Director | Kendra Scott Womens Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute

Job Posting Title:

Director, Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute

Hiring Department:

Department of Management

Position Open To:

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details:

General Notes

Texas McCombs is a top business school at the center of one of the most innovative cities in the U.S. The McCombs community champions hands-on experiences alongside the ground-breaking research and thought leadership of a world-class faculty. The collaborative spirit and enterprising drive of the Longhorn alumni network one of the largest university networks in the world, is embedded in our culture, making us human-centered and future-focused in all our endeavors. We are shaping those who will shape tomorrow, and solving challenging problems while remaining committed to creating a community that is dynamic, supportive, and challenging. What starts here really does change the world.

For more information about Texas McCombs please visit: Texas McCombs Link and learn more about UT benefits here: UT Benefits Link

Purpose

The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) at The University of Texas will strengthen the next generation of courageous, creative leaders who will change the world – in business and beyond. KS WELI creates space and resources for creatives, leaders, and founders to become a community of empowered and equipped visionaries. Our vision is to boldly grow and support the number of women-owned and women-led businesses at The University of Texas. We support undergraduate, graduate, alumni, staff, and faculty Longhorns. KS WELI designs curated content to inspire and equip Longhorns in their entrepreneurial journey while providing community along the way.

The Director is at the helm of the daily operations, management, and leadership of the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI). This role autonomously steers KS WELI toward its vision and strategic goals while collaborating with and reporting to the Director of Undergraduate Entrepreneurship at the McCombs School of Business to ensure long-term success and growth. Currently in its fourth year, the Director will play a pivotal role during the Institute’s hyper-growth phase. This position offers the unique opportunity to reimagine and scale programming, creating greater impact and positioning the Institute at the cutting edge of innovation and transformative change in the entrepreneurial landscape at The University of Texas and beyond.

This role requires a combination of strong leadership, strategic thinking, fundraising, program management, and interpersonal skills, along with a deep understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Lead KS WELI’s operations and initiatives, setting strategic goals and ensuring alignment with the broader mission of Texas McCombs and UT Austin. Develop curriculum and implement strategies to scale programs in accordance with University policies as well as state and federal legislation.
• Oversee the development and management of programs and services offered by KS WELI including signature events, workshops, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, funding opportunities for founders, and the Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE) Specialization, as well as growth and expansion efforts beyond the Forty Acres.
• Consistently evaluate the effectiveness of KS WELI’s programs and initiatives. Establish KPIs, develop impact reports, and regularly communicate metrics to board members and key stakeholders highlighting identified progress, challenges, and successes.
• Develop the budget and allocate resources efficiently to support various programs and initiatives.
• Remain engaged with entrepreneurship industry trends, best practices, and policy developments to elevate KS WELI’s national profile.

Development & External Affairs

• Assist the Director of Undergraduate Entrepreneurship in securing funding for KS WELI through grants, sponsorships, donor relations, and corporate partnerships.
• Collaborate with University development to steward development activities, planned giving opportunities, and projects to advance center priorities and strategic goals.
• Manage a student, alumni, and advisory board to identify and develop engagement opportunities, as well as cultivate relationships with Austin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Direct University-led fundraising efforts (e.g., 40 for Forty) and business development activities including Kendra Scott ‘Give-Backs.’
• Serve as the primary stakeholder to the Kendra Scott Center located in the College of Fine Arts.
• Field Kendra Scott LLC and Kendra Scott Foundation requests for local media coverage, engagements, and events.

Staff Management

• Manage a team of full-time and part-time staff of four. Assign work on KS WELI’s strategic initiatives and support the team through growth and development.
• Direct and support the Assistant Director managing a team of 10 student interns.

Event & Marketing Management

• Lead the event strategy for KS WELI, including supporting and scaling existing KS WELI program series: SHEspeaks, SHEreads, EmpowHER Hours as well as the International Women’s Day celebration, Founder Marketplace, Senior Celebration and Showcase.
• Direct and support the maintenance of the KS WELI website & e-newsletter, including the Student Board emBOLDen Blog and Founding Fearless Podcast, as well as execute content across communication platforms, including @kswelinstitute social media platforms.
• Support and manage the program, events, and initiatives in partnership with Student Board, Alumni Board, and identified campus partners.

Required Qualifications

Other Duties as Assigned

• Bachelor’s degree plus 10 years of professional experience working with entrepreneurial endeavors, such as startups, venture capitalists, incubators, and/or accelerators.
• Experience designing and implementing strategic initiatives in complex industries or institutions. Extensive experience in project management, budgeting, impact tracking and reporting.
• Extensive experience prioritizing efforts within multiple, ongoing projects and independent decision-making and problem-solving experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a proven record of accomplishment in communicating effectively to a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and experience interacting with multiple, high-level stakeholders (e.g., donors, campus leadership, corporate partners, advisory boards, faculty, staff, and students).
• Thorough knowledge of entrepreneurship terminology, processes, and organizations including entrepreneurial finance and business plan development.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with higher education or similar public sectors.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing teams.
• Personal entrepreneurship experience (small business owner, freelancer, startup founder, social entrepreneur, etc.).
• Demonstrated track record of significant fundraising and stewardship success ($1M+ gifts).

Salary Range

$100,000 - $105,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Works in standard office conditions with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Requires flexibility for weekend/evening events and programming.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of work visas.
• This is an Austin, TX-based position and is eligible for hybrid work.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest