University of St. Thomas
Senior Director, Schulze School of Entrepreneurship
University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
OVERVIEW
The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Senior Director, Schulze School of Entrepreneurship position within the Opus College of Business.
Although the position is anchored on the Minneapolis campus and requires regular activity on the St. Paul campus, the Senior Director, Schulze School of Entrepreneurship will frequently conduct work at various off-campus locations to meet with external partners. Accordingly, the role incorporates a flexible work environment but is not designated as a traditional remote or work-from-home position.
The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:
Tuition Remission
for employees, spouses, and dependents
Generous Retirement Contributions
to support your future
Comprehensive Health Coverage
including medical, dental, and vision
Fully Paid Insurance : disability, life, and AD&D
Paid Parental Leave
to support growing families
Salary Range: $86,200 to $127,385
The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
JOB SUMMARY The Senior Director provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship within the Opus College of Business. Reporting to the Associate Dean, the Senior Director translates vision into strategy and institutional impact - driving initiatives that advance entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the University of St. Thomas and throughout the broader business and innovation ecosystem.
This role advances the Schulze School’s strategic priorities by aligning people, programs, and partnerships to deliver measurable results. The Senior Director cultivates high-impact relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and foundations; champions collaboration across colleges and departments; and ensures the Schulze School’s continued recognition as a national leader in entrepreneurship education and innovation.
The Senior Director oversees a dynamic portfolio of programs, initiatives, and partnerships, ensuring alignment with school, college and institutional goals. Serving as a key representative of the Schulze School, this position leads brand and sponsorship strategies, strengthens philanthropic and industry partnerships, and amplifies the school’s visibility and reputation across campus and nationally. Success in this role demands strategic foresight, cross-functional influence, and entrepreneurial leadership to expand the Schulze School’s reach, reputation, and measurable impact.
Some local and national travel required (5-10 % annually).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment (30%) · Lead the development and execution of strategies that translate the Schulze School’s vision into measurable institutional outcomes.
· Direct a diverse portfolio of programs, partnerships and initiatives, applying strategies that maximize institutional impact and alignment with Schulze School and university priorities.
· Drive initiatives that position the Schulze School as a national leader in entrepreneurship education, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
· Shape long-term goals, partnerships, and performance metrics that advance university and college priorities.
· Inspire and empower staff, faculty, and collaborators to deliver programs that embody the entrepreneurial mindset and mission of the Schulze School.
· Set the strategy for recruitment and retention, including directing the Schulze Innovation Scholarship, in partnership with the central admissions and enrollment team
2. External and Alumni Engagement (25%) · Advance the Schulze School’s external engagement strategy, cultivating high-impact relationships with alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and community organizations.
· Collaborate with University Advancement to align philanthropic and sponsorship opportunities with strategic priorities.
· Build innovative partnerships that create experiential learning, mentorship, and innovation opportunities for students and alumni.
· Represent the Schulze School at community, corporate, and industry forums to strengthen visibility and reputation.
· Serve on relevant boards and professional networks to enhance the Schulze School’s presence and influence.
3. Cross-Campus Collaboration and Ecosystem Development (20%) · Champion entrepreneurship and innovation across all colleges and disciplines, fostering a culture of collaboration and creative problem-solving.
· Collaborate with Associate Deans within the Opus College of Business to drive corporate innovation initiatives that bridge academia and industry.
· Provide strategic direction for youth and pre-college entrepreneurship initiatives, aligning outreach and talent development with institutional pathways.
· Strengthen connections among university centers, institutes, and partners to amplify St. Thomas’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and national reputation.
4. Marketing, Brand, and Strategic Communication (15%) · Shape and direct the Schulze School’s marketing, communications, and brand strategy in partnership with the OCB Marketing & Insights team.
· Elevate the school’s visibility and reputation through storytelling, rankings, and thought-leadership initiatives.
· Guide sponsorships and strategic partnerships that extend brand reach and reinforce the Schulze School’s position as a national leader.
Ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across all marketing and communication channels.
5. Resource Stewardship and Organizational Excellence (10%) · Align budgets, staffing, and resources with strategic priorities to ensure sustainability and high performance.
· Lead foundation and donor reporting to demonstrate impact, accountability, and return on investment.
· Cultivate a high-performing team culture grounded in collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation to ensure operational efficiency and excellence.
· Leverage data and performance analytics to inform strategic decision-making and measure institutional outcomes.
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required in business, education, or a related field from an accredited institution
Minimum of seven years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, entrepreneurship, corporate innovation, or related area
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, partnership cultivation, and organizational leadership
Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration across academic and external communities
An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may be substituted.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated success in designing, launching, and scaling innovative educational or co-curricular programs, at an entrepreneurship or innovation support organization
MBA or other graduate degree from an AACSB-accredited business school
Experience advancing strategic initiatives and working within a philanthropically funded environment, including collaboration with advancement and donor stewardship teams
Proven record of building partnerships that enhance institutional visibility and impact.
HOW TO APPLY All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.
In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.
Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs>
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Although the position is anchored on the Minneapolis campus and requires regular activity on the St. Paul campus, the Senior Director, Schulze School of Entrepreneurship will frequently conduct work at various off-campus locations to meet with external partners. Accordingly, the role incorporates a flexible work environment but is not designated as a traditional remote or work-from-home position.
The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:
Tuition Remission
for employees, spouses, and dependents
Generous Retirement Contributions
to support your future
Comprehensive Health Coverage
including medical, dental, and vision
Fully Paid Insurance : disability, life, and AD&D
Paid Parental Leave
to support growing families
Salary Range: $86,200 to $127,385
The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
JOB SUMMARY The Senior Director provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship within the Opus College of Business. Reporting to the Associate Dean, the Senior Director translates vision into strategy and institutional impact - driving initiatives that advance entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the University of St. Thomas and throughout the broader business and innovation ecosystem.
This role advances the Schulze School’s strategic priorities by aligning people, programs, and partnerships to deliver measurable results. The Senior Director cultivates high-impact relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and foundations; champions collaboration across colleges and departments; and ensures the Schulze School’s continued recognition as a national leader in entrepreneurship education and innovation.
The Senior Director oversees a dynamic portfolio of programs, initiatives, and partnerships, ensuring alignment with school, college and institutional goals. Serving as a key representative of the Schulze School, this position leads brand and sponsorship strategies, strengthens philanthropic and industry partnerships, and amplifies the school’s visibility and reputation across campus and nationally. Success in this role demands strategic foresight, cross-functional influence, and entrepreneurial leadership to expand the Schulze School’s reach, reputation, and measurable impact.
Some local and national travel required (5-10 % annually).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment (30%) · Lead the development and execution of strategies that translate the Schulze School’s vision into measurable institutional outcomes.
· Direct a diverse portfolio of programs, partnerships and initiatives, applying strategies that maximize institutional impact and alignment with Schulze School and university priorities.
· Drive initiatives that position the Schulze School as a national leader in entrepreneurship education, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
· Shape long-term goals, partnerships, and performance metrics that advance university and college priorities.
· Inspire and empower staff, faculty, and collaborators to deliver programs that embody the entrepreneurial mindset and mission of the Schulze School.
· Set the strategy for recruitment and retention, including directing the Schulze Innovation Scholarship, in partnership with the central admissions and enrollment team
2. External and Alumni Engagement (25%) · Advance the Schulze School’s external engagement strategy, cultivating high-impact relationships with alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and community organizations.
· Collaborate with University Advancement to align philanthropic and sponsorship opportunities with strategic priorities.
· Build innovative partnerships that create experiential learning, mentorship, and innovation opportunities for students and alumni.
· Represent the Schulze School at community, corporate, and industry forums to strengthen visibility and reputation.
· Serve on relevant boards and professional networks to enhance the Schulze School’s presence and influence.
3. Cross-Campus Collaboration and Ecosystem Development (20%) · Champion entrepreneurship and innovation across all colleges and disciplines, fostering a culture of collaboration and creative problem-solving.
· Collaborate with Associate Deans within the Opus College of Business to drive corporate innovation initiatives that bridge academia and industry.
· Provide strategic direction for youth and pre-college entrepreneurship initiatives, aligning outreach and talent development with institutional pathways.
· Strengthen connections among university centers, institutes, and partners to amplify St. Thomas’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and national reputation.
4. Marketing, Brand, and Strategic Communication (15%) · Shape and direct the Schulze School’s marketing, communications, and brand strategy in partnership with the OCB Marketing & Insights team.
· Elevate the school’s visibility and reputation through storytelling, rankings, and thought-leadership initiatives.
· Guide sponsorships and strategic partnerships that extend brand reach and reinforce the Schulze School’s position as a national leader.
Ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across all marketing and communication channels.
5. Resource Stewardship and Organizational Excellence (10%) · Align budgets, staffing, and resources with strategic priorities to ensure sustainability and high performance.
· Lead foundation and donor reporting to demonstrate impact, accountability, and return on investment.
· Cultivate a high-performing team culture grounded in collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation to ensure operational efficiency and excellence.
· Leverage data and performance analytics to inform strategic decision-making and measure institutional outcomes.
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required in business, education, or a related field from an accredited institution
Minimum of seven years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, entrepreneurship, corporate innovation, or related area
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, partnership cultivation, and organizational leadership
Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration across academic and external communities
An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may be substituted.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated success in designing, launching, and scaling innovative educational or co-curricular programs, at an entrepreneurship or innovation support organization
MBA or other graduate degree from an AACSB-accredited business school
Experience advancing strategic initiatives and working within a philanthropically funded environment, including collaboration with advancement and donor stewardship teams
Proven record of building partnerships that enhance institutional visibility and impact.
HOW TO APPLY All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.
In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.
Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs>
#J-18808-Ljbffr