Careers

Working Title:             State Specialist in Entrepreneurship

Classification:            Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (#9623), Academic Professional and Admin

Program Area:            Extension Center for Community Vitality

Office Location:         St. Paul Campus, some hybrid work options available

Initial Deadline:          July 15, 2022

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The State Specialist in Entrepreneurship will be part of a bi-state collaboration in entrepreneurship (Wisconsin & Minnesota) focused on developing programs that can be applied in Minnesota and Wisconsin to help strengthen community support for entrepreneurs. The State Specialist in Entrepreneurship will help leverage the resources available through the University of Minnesota Center for Community Vitality and the University of Wisconsin Community Development Institute to help communities better understand the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs across a range of industries. The State Specialist will provide leadership to the development of research, provide programming and training that supports entrepreneurship and the develop models of community support for entrepreneurs. 

This is a non-tenure track, full-time position reporting to the Associate Dean of the Extension Center for Community Vitality. The State Specialist in Entrepreneurship will be based on the St. Paul campus. Some travel for work is needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Outreach 45%

• Facilitate the development of collaborations across Extension and the University of Minnesota and with community partners that support the development of community support systems for entrepreneurs.
• Create and maintain effective local, regional, university and state partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs in entrepreneurship.
• Facilitate the development of networks of entrepreneurs locally and regionally.
• Develop educational programming for communities including immigrant and other BIPOC populations that tend to be more likely to start-up new businesses and are the fastest growing segment of the rural population.

Research & Scholarship 45%

• Produce scholarship that supports extension educators and maintain a strong program of research that supports the development of entrepreneurship and community support systems for entrepreneurs.
• Contribute to our understanding of the needs of diverse populations of entrepreneurs

Program Leadership 10%

• Provide leadership and support to our collaboration with the University of Wisconsin.
• Participate in service/outreach and collaborative activities
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate and effective teamwork and collaboration with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.

APPOINTMENT AND BENEFITS

1. This position is a full-time, annual Academic Professional appointment at the level of Assistant Extension Professor (#9623). This appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs.
2. This position carries Extension academic rank as Assistant Extension Professor. Promotion is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as governed by Extension's promotion policies and procedures.
3. University of Minnesota benefits are available. Benefits package and summaries can be found here, https://humanresources.umn.edu/new-employees/benefits-summaries.
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
5. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Estimated Salary Range $75,000 to $85,000
6. This is not an eligible position for employment visa sponsorship

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Community Development, Economic Development, Planning or other closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Evidence of potential capacity for research and scholarship focused on entrepreneurship.
• Demonstrated participation in collaborative and inter-disciplinary partnerships in research and scholarship
• Ability to engage with culturally diverse populations in research and extension programs and activities.
• Evidence of scholarly research and curriculum publications related to entrepreneurship, economic development and/or community development.
• Ability to foster and contribute to a positive work climate and effective teamwork and collaboration with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partners.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Must be able to travel to off-site locations as needed.
• Personal cell phone that can be used for work purposes and published in the Extension public staff directory.
• Must be able to work on computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement.

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Business, Economics, Community Development, Economic Development, Planning or other closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in community outreach initiatives and collaboration at the local, national, and/or international level.
• Leadership of small and large teams toward effective project and program completion.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire actions by a team that led to a completed project.
• Experience securing external funding.
• Ability to identify, develop and implement models for effective partnerships with community-based organizations, industry, government agencies, and the community.
• Experience organizing professional workshops and events.
• Evidence of ability to use technology for communication, information gathering, delivery, and reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a second language other than English
• Commitment to ongoing professional development