Director of the Center for Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation

Sweet Briar College is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders. Sweet Briar College has been repeatedly named by US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation. Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women’s leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts, and its legendary equestrian program. Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville. The College’s campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular, replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, apiary, and greenhouse.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.

When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. Students lead research, ask questions, and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

Job Title:  Director of the Center for Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation

Classification: Full-time, benefits eligible, faculty and administrative position (year-round)

Reports To: Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, with teaching supervised in collaboration with the Social Sciences Division Head

Job Summary/Objective:

Sweet Briar College is accepting applications for the inaugural director of a new Center for Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation.   This role will be responsible for working with faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders both at the College and in the surrounding communities, region, and commonwealth to develop and maintain a robust center that prepares students for successful careers after graduation and supports prosperity in the region.

Essential duties

• Develop priorities and a multi-year strategic plan for the new center, in collaboration with the academic dean and other stakeholders
• Collaboration with other units on campus, including administrative offices (e.g. communications, admissions, alumnae relations & development) and academic programs (e.g. STEM division and Arts Management program) to refine and implement center priorities and strategy
• Strengthening and building relationships with regional business and technology communities
• Securing internship and apprenticeship opportunities for SBC students
• Publicizing and securing additional resources for the program (in collaboration with communications, alumnae relations and development, and the institutional grants office)
• Recruiting students to attend Sweet Briar College (in collaboration with admissions)
• Assisting students in identifying and pursuing post-graduation job opportunities (in collaboration with career services)
• Teaching a 50% course load (3, three-credit courses) per year in the first year, with potential increase to 4 courses in subsequent years based on program needs, and other standard faculty duties (including advising students and serving on committees)
• Securing guest speakers and identifying potential adjunct faculty for specialized course offerings

This is an initial four-year appointment.  A review will occur in the spring of Year 3, at which time the incumbent will be evaluated for potential reappointment for a second term and potential conversion to a tenure-track position.

Required Qualifications:

• M.B.A., M.S.F., or relevant doctoral degree
• Teaching experience (could include corporate training)
• Background to teach courses in finance, along with other areas that could include business analytics, IT operations, financial technology, entrepreneurship, micro- or macroeconomics
• Experience building and maintaining collaborative partnerships
• Business leadership experience

Preferred qualifications:

• Teaching experience at the college/university level
• Experience working with technology and engineering firms

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.

How to Apply:

To apply, visit https://sbc.edu/human-resources/faculty-staff-job-openings/. All applications should include: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) statement of teaching philosophy; 3) brief (1 page) overview statement of business/entrepreneurial leadership and experience and how that experience applies to this position, and 4) the names and full contact information for three professional references (no letters are required at this time). The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.