Innovation Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Job Description for

Innovation Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Job Summary                                                                                                                                                                                                             

The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Coordinator (IEC) leads entrepreneurship programming, delivers instructional support, and manages grant tracking and reporting. This role plays a key part in advancing The University of Akron's (UA) innovation and technology commercialization initiatives and reports directly to the Executive Director of the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF).

This role is ideal for a creative problem solver who thrives at the intersection of innovation, education, and commercialization. The IEC will be instrumental in developing and delivering experiential learning opportunities, supporting research translation, and mentoring teams through the Lean Startup methodology.

Duties & Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                                                        

• Lead Instruction & Facilitation
• • Teach and facilitate NSF I-Corps courses using Lean LaunchPad and customer discovery methods.
  • Support regional and national I-Corps initiatives, aligning with NSF guidelines and standards.
  • Teach and develop both current and additional UARF programming for early stage entrepreneurs from both institutions of higher education and community at large.
• Program Development & Coordination
• • Plan, organize, and manage cohort schedules, team applications, and mentor matching.
  • Design engaging learning materials, exercises, and assessments tailored to academic researchers and early-stage innovators.
• Team Support & Mentorship
• • Provide ongoing coaching to teams navigating customer discovery, value proposition development, and business model refinement.
  • Identify commercialization pathways and connect teams to resources, mentors, and follow-on funding opportunities.
• Outreach & Ecosystem Building
• • Collaborate with university departments across all disciplines to identify and recruit potential I-Corps participants.
  • Promote entrepreneurship across campus and the wider community including both regional and state outreach, and support integration into STEM curricula and research initiatives.

·       Reporting & Evaluation

• • Track program metrics and participant outcomes.
  • Prepare reports for internal stakeholders, grant funders, and NSF compliance.

Skills & Competencies                                                                                                                                                                              

•  Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in business, STEM, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a relevant area such as technology transfer, economic development, entrepreneurship, and instructional programming or the corporate sector. 
• Strong understanding of innovation principles, customer discovery, or Lean Startup methodology.
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or facilitating workshops, especially in innovation or entrepreneurship.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for helping others translate research into impact.