Executive Director, Business Incubator

About San Francisco Bay University: San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), an independent, nonprofit, WASC-accredited institution in the heart of Silicon Valley, is seeking its inaugural Executive Director for the Business Incubator. As a forward-thinking university, SFBU is committed to disrupting traditional higher education by removing barriers and empowering students to succeed. Our mission is to offer diverse learners inclusive, innovative, and inspiring education that drives lifelong personal and professional growth. We aim to set a national and international standard for engaged, transformative higher education in service of the common good.

At SFBU, students are our priority. We cultivate a community where personal engagement among students, faculty, and staff is central, while offering affordable, high-quality education. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice is at the core of everything we do. To learn more about our vision and goals, please review our strategic plan at https://www.sfbu.edu/why-we-are-here/strategic-plan.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director of SFBU’s Business Incubator will provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight to foster a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. This role will drive the incubator's mission to support the growth of innovative startups, entrepreneurial ventures, and community collaborations. The Executive Director will lead all aspects of the incubator’s operations, including program development, partnerships, fundraising, community outreach, and financial management. The Executive Director will also ensure the alignment of the incubator’s goals with SFBU's broader mission of innovation and student success.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a strong entrepreneurial background, proven experience in business development, and a passion for fostering innovation in higher education.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Vision:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the business incubator, aligning with SFBU’s mission and long-term goals.

• Lead the development of innovative incubation programs that provide mentorship, resources, and support services for startups and entrepreneurs.

• Oversee the community certificate program in entrepreneurship, ensuring it provides valuable skills and knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs in the local community

• Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the university, promoting the incubator as a hub for students, faculty, and external stakeholders.

• Establish measurable metrics to track the success, growth, and impact of incubated businesses, using data-driven approaches to guide continuous improvement.

Partnerships and Ecosystem Building:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with industry partners, venture capitalists, angel investors, alumni, government agencies, and economic development organizations to provide resources, funding, and opportunities for incubated ventures.

• Lead outreach efforts to engage the broader community, including local businesses, civic organizations, and community leaders, to promote the incubator and recruit clients, mentors, and partners.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the incubator and external stakeholders, advocating for SFBU’s role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

Fundraising and Financial Management:

• Secure funding for incubator operations through partnerships, grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic efforts.

• Develop and manage the incubator’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource allocation to support its programs and clients.

Mentorship and Startup Support:

• Create and oversee a structured mentorship program, providing guidance and support to entrepreneurs and startups.

• Support clients in business development, strategic planning, marketing, and securing funding, monitoring their progress, and helping them achieve their business goals.

• Collaborate with SFBU’s future Innovation Center and other university resources to leverage technical assistance and prototyping support for startups.

Operations and Facility Management:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the incubator, including space management, staffing, and administrative processes.

• Oversee lease agreements, facility contracts, and vendor relationships to ensure effective operations.

• Ensure the incubator adheres to best practices in business incubation, promoting the successful graduation of clients and contributing to a sustainable regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Community Engagement and Advocacy:

• Represent SFBU’s Business Incubator at local, regional, and national events, conferences, and workshops, advocating for the university’s role in entrepreneurship.

• Organize events, workshops, and conferences to promote the incubator’s mission, recruit clients, and engage with the broader community.

• Develop marketing and communication strategies to raise awareness of the incubator’s programs and successes.

Skills and Abilities:

• Leadership and Vision: Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, drive innovation, and communicate a long-term vision for the incubator.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Deep understanding of startup ecosystems, venture creation, and business growth strategies.

• Partnership Building: Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage with investors, partners, and community leaders.

• Financial Acumen: Experience in fundraising, budget management, and creating sustainable financial models for startup programs.

• Mentorship and Development: Strong coaching and advisory skills to support entrepreneurs and startups.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent SFBU in public forums and engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Cultural Competency: Ability to work effectively in a diverse university environment, promoting inclusivity in entrepreneurial endeavors.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business administration, entrepreneurship, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in business development, entrepreneurship, or management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Proven track record of supporting startup growth, including experience in fundraising, investor relations, and business incubation.

• Strong understanding of technology trends and innovation ecosystems, including knowledge of SaaS, AI, cloud platforms, Design Thinking and other emerging technologies.

• Experience in higher education and working with diverse communities is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing a university-based business incubator or innovation hub.

• Knowledge of best practices in business incubation, including client graduation, industry benchmarks, and entrepreneurial support programs.

• Familiarity with regional economic development strategies and collaborations with local businesses and government agencies.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

This position description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

SFBU is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer: SFBU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. SFBU does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.