Entrepreneurship Program Manager Position Available In Forrest, Mississippi

Entrepreneurship Program Manager The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Entrepreneurship Program Manager. Position Details Location Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States Division Mississipi Polymer Science Institute Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded Yes Pay Grade E10 Posting Close Date July 1, 2025 Job Summary The Entrepreneurship Program Manager will support the Mississippi Polymer Institute’s (MPI’s) initiative to grow its entrepreneurship program, which includes management of the annual pitch event for Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders(TM) Business Accelerator and regular networking events. The Entrepreneurship Program Manager will report to the director and work closely with the business development manager and staff to build a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within our region. The goal is to grow participation and build the ecosystem year over year by developing strategic client offerings, providing mentorship, and gaining additional external support for the MPI entrepreneur program. Primary Duties and Responsibilities + Work with the director and business development manager to create the entrepreneurship strategic plan by taking input from key value chain members and concentrating on key activities, milestones, and metrics. + Manage the entrepreneurship budget by monthly tracking expenditures and donations and staying within budget. + Plan, execute, and measure participation of business pitch events, entrepreneurship outreach activities, and ecosystem development/support activities. + Support start-ups by directly mentoring in a manner consistent with the CoBuilder™ business accelerator training. + Improve efficiency of MPI’s existing entrepreneur processes by developing a formalized program for inventors and startups to advance startup’s progress on the growth curve, and by adding year-round touchpoints with existing and potential donors to grow external funding for entrepreneurs. + Measure and report monthly on key metrics of success, such as number of startup interactions, number of Pitch applicants and participants, money donated directly to startups, number of mentors and service providers (finance, legal, accounting, marketing, business development) enrolled and associated participation rates, fundraising contributions, number of startups and respective growth status, number of event attendees, etc. + Collaborates with other entrepreneurship centers and community organizations to create and implement joint programs that foster startup growth across the region. + Develops and implements materials and social media for marketing communications. + Performs other duties as requested. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, marketing, economic development, entrepreneurship, or a related field and one (1) year of experience in project coordination, research analysis, or program support. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities + Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, and report on technical or business information in a professional setting. + Comfortable interacting with diverse stakeholders including investors, companies, community members, students, faculty, and staff. + Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget. + A high degree of creativity, initiative, and flexibility; a capacity for growth and leadership; an entrepreneurial mindset, as demonstrated through a willingness to pursue knowledge, skills, and opportunities. + Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines. + Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. + Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including investors, companies, community members, students, faculty, staff, and volunteers. + Knowledge of economic development principles, stakeholder engagement practices, and institutional research processes. + Ability to synthesize market data, economic trends, and institutional goal to support initiatives. + Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, word processing, data visualization, and design-related software. + Skill in active learning by understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. + Skill in identifying complex information and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. + Ability to exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions. + Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues. + Ability to work with little to no supervision. Preferred Qualifications Customer-facing experience and a strong understanding of various startup types, including bankable, investable, and non-profit models. Ideal applicants will grasp the key processes of startup growth, possess financial acumen, and have a proven track record of growing organizational initiatives. Experience with design principles and proficiency in social media creation and SEO are also highly valued. About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.