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Associate Director Innovation Entrepreneurship Jobs

University of Akron Research Foundation

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Innovation Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Akron, OH · On-site

$70K/yr

... Director of the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF). This role is ideal for a creative ... innovation or entrepreneurship. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Strong ...

AbbVie

Associate Director, Innovation

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$141K/yr

As Associate Director, Innovation, you will partner with leaders across AbbVie to optimize the value of our portfolio of current and future assets. The team is seeking a high-performing individual ...

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Associate Director Innovation Entrepreneurship information

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$30.5K

$102.7K

$173K

How much do associate director innovation entrepreneurship jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director innovation entrepreneurship in the United States is $102,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate director innovation entrepreneurship do?

An Associate Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is responsible for leading programs and initiatives that foster innovation and support entrepreneurial activities within an organization or institution. Their duties typically include developing strategy, managing innovation projects, mentoring startups or teams, securing funding, and building partnerships with industry and academic stakeholders. They play a key role in identifying new opportunities, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and driving a culture of creative problem-solving. This position often involves overseeing incubators, accelerators, and educational programs related to entrepreneurship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director innovation entrepreneurship?

To thrive as an Associate Director of Innovation Entrepreneurship, you need expertise in business development, strategic planning, and innovation management, often supported by an advanced degree in business, entrepreneurship, or a related field. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, project management tools, and data analytics platforms is typically required. Outstanding leadership, networking, and communication skills help in fostering partnerships and driving cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for successfully identifying opportunities, nurturing new ventures, and leading organizational growth initiatives.

What are the primary challenges an associate director innovation entrepreneurship faces when fostering a culture of innovation within a university or organization?

One of the main challenges in this role is balancing the need for creative experimentation with the organization’s existing processes and risk tolerance. Associate Directors often work to bridge gaps between academic researchers, students, and external partners, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Additionally, securing funding and resources for new initiatives can be competitive, demanding strategic planning and persuasive proposal development. Navigating these challenges successfully helps create an environment where innovative ideas are supported and can thrive.

What is the difference between Associate Director Innovation Entrepreneurship vs Innovation Manager?

AspectAssociate Director Innovation EntrepreneurshipInnovation Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Business, Innovation, or related fields; experience in entrepreneurshipBachelor's or Master's in Business, Innovation, or related fields; some experience in innovation projects
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in innovation initiatives, cross-departmental collaborationManaging innovation projects, coordinating teams, implementing new ideas
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, startup, and academic settings focusing on entrepreneurshipCommon in corporate and organizational settings focusing on product or process innovation

The Associate Director Innovation Entrepreneurship typically holds a more strategic and leadership-oriented role, overseeing innovation initiatives and entrepreneurship programs. In contrast, an Innovation Manager focuses on managing specific innovation projects and implementing new ideas. Both roles require relevant education and experience, but the Associate Director often has broader responsibilities and a higher level of seniority within the organization.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Director Innovation Entrepreneurship jobs?

For Associate Director Innovation Entrepreneurship jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Director Innovation Entrepreneurship job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,728 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Innovation Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Akron, OH • On-site

University of Akron Research Foundation
Education Programs Administration • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about University of Akron Research Foundationexternal

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

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Job description

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.