Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nationwide
Fullerton, California
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ithaca, New York
Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Posted: 07-Apr-23
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 519195
Department/Organization
214101 - Dean's Office - Engineering
Rank
Associate or Full Professor
Position Summary
The Director of Engineering Entrepreneurship will be responsible for developing and leading programs to support and enhance the entrepreneurial spirit and activities of students and faculty within the College of Engineering. They will work closely with the Dean of the College of Engineering and other stakeholders to develop and execute strategies to further create an entrepreneurial culture within the College of Engineering and to facilitate student learning and skill building with respect to entrepreneurship through the creation of innovative entrepreneurship educational programs and experiential entrepreneurship programs and activities.
The Director of Engineering Entrepreneurship will be a key member of the College of Engineering team, contributing to the college's mission of preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly changing world. They will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the college and its students, faculty, and staff, while working in a dynamic and innovative environment.
This will be a non-tenure-track, renewable contract faculty position.
Detailed Position Information
The Director of Engineering Entrepreneurship will be responsible for developing and leading programs to support and enhance the entrepreneurial spirit and activities of students and faculty within the College of Engineering. They will work closely with the Dean of the College of Engineering and other stakeholders to develop and execute strategies to further create an entrepreneurial culture within the College of Engineering and to facilitate student learning and skill building with respect to entrepreneurship through the creation of innovative entrepreneurship educational programs and experiential entrepreneurship programs and activities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in engineering, entrepreneurship, and program development. The near term goals of the Director will be to develop coursework and programming for students to allow them to complete an engineering entrepreneurship experience while a student at UA at one of three levels: (1) a lean and streamlined course-based experience that can be taken as an elective concentration with as few as three courses and nine credit hours of formal coursework, (2) a certificate/minor program involving a more in-depth coursework and experiential learning experience in engineering entrepreneurship, and (3) a Masters level degree program in Engineering Entrepreneurship.
Responsibilities of the position will include:
• Develop and implement strategies to support and promote entrepreneurship within the College of Engineering.
• Work with faculty, students, and other stakeholders to identify and develop new business ideas, products, and services.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to students and faculty interested in entrepreneurship.
• Develop and oversee educational programs and workshops related to entrepreneurship, including courses on entrepreneurship and business fundamentals.
• Facilitate the formation of student-run businesses and startups, providing mentorship and support as necessary.
• Build relationships with industry partners and investors to facilitate opportunities for student and faculty entrepreneurship.
• Collaborate with other departments and centers within the college and university to promote interdisciplinary entrepreneurship and innovation.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or closely related field.
• Extensive experience in entrepreneurship, either as a founder, investor, mentor, or educator.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in program development and project management.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in entrepreneurship, particularly within the field of engineering.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Passion for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within the engineering community, particularly in working with students.
Preferred Qualifications
• Ph.D. in engineering, computer science, or closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years experience in higher education in a faculty role within a College of Engineering.
• 5 or more years industrial/business work experience, preferably with responsibilities or experience in product innovation in the engineering or computer science space.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applicants should include: (1) a cover letter including a statement explaining their background and experience with respect to engineering entrepreneurship, and in particular with respect to university level programs and educational activities focused on engineering entrepreneurship, and how that experience and background has prepared them to lead the development of such a program here at UA, (2) a full curriculum vitae (CV), and (3) a list of the names of at least four professional references including email and phone contact information for each reference.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The expected start date for this position is as early as July 16, 2023 and no later than August 16, 2023.
About the College of Engineering
As one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering instruction, The University of Alabama has more than 175 years of engineering education experience. UA’s College of Engineering is committed to conducting leading-edge research, providing unparalleled educational opportunities and investing in students who will be the scholars and industry professionals shaping the future of the field of engineering.
Research is a critical component of our mission as the flagship university in the state of Alabama. Over the past decade, the College’s research activity has more than doubled, and the Shelby Science and Engineering Quad was completed at a cost of more than $300 million. There are 10 research centers housed under the College, spanning areas from cybersecurity to transportation, that are dedicated to making sustainable changes and an impact on local, national and global levels.
With hundreds of award-winning faculty and staff members, and a diverse offering of nationally accredited programs, facilities and resources, the College has positioned itself for success as a leader in engineering education.
About The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.
A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.
As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.
It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.
With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf