Entrepreneur in Residence

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are searching for talented people to join our mission. Come to KSU and find your passion.
 

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. 

This position directly supports the service and economic development missions of Kennesaw State University to the State of Georgia. Primarily this position provides entrepreneurial incubation and acceleration services to HatchBridge Incubator member companies in strategic areas that foster development and encourage their growth. HatchBridge EIRs (Entrepreneur-In-Residence) are comprised of seasoned entrepreneurs and/or angel investors with successful business backgrounds in order to help guide HatchBridge companies through crucial strategic and/or high growth/funding stages. Incumbents in this role must possess recent early-stage startup experience serving in a leadership role as a startup founder, C-level member, or early team lead.

This position is considered limited-term staff and   is currently only secured through February 1, 2026. Employment thereafter will be conditional based on continued need or availability of funding.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Evaluate and assess business potential of HatchBridge Incubator applicant companies and provide recommendations for membership when appropriate.
2. Cultivate and advise member companies in strategic areas that foster development and encourage growth of assigned technology startups.
3. Educate and provide guidance in appropriate business development and operational areas that support development and growth.
4. Manage and cultivate relationships with investors and technology leaders to promote market outreach and business development.
5. Develop and support the delivery of entrepreneurial programs and/or events to promote business development and growth among member companies and applicants.
6. Identify and/or develop resources to cultivate and assist member companies and applicants.
7. Develop and manage a community-benefitting project in collaboration with HatchBridge Leadership to advance the HatchBridge ecosystem and mission.

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education 
Required Experience
Five (5) years of industry/business experience
Experience in a business start-up or as a founder or early employee in a start-up or another new innovation-driven organization

Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Background navigating the intersection of consumer desirability, technical feasibility, and business model viability to deliver profitable growth ideas
Preferred Experience
Experience guiding new business strategies and advocating for invocation

ABILITIES
Ability to motivate, mentor, and lead diverse teams
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, peers, academics, and other professionals including external agencies, with varied interests and perspectives
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Demonstrated knowledge of early-state development and funding of companies
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
 

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

• Standard Enhanced
• Education
• MVR

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf
 

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time
This position does not require security clearance.