POSITION DETAILS
NYDesigns, an economic development program of the City University of New York (CUNY) at LaGuardia Community College, catalyzes growth for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the design, fabrication, technology, and maker communities. Our flagship program is our business incubator, which supports early-stage design and technical businesses through private studio space, communal workspace, a fabrication lab, and a network of business experts.
Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Workforce Development, the Director will lead the conception of the vision for the next phase in NYDesigns' development and the creation of innovative strategies for growth. The Director will be responsible for increasing the awareness of NYDesigns in New York City's entrepreneurial ecosystem, growing its network of partners, and securing ongoing private and public funding through grants and contracts. The mission of the Director will be, to position NYDesigns, as the Incubator at the intersection of design and technology in NYC. The Director will also oversee the implementation of incubation programs; supervise the operations of the NYDesigns FabLab; track and report on the progress of resident companies; and build new initiatives and programs that respond to the evolving needs of entrepreneurs, the tech and design industries, and the university. The ideal candidate will have a strong network in industries relevant to NYDesigns' endeavors (design, architecture, hardware or software development, fabrication, economic development, education, or other
related industries) in New York City and will use this network to attract potential program candidates,
partners, board members, and funders.
Other responsibilities include, but not limited to the following tasks:
Analyze marketplace, industry, and emerging-technology trends and envision programming that aligns NYDesigns' capacity with opportunities in the market
Create programs to support the growth of resident companies expressed in job creation and increases in capital and investment
Position NYDesigns as the nexus between the design and tech entrepreneurial ecosystem, the local community, and the college and continue to build a vibrant community of entrepreneurs
Manage the needs and expectations of a diverse constituency including university's administrators, academics, business and community partners, students, and entrepreneurs
Oversee the day-to-day operations of programs, including the incubator residency program, facility management, business development services, and fabrication services and lead NYDesigns' staff to ensure successful, efficient operations of the program
Oversee the financial management of NYDesigns and ensure the financial sustainability of the program through grants, client revenue, and other methods in compliance with all applicable College, CUNY, State and Federal rules and regulations for treatment of program funds from all sources.
Supervise the recruitment and evaluation of residency program applicants, and chair the selection committee
Lead the business development consultation program for residents and provide business advice as needed in the areas of: technology, finance and financing options (including VC and angel funding), marketing, operations, sales, distribution, and human resources. Refer to appropriate external resources as necessary.
Create a network of professionals to provide residents with advice on intellectual property, commercialization of new technology, innovation, product development, supply chain, and related topics
Lead the creation of promotional strategies to attract new residents, mentors, and funders.
Identify, create, and cultivate relationships with partner organizations including professional organizations, educational institutions, corporate sponsors, and service providers.
LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, Queens, was founded in 1971 as a bold experiment in opening the doors of higher education to all, and we proudly carry forward that legacy today. LaGuardia educates students through over 50 degree, certificate and continuing education programs, providing an inspiring place for students to achieve their dreams. Upon graduation, LaGuardia students' lives are transformed as family income increases by 17%, and students transfer to four-year colleges at three times the national average. Part of the City University of New York (CUNY), LaGuardia is a nationally recognized leader among community colleges for boundary-breaking success educating underserved students. At LaGuardia, we imagine new ideas, create new curricula and pioneer programs to make our community and our country stronger. Visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Masters degree with demonstrated skill and capacity in the areas of business administration, finance, marketing, information technology management, or other relevant experience
Business experience and/or success in management positions in relevant areas
Strong working knowledge of the design and tech industries and hands-on experience working with entrepreneurs or small businesses in these industries
Ability to identify design and tech entrepreneurs' needs, coach residents effectively, and facilitate their access to outside resources
Ability to effectively market the incubator to potential clients, sponsors, and stakeholders
Excellent verbal, written, presentation and negotiation skills
Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at once and handle complex situations
Grant or proposal-writing experience
Familiarity with academic institutions.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW
Oversees a broad range of fiscal and program responsibilities for Continuing Education and related external programs
* Provides leadership for the development and implementation of new programs of study and ensures the coordination and implementation of program components.
* Plans, markets and implements College programs in Continuing Education, developing overall programs and overseeing development of content, budgets, and marketing strategies.
* Develops funding proposals; solicits grant information and provides leadership and guidance in partnering with community and governmental agencies.
* Provide fiscal oversight and evaluation; develops strategic and operating plans; reports progress and results to management.
* Oversees a comprehensive marketing and public information program.
* Manages staff of the Continuing Education office.
* Represents Continuing Education within the College community and externally.
* Performs related duties as assigned.
Job Title Name: Continuing Education Director
CUNY TITLE
Higher Education Officer
FLSA
Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary commensurate with education and experience.
CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, go to www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.
Please attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and the contact information for three professional references as one document in rtf, doc or pdf format.
CLOSING DATE
Open until filled. Review of resume may begin on August 24, 2015.
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
*Job Title:* Continuing Education Director - NYDesigns
*Job ID:* 13353
*Location:* LaGuardia Community College
*Full/Part Time:* Full-Time
*Regular/Temporary:* Regular