Blank Center externally.

At Babson, we believe entrepreneurship is core to humanity. The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship (AMBCE) accelerates new ventures of all kinds by providing Babson's emerging entrepreneurs access to the opportunities, community, and critical resources that they need. The Blank Center ignites the exchange of innovative ideas that will shape the future of entrepreneurship through research and thought leadership.
The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship focuses on expanding the practice of entrepreneurship through innovative co-curricular programs and global collaborative research initiatives that inspire and inform Entrepreneurial Thought and Action. It is the hub of startup activity at Babson for all students and alumni. Through the Butler Launch Pad, Summer Venture Program and Signature events (such as Rocket Pitch and BETA Challenge), the Center works to interconnect the Entrepreneurship Division faculty and curriculum with important co-curricular activities to create a transformative experience for students. It is also the home for major research projects and academic thought leadership on entrepreneurship including the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and the Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference (BCERC).

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Provides strategic direction and leadership towards the achievement of the Center's mission and goals. Oversees the day to day operations of the Center, leads the development and delivery of signature programs, develops and maintains a world-class advisory board, manages the budget, works towards financial sustainability through revenue generation and fundraising efforts, anticipates problems and issues and initiates appropriate action without supervision.

Creates, leads, and maintains a world-class advisory board to support the development and growth of the Center; includes individuals from a variety of backgrounds and fields including impactful alumni, global business leaders, experts in healthcare, life sciences and entrepreneurship, and other appropriate stakeholders that act as a strategic sounding board and guidance provider for the Center.

Partners with appropriate Babson College units (i.e., President's Office, Academic Affairs, Division Chairs, Undergraduate School, Graduate School, Executive Education, Advancement, College Marketing) to advance shared objectives, amplify Babson's curriculum and advance strategic priorities.

Works closely with the Advancement team to identify and pursue funding opportunities, and continuously create new ways to engage alumni, parents, sponsors, foundations, and other key stakeholders to help drive giving to the Center. Meets with high-level donors, creates programs for advancement purposes, and develops key relationships to optimize annual giving plans with the goal of having all programming, research, and signature events endowed.

Responsible for ensuring revenue generation and funding sources exceed Center expenses and costs, making the Center self-sustainable.

Works closely with the Faculty Chair and Academic Affairs to identify and pursue grant opportunities that support the Blank Center.

Designs, develops, and delivers effective and engaging programs, courses, sessions, etc. designed by the Blank Center for students, faculty, staff, alums and external partners. This includes partnering with faculty on multidisciplinary research into all aspects of entrepreneurship; creating case studies using real-world examples; creating experiential learning opportunities that can be incorporated into the curriculum and co-curricular programs, activities, and events; teaching, coaching, and serving as the Director of these programs.

Serves as the "voice" of the Blank Center within the internal Babson community and other divisions. Serves as the spokesperson for the Center (and the College as necessary) in external speaking engagements, media relations, public settings, meetings, conferences, and other events where the Blank Center is expected to take a leadership role and share its perspective and best practices with the wider entrepreneurial leadership community.

Collaborates with College Marketing to ensure that communication objectives are reached and appropriate goals for awareness and engagement are met.

Identifies, recruits, and leverages entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs) and a strong experienced mentor corps to enhance the curricular and co-curricular experience for Babson students and faculty.

Works closely with the Faculty Research Director to provide strategic direction and oversight for various Blank Center programs and offerings including but not limited to GEM US and Global, the STEP Global Project, and BCERC. Ensures staff coordination, appropriate dissemination and budget management as well as leadership regarding long-term plans and project opportunities.

Builds relationships with external stakeholders including programs, organizations, academic institutions and associations that align with the Center's mission and objectives.

Oversees Global Entrepreneurship Week. Assists in the organization and offering of meaningful College-wide events to highlight, recognize, and celebrate entrepreneurship.

Manages the annual budget process as well as P/L, monthly, and quarterly financial updates in order to keep finances stable for the Center and the institution current on its operating budget. Works closely with the Finance team to ensure accountability and oversight for the Center's budget management process.

Serves as a member of the Blank School Senior Leadership team. Works closely with other members of the team and the CEO to establish best practices and short and long-term strategies for growth to ensure the School remains at the forefront of entrepreneurial leadership.

Leads and develops a high performing team and creates a positive culture of growth and innovation, encouraging an ET&A mentality to continuously improve service and delivery of programs.

Assumes additional responsibilities as required.

YOUR TEAM WILL INCLUDE

Associate Director(s)

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED

MBA

At least 10-15+ years of increasingly responsible leadership roles.

Must have strategic opportunity, business development, and competitive assessment experience.

Proven ability to fundraise.

Must have significant personnel management experience.

Must have experience working as part of leadership team and coordinating with internal and external partners.

Must be a self-starter and have the ability to lead and motivate others who are not direct reports.

Must have leadership, judgment, and creative problem-solving experience.

Must have an understanding of international cultures and business practices.

Must have program and project management expertise.

Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong computer and internet skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Must have strong financial, budgetary, presentation, database management, and supervisory skills.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Ability to work with all constituencies.

Ability to create an environment where direct reports have the freedom and security to take initiative; deal with complexities with resilience, resourcefulness, and optimism; and appreciate open mindedness, creativity, and agility in thought and tactics.

Ability to embrace ideas and changes created by all community members.

Ability to work independently to solve problems; look for opportunities to take on responsibility; take thoughtful risks; and effectively act on new and ongoing initiatives, objectives, and solutions to gain sought-after results.

Ability to anticipate and effectively handle change; demonstrate willingness to try new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.

HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL WORK

Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as appropriate to develop new partnerships and to represent the Center.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE

Prior experience in a start-up or entrepreneurial company is highly desirable.

Prior experience as a business owner a plus.

Prior proposal and grant development experience a plus.

About Us

Babson College is a world-class business school, empowering entrepreneurial leaders to create great economic and social value - everywhere. Here you'll find a collaborative, collegial team environment designed to include and motivate every individual. It's a rewarding and invigorating workplace - an exciting launch pad for anyone who wants to make a real impact in higher education. We provide everything you need to achieve your goals, including learning and development opportunities, outstanding benefits, rich rewards, wellness programs, and a genuine dedication to creating a diverse, multicultural and inclusive community.

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