Mobility Industry Catalyst

As a key member of the MSU Research Foundation team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility. We are seeking an experienced professional to join our organization as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) and support our mission to drive innovation and growth in the mobility industry.

The EIR will work closely with Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures to:

• Turn Fragmented Resources into a Competitive Advantage: Develop a structured founder support system that aligns Michigan's mobility resources into a high-impact platform for startup success.
• Curate & Cultivate High-Conviction Investments: Identify and engage high-potential mobility startups through deep industry networks, emerging trends, and proprietary deal flow strategies.
• Run the Playbook for Founder Success: Develop and lead SHIFT—a high-impact framework that helps founders sharpen strategy, execute on commercialization, and secure early wins.
• Help Founders Get Funded & Connected: Work hands-on with startups to refine their pitch, narrative, and fundraising strategy.

Requirements:

1. Based in Michigan, with the ability to engage with local industry networks and stakeholders.
2. 5 years in engineering or supply chain experience, with a strong understanding of the automotive industry's operations and logistics.
3. Project management experience is highly preferred, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of automotive manufacturing, including Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers, OEMs, Just-in-Time and Lean Manufacturing practices, and global/regional production systems.

Key Results:

1. Increased and Curated Deal Flow: Successfully expand and curate a pipeline of high-potential investment opportunities.
2. Targeted Founder Support: Develop and implement tailored, impactful support strategies for founders in the pipeline.
3. Cross-Organizational Collaboration: Foster ongoing communication and collaboration between MSU, MSURF, and venture funds.