Job Details

Director Muskegon Innovation Hub

Position Number: 6929890
Location: Allendale, MI
Position Type: Economic and Business Development

Director Muskegon Innovation Hub

Muskegon, MI
Full Time
R104107

This position is a visionary leader responsible for driving the strategic direction, growth, and operational success of the Muskegon Innovation Hub. This role fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in the region by creating partnerships, securing funding, and delivering programs that support startups, small businesses, and the community. This position ensures alignment with the university's mission while advancing the Hub's reputation as a center for innovation and collaboration.

Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $88,000-$117,000, commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties:

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to enhance the Hub's impact on innovation and entrepreneurship in Muskegon and the surrounding areas. Align the Hub's initiatives with GVSU's mission, values, and strategic goals. Foster an inclusive culture of collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.

Program Development and Management:

Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of programs and services that support entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Identify emerging trends and opportunities in innovation and implement responsive programs. Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and continuously improve services to maximize impact.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and state stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Serve as a spokesperson for the Hub, representing its mission and achievements to the community and media.

Resource Development:

Lead fundraising efforts, including securing grants, sponsorships, and other financial support. Collaborate with GVSU leadership and external partners to expand the Hub's resources and sustainability.

Operational and Financial Management:

Manage the day-to-day operations of the Hub, including staff supervision, budget oversight, and infrastructure maintenance. Manage the physical and technological infrastructure of the Hub to support its programs and services.

Team Leadership and Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop the Hub's team to foster professional growth and engagement. Create an inclusive, empowering workplace environment.
Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Master's degree in business administration, public administration, economic development, or a related field.
Minimum seven (7) years of leadership experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, economic development, or related areas.
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program development, and operational management.
Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience in securing and managing grants, sponsorships, or other funding sources.
Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to lead other staff and function independently with wide degree of creativity and latitude of action while also keeping senior management current on progress and critical operational issues.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Familiarity with the West Michigan/Lakeshore region's economic, cultural, and educational landscape.
Experience leading or working within a university-based innovation center or business incubator.
Knowledge of trends in technology, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Jamie Trout at troutj@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: Application closes March 2, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

To apply, visit https://gvsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Muskegon-MI/Director-Muskegon-Innovation-Hub_R104107