Associate Director, Blank Center for Entrepreneurship

The Associate Director, Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship is a key member of the Blank Center Management team and contributes to the development of Center and AMBSEL strategy, thought leadership, and evolution of the mission. The Associate Director plays a pivotal role in supporting the design, management, and evolution of the Blank Center's student and alumni entrepreneurship programming. In collaboration with the Executive Director, the Associate Director serves as the strategic and operational leader driving the vision, roadmap, and continuous improvement for a multi-program portfolio including Butler Launch Pad and Butler Institute programs and events and Blank Center conferences such as BCERC. Acting as both a portfolio owner and cross-campus liaison, this role oversees a broad range of initiatives-including events, marketing efforts, engagement programs, and lifelong learning experiences-ensuring alignment with institutional goals and delivery of high-impact outcomes.

In this position, the Associate Director provides programmatic oversight, operational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven improvement across the Center's key entrepreneurship initiatives. It blends portfolio ownership with stakeholder management, innovation leadership, and oversees operational execution. The Associate Director shapes the direction of key systems and processes and partners with internal and external stakeholders to enhance experiences, improve performance, and scale the Blank Center & Blank School's reach.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Program & Portfolio Ownership & Strategic Leadership

• Define and communicate a clear product vision and roadmap for Butler Launch Pad and Butler Institute events, engagement programs, and Blank Center conferences ensuring alignment with institutional strategy.
• Develop frameworks and processes to elevate program consistency, quality, and scalability.
• Provide guidance and direction to Program Managers.

Events, Conferences & Operational Oversight

• Provide expert input on Blank Center's Butler Launch Pad and Butler Institute events, BCERC/Blank Center conferences, including design, programming, and participant experience.
• Make decisions regarding budgets, logistics, and resource allocation within the Blank Center's Butler Launch Pad and Butler Institute program portfolio.
• Manage vendor relationships and technology platforms supporting registration, applications, and program operations.
• Develop systems to monitor and report on event and conference progress, budget performance, operational risks, and cross-team dependencies.
• Explore and implement innovations that enhance efficiency, scalability, or participant experience across the event lifecycle.

Stakeholder Liaison & Cross-Campus Collaboration

• Cultivate relationships with alumni entrepreneurs, mentors, speakers, and partners.
• Serve as a primary liaison for internal units including IT, Marketing, Event Management, Finance, and all Centers & Institutes.
• Represent the Blank School and Blank Center at internal and external events including in conversations with external partners, vendors, collaborative organizations, and sponsors.
• Manage complex, diverse stakeholder needs with professionalism, influence, and clarity.
• Ensure strong communication pathways across departments to align expectations, timelines, and deliverables.

Portfolio & Program Leadership

• Oversee a multiprogram portfolio including events, marketing initiatives, engagement programs, and lifelong learning efforts for the Blank Center for Entrepreneurship.
• Drive transparency and risk management across all initiatives, reporting progress to leadership on a regular basis.
• Lead ongoing improvement efforts across Blank Center processes, systems, and cross-functional workflows.
• Drive collaboration efforts across Blank School programming where appropriate.

Assume additional responsibilities as required.

YOUR TEAM WILL INCLUDE

Interns/Student Workers

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED

Bachelor's degree required

A minimum of 6-8 years of experience in program management, event operations, or related functional areas-preferably in academia or a mission-driven organization.

Self-starter and ability to lead and motivate others who are not direct reports.

Strong program management and operational leadership.

Creative problem-solving and adaptability.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Strong technical proficiency in systems such as Cvent, Salesforce, Canvas, SharePoint, Zoom/Webex, or equivalent platforms.

Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage leaders across departments and external organizations.

Creative problem-solving skills, innovation and entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Ability to work highly independently with strong judgment, prioritization skills, and organizational excellence.

Ability to foster a collaborative culture grounded in openness, agility, and strategic thinking.

Ability to work independently to solve problems; look for opportunities to take on responsibility; take thoughtful risks; and effectively act on new and ongoing initiatives, objectives, and solutions to gain sought-after results.

Ability to anticipate and effectively handles change; demonstrate willingness to try new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.

Must have strong computer skills including proficiency in Google Drive/Docs and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook/Calendar), Cvent, salesforce, Canvas, SharePoint, Webex, or equivalent platforms.

HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL WORK

May work some evenings and weekends as needed.

The Blank Center team works in a hybrid work environment. This role is expected to be on site 1-2 days a week, with required meetings in person as needed. Hybrid expectations are subject to change at the manager's discretion.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE

Master's degree preferred.

Entrepreneurial experience is a plus.

Experience with event technology platforms or CRM ecosystems a plus.

Previous work in higher education, entrepreneurship ecosystems, or innovationoriented programs preferred.

Experience supporting online learning, digital engagement, or hybrid programming a plus.

This is an exempt position with the following pay range: $79,541 - $88,379; the role is also eligible for bonuses based on performance and budget.

Babson College offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees working at least 28 hours per week.

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, group life and long-term disability insurance, business travel accident insurance, and mental health benefits.
• Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks of vacation annually, 2 weeks of sick time, 1 week of paid family illness time, 6 weeks of paid parental leave, and 12 paid holidays per year. President's holidays are determined each year.
• Retirement: Participation in a 403(b) retirement plan with mandatory employee contributions and a 4:1 employer match.
• Additional Benefits: Wellbeing programs, virtual fitness platform, and employee assistance program.
  

All questions or concerns about this posting should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at hr@babson.edu.

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