The University of New England (UNE) invites applications for an Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) in the College of Business. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced entrepreneur or business leader to help shape the next generation of innovators by driving entrepreneurial engagement and programming across UNE’s ecosystem.
The EIR will play a central role in connecting students with industry leaders and supporting the university’s innovation efforts, particularly through partnerships related to marine entrepreneurship and broader start-up development. The position will serve as a strategic advisor to the Dean of the College of Business and will work closely with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to promote hands-on learning, business incubation, and professional mentorship.
This is a half-time position (20 hours per week) with a flexible in-person schedule. The role is supervised by the Dean of the College of Business and is ideal for an experienced professional looking to contribute meaningfully to higher education and regional economic growth.
About the University of New England
UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.
Benefits Overview
- Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
- Up to 8% retirement plan match.
- Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
For more information about our outstanding benefits, please visit: UNE Benefits Overview
Responsibilities
Industry Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovation ecosystems in Maine, New England, and beyond.
- Create and support experiential learning opportunities such as internships, guest lectures, case studies, and student-led projects.
- Integrate real-world entrepreneurial experiences into the College’s curriculum.
- Collaborate with the Program Director of Marine Entrepreneurship to strengthen and grow UNE’s marine innovation initiatives.
Partnership Development & Alumni Engagement
- Cultivate partnerships with start-ups, venture firms, incubators, and innovation-focused organizations.
- Work with the Office of Student Success/Career Services, Institutional Advancement Alumni Affairs, and the Office of Innovation as appropriate, foster strong relationships with alumni, industry leaders, and professional organizations to facilitate mentorship opportunities, job placements, and provide ongoing support for current students and graduates.
- Work collaboratively with Career Services and Alumni Affairs to foster meaningful alumni and industry connections that support mentorship, networking, and career placement.
- Act as a liaison between the university and external stakeholders to build sustainable pipelines for student success and venture support.
Thought Leadership & Innovation Culture
- Promote faculty and student research in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development.
- Represent UNE’s College of Business in regional and national forums, elevating its profile within entrepreneurial communities.
Advisor to the Dean
- Provide high-level strategic counsel to the Dean on innovation, partnerships, and program development.
- Participate in committees and represent the College in select university and external engagements to further institutional goals.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field required; graduate degree preferred plus a minimum 10 years of industry experience, including leadership roles in start-ups or high-growth ventures or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
- Proven track record in entrepreneurship and/or venture creation.
- Strong professional network with demonstrated ability to connect people and ideas.
- Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Passion for student engagement, mentorship, and innovation in education.