Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre at James Hope University Business School

James Hope University Business School is a postgraduate university committed to learning, research and knowledge creation. We aspire to raise a community of people with exceptional qualities and leadership skills to help create value and proffer solutions to pressing global issues in our world today. Through our world class teaching, outstanding research institutions and scholarship programs, we are committed to improving the world today by educating aspiring leaders that would be a great service to the nation and world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

About The Position

• The Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at a James Hope Business School plays a key role in fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing strategies to promote innovation and entrepreneurship within the JHBS community. This could involve creating programs, initiatives, and partnerships to support entrepreneurial endeavours.
• Incubator and Accelerator Management: Overseeing university-based incubators or accelerators that provide resources, mentorship, and support to students, faculty, and alumni who are launching start-ups or pursuing innovative projects.
• Resource Allocation: Allocating funds and resources to support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, including grants, scholarships, and funding for research and development.
• Partnership Development: Cultivating partnerships with industry, government agencies, investors, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, funding opportunities, and real-world application of innovative ideas and technologies.
• Education and Training: Developing and delivering educational programs, workshops, and training sessions to equip students, faculty, and staff with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Networking and Community Building: Creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and other members of the university community.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the commercialization of research and intellectual property developed within the university by connecting researchers with potential industry partners, licensing technologies, and supporting start-ups based on university research.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to individuals and teams engaged in entrepreneurial activities, including business planning, market research, and fundraising.
• Facilitate the commercialization of JHBS research and intellectual property by connecting researchers with industry partners, licensing technologies, and supporting start-up ventures.
• Develop and implement metrics and evaluation methods to assess the impact and effectiveness of innovation and entrepreneurship programs and initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between academic departments, administrative units, and external partners to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the university.
• Stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.
• Conduct original research in the field of innovation, entrepreneurship, and related areas, with a focus on generating new knowledge and insights that contribute to academic scholarship and practice.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, books, conference proceedings, and other scholarly outlets to disseminate knowledge and advance the field.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. Degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, or a related field; Advanced Degree preferred.
• Extensive experience (typically 5 - 10 years) in entrepreneurship, innovation management, technology commercialization, or a related field, preferably in a university setting.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate individuals and teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successful program development, partnership building, and resource allocation.
• Knowledge of intellectual property, technology transfer, and start-up ecosystem dynamics.
• Familiarity with funding sources, grants, and investment opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in entrepreneurship and innovation efforts.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations), and Contact information for three references merged into a single PDF / Word document as an attachment to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note: Review of applications will start immediately, and applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.