What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director of Enterprises position at IWU National & Global?
Summary of Position: The Executive Director of Enterprise Development will lead the Enterprise Office at Indiana Wesleyan University – National & Global (IWU-N&G), supporting the development of small businesses and educational enterprises that align with the university’s mission and strategy. This position is responsible for overseeing a team that drives the launch and success of new ventures while supporting existing enterprises, including the Coaching Hub, Health Hub, Talent Ladder, Leadership by Design, and Blaizing Academy.
The Enterprise Office provides key resources for business development, including business plan creation, marketing strategy, technology integration (e.g., learning management systems), event production, and other critical enterprise needs. The Executive Director will foster innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence to advance the university’s entrepreneurial initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Develops and implements a comprehensive strategy to support small business and enterprise development in alignment with IWU-N&G’s mission
- Oversees the creation, implementation, and evaluation of new ventures and educational enterprises
- Ensures alignment of enterprise initiatives with broader university goals and community needs
- Enterprise Oversight
- Manage the operations and success of the Office of Enterprise Development at N&G. Key performance indicators are directly tied to the revenue created from the emerging businesses under the scope of the VP for Enterprise Development
- Provide guidance and resources for enterprise leaders, including business planning, marketing, and operational support
- Drive the adoption and effective use of technology, including learning management systems, to support enterprise growth
- Resource Development and Support
- Oversee the Enterprise Office’s resources and services, including business plan development, marketing strategies, event production, and other business development functions
- Establish processes for evaluating the financial viability and operational efficiency of new and existing enterprises
- Innovation and Collaboration
- Foster a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity across the Enterprise Office and its initiatives
- Collaborate with academic, operational, and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for new ventures and strategic partnerships
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including businesses, non-profits, and government organizations, to support enterprise initiatives
- Represent IWU-N&G at events, conferences, and forums related to enterprise development and higher education innovation
- The Executive Director will oversee employees dedicated to supporting the launch and management of new enterprises including:
- Director of Technology Development
- Customer Acquisition Specialist
- Budget Manager
- Event Manager
Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, organizational leadership, or a related field required
Experience
- A minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of experience in launching small businesses, enterprise development, business innovation, or entrepreneurial leadership
Required Skills
- Proven track record of launching and managing innovative business or educational enterprises
- Expertise in business planning, marketing, and operational management
- Strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills
- Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and secure funding
- Mission Alignment
- A strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Indiana Wesleyan University
- Ability to integrate faith-based principles into enterprise strategies and initiatives
- Willingness to travel as needed to represent IWU-N&G and its enterprise initiatives
