Entrepreneur-in-Residence Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Job Description

Since its founding in 1871, Smith College has been committed to educating women of promise for lives of distinction. The College is embarking on a series of experiential learning initiatives in keeping with its pioneering role. Cultivating innovation and entrepreneurship among Smithies has become increasingly important given the gender divides that permeate the fast-growing entrepreneurial economy.

At the Jill Ker Conway Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Smith College, we believe that innovation can come from anywhere, financial freedom is possible, entrepreneurship is for more than the chosen few, and everyone has a creative gift that can bring change in our world. Our mission is to embolden students to navigate life’s complexities by equipping them with the skills to move forward intentionally, manage resources confidently, and take financially sustainable action. Students are encouraged to embrace their ability to be ethical decision makers who drive change in our world.

The Center seeks a mission driven, results oriented Entrepreneur-in- Residence (EIR) to provide project development guidance to Smith students. The EIR will mentor students in the Conway Center’s early-stage incubator, develop content, and help build the infrastructure needed to support students at every point in their entrepreneurial journey. The EIR will bring strong entrepreneurial experience as founders, early team members of startups, or leaders of other creative projects.

The EIR will report to and work collaboratively with the Conway Center Director. This is a part-time position of ten hours per week during the 2024-2025 academic year. The Conway Center at Smith College is a student serving unit requiring in-person, on-campus interaction with the potential for online 1:1 student meetings.

Working with ambiguity, communicating across disciplinary boundaries, and promoting entrepreneurial growth from diverse populations, geographies, and sources of innovation are requirements of the role. A passion for educating women and gendered minorities is essential.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five years industry experience
• Experience leading a profitable and sustainable social venture
• Experience teaching, working with, or mentoring undergraduate students
• Excellent oral and written English language skills
• Ability to efficiently manage time
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Empathy, compassion, and high integrity are required attributes
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coaching/consulting very early-stage founders
• A deep understanding and commitment to the values and academic mission of Smith College and the willingness to contribute to that mission in a variety of ways
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to inspire and motivate students, alumnae, faculty and staff
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Product, technical, and/or creative industries expertise
  
  

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Please attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Position Type:

Fixed Term

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.