Job Description
Position Title:
Contract Associate (Entrepreneur in Residence) Appointment Type:
Contract Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The ISU Startup Factory Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) will serve as a member of the startup incubator teaching team and will work collaboratively with the director and program manager of the ISU Startup Factory within the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. Startup Factory participants are typically very early, often idea-stage companies. The individual in this role will provide general guidance to incubator participants, ensuring that the overall curriculum is meeting their needs. The EIR will assist the Startup Factory team in facilitating and delivering content and will work one-on-one with assigned participants to guide them through the program. Additionally, the EIR will facilitate industry and professional connections for the cohort members on behalf of the program as needed. EIR expertise and guidance will focus on: Overall business model and business strategy development Customer Discovery Intellectual property Funding sources and investor readiness Pitch and presentation preparation Team development Industry expertise and connections Professional service provider and network introductions Expectations of EIR:
Attend Monday (12:30-1:30) teaching team sessions plus Tuesday (10-12) and Thursday (9-10) cohort sessions during the Startup Factory cohort program period (two cohorts per year, early August-December, and early January-mid-May). Most sessions are held virtually, with some in-person sessions expected. May be asked to create, design, and facilitate new or existing program sessions, as determined by team planning and cohort needs. Independently and directly mentor 2-3 cohort founders/teams outside of scheduled class sessions. Contribute, on average, 8 hours per week by attending sessions and mentoring cohort members, with hours not to exceed 416 during the course of the contract year. Be compensated at an agreed-upon hourly rate for hours recorded. Flexibility to work as available, during active program periods, or as requested by the Startup Factory director and program manager. The estimated time commitment is flexible but targeted at 8 hours per week. Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or demonstrable startup experience Preferred Qualifications Familiarity or prior engagement with the central Midwest startup ecosystem Experience as a founder or CEO of a startup company Have raised capital for a startup or facilitated that process for/with a startup Have advised or supported startups in a professional capacity Served as a technical founder/co-founder or member of a startup or entrepreneurial venture Worked as an industry partner with startup companies Demonstrated experience using and evaluating AI and business development software programs Department/Program & College Description:
The ISU Startup Factory is a startup incubator helping researchers and inventors develop a roadmap to realize the societal and economic impact of their high-tech innovations. Our goal is to help innovators and founders move from "tech-speak" to "business-speak." Department Unit/Website:
https://www.isupjcenter.org/programs/isu-startup-factory/ Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free:
1-877-477-7485. Proposed Start Date:
July 1, 2026 Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period Time Type:
Part time Pay Grade:
Contract Original Posting Date:
May 29, 2026 Posting Close Date:
June 18, 2026 Job Requisition Number:
R19290 Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free:
(877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
