Job Title
Executive Dir, New Venture Accelerator
Posting Number
P2327F
Job Description Summary
Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business (HCOB) invites applicants for the position of Executive Director of the New Venture Accelerator (NVA). This position is non-tenure track, non-tenure eligible, and is envisioned to be a part-time position. It is not a requirement that the individual taking this position work primarily from Auburn but should ensure sufficient presence in Auburn to fulfill the responsibilities and achieve success. A significant, regular presence in Auburn is expected.
The New Venture Accelerator, founded in 2016, is jointly managed and governed by the Harbert College of Business and the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation (ARTF). The Princeton Review recognizes Auburn University as one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the country, ranked at 41st in the country in 2025 (#1 in Alabama, #2 in the SEC, #9 in the south and #22 among all public universities). The NVA is a central component of Auburn’s thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem supporting students, faculty, and alumni from across all 13 of Auburn’s colleges. Auburn is seeking an executive to lead the next stage in growth, development, and impact of the NVA.
About Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator
The New Venture Accelerator seeks to advance and support entrepreneurship across Auburn University, empower Auburn-affiliated entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, and serve as the nexus between Auburn University and the broader start-up community.
Mission: The New Venture Accelerator supports Auburn students, faculty, alumni and community entrepreneurs in rapidly growing their early-stage ventures through our state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, education, funding, and networking.
Vision: Building on the foundation of success, Auburn’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, the NVA will continue to support Auburn University’s land grant mission, serve as a catalyst for outside economic development, and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our community and state.
Our goal is to become a Top 10 nationally ranked entrepreneurship center by evolving its programs, scope and impact across 6 pillars:
- Academic & Experiential Learning Programs – Leveraging the current NVA programs and in collaboration with the college’s academic curriculum, expand the NVA’s and university’s entrepreneurship education and experiential learning programs.
- Alumni Entrepreneurship Programs – Define & implement a range of programs, mentorship, and networks to support the broader Auburn community of entrepreneurs.
- World-class Incubator Facility – In collaboration with ARTF, continue to manage and expand the NVA’s facilities to offer a wider range of facilities and capabilities.
- Expanded Sources of Start-up Capital – Building on the initial success of the pitch competitions and Kickstart Fund, define and buildout additional capital sources for Auburn entrepreneurs.
- Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships – Leveraging the success of Auburn’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, establish and nurture on-going corporate relationships and sponsorships to support the expanded set of programs and initiatives.
- Increased Commercialization – In coordination with IPX, Auburn’s technology transfer office, proactively identify, nurture and drive opportunities for commercialization of Auburn research to drive new business formation and create incremental revenue for Auburn University.
Job Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities of this position include:
- Provide strategic leadership for the New Venture Accelerator, encompassing the full scope of its mission and activities.
- Coordinate with the HCOB dean, ARTF leadership, deans of the other Auburn colleges, executive director of Auburn’s IPX, and other relevant campus leaders to grow and expand Auburn’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Coordinate with the Director of the Lowder Center for Entrepreneurship and HCOB entrepreneurship faculty to strengthen Auburn’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Serve as the public representative of the New Venture Accelerator, HCOB and Auburn University to the start-up community, angel investors, state representatives, corporate partners, donors, stakeholders, alumni, and students.
- Coordinate with Auburn and HCOB Advancement Officers to identify, nurture, and secure financial support for the NVA and the broader Auburn entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Manage and develop NVA’s team of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence.
- Work closely with the NVA administrative director to plan and execute NVA’s programs.
About Auburn University: The Auburn family values tradition yet eagerly prepares for the future. Rooted in more than 160 years of tradition, Auburn University occupies 1,841 acres and is the academic home to more than 30,000 students. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success, and public/private partnerships garners a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health, and societal impact. Auburn University is one of the best places to work in the state of Alabama, according to the 2024 America’s Best-in-State Employers list released by Forbes magazine. Auburn University is classified as an R1, Very High Research University, by the Carnegie Foundation, generates large amounts of research funding, and has a growing number of endowed faculty chairs and professorships. More information about the university is available at https://www.auburn.edu/
Location: Auburn, AL, is a vibrant and thriving college town and community. Southern Living recently recognized the city of Auburn as one of the top small towns in the South, and Money magazine named Auburn the best place to live in Alabama. Known as the ‘Loveliest Village on the Plains,’ Auburn offers a high quality of life, including a vibrant cultural scene at the new Gogue Performing Arts Center, SEC sports throughout the academic year, national award-winning chefs and restaurants, a K-12 school system that is top-ranked in the state, general and concierge healthcare options, and an exceptional College of Veterinary Medicine for pet care. Chewacla State Park, just five miles from campus, offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and boating opportunities. Auburn’s historical sister town, Opelika, is a fifteen-minute drive and has become known for its eclectic downtown offerings, including multiple breweries, boutiques, and hobby shops. The Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport is only 90 minutes away, with numerous shuttle service options to/from Auburn daily. Birmingham is a similar drive to the north, and Montgomery, the state capital, is only 50 minutes to the southwest. Beaches and mountains are only a 3-4-hour drive. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability employer.
Minimum Qualifications
Job Qualifications: A successful candidate will have a strong understanding of and experience with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Alabama, across the Southeast, and nationally, including familiarity with key incubators, angel investors, and emerging market trends. Experience as a successful entrepreneur, building and leading start-up businesses is required. This person will also have a demonstrated capacity to establish, cultivate and manage professional relationships, develop a collaborative team of executives, manage a departmental operating budget, and the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Some travel is expected. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of fifteen years of relevant experience is required.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge and experience with other university-based entrepreneurship and innovation programs, while not required, would be desired. A graduate degree (Ph.D., J.D., or master’s) from an accredited college or university is desired but not required. Significant and outstanding experience as an entrepreneur is an adequate substitute for a graduate degree.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Process: Review of application materials will begin March 16, 2026 and continue until qualified candidates are selected and recommended for appointment. To be actively considered for these positions, interested candidates must submit a brief cover letter outlining their interest in the position, a curriculum vitae/resume, and contact information for three references.
All application materials should be submitted to: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/58300
Salary Range: $100,000 – $125,000 part-time
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.
Open Until Filled
Yes
References required for this position?
Yes
If yes, minimum number requested
3
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