Executive Dir, Venture Accelerator

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Process: Review of application materials will begin March 16, 2026 and continue until qualified candidates are selected and recommended for appointment. To be actively considered, interested candidates must submit a brief cover letter outlining their interest in the position, a curriculum vitae/resume, and contact information for three references.

Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business (HCOB) invites applicants for the position of Executive Director of the New Venture Accelerator (NVA). This is a non‑tenure track, part‑time position that does not require primary work from Auburn, but a significant, regular presence in Auburn is expected.

The New Venture Accelerator, founded in 2016, is jointly managed by the Harbert College of Business and the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation (ARTF). It supports students, faculty, and alumni from all 13 Auburn colleges and is a central component of the university’s thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The New Venture Accelerator supports Auburn students, faculty, alumni, and community entrepreneurs in rapidly growing their early‑stage ventures through state‑of‑the‑art facilities, mentorship, education, funding, and networking.

Building on Auburn’s entrepreneurial foundation, the NVA will continue to support the university’s land‑grant mission, serve as a catalyst for outside economic development, and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our community and state.

Our goal is to become a Top 10 nationally ranked entrepreneurship center by evolving its programs, scope, and impact across six pillars:

• Academic & Experiential Learning Programs – Expand the NVA’s and university’s entrepreneurship education in collaboration with the college’s curriculum.
• Alumni Entrepreneurship Programs – Implement programs, mentorship, and networks to support the broader Auburn community of entrepreneurs.
• World‑class Incubator Facility – Continue managing and expanding the NVA’s facilities in collaboration with ARTF.
• Expanded Sources of Start‑up Capital – Build additional capital sources for Auburn entrepreneurs beyond existing pitch competitions and the Kickstart Fund.
• Corporate Partnerships & Sponsor ships – Establish and nurture ongoing corporate relationships and sponsor ships to support expanded programs and initiatives.
• Increased Commercialization – Identify, nurture, and drive opportunities for commercialization of Auburn research, in coordination with IPX, to create new business formation and revenue.

• Provide strategic leadership for the New Venture Accelerator, encompassing its mission and activities.
• Coordinate with HCOB dean, ARTF leadership, deans of other Auburn colleges, the executive director of Auburn’s IPX, and other campus leaders to grow Auburn’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Collaborate with the Director of the Lowder Center for Entrepreneurship and HCOB entrepreneurship faculty to strengthen the ecosystem.
• Serve as the public representative of the NVA, HCOB, and Auburn University to the start‑up community, angel investors, state representatives, corporate partners, donors, stakeholders, alumni, and students.
• Coordinate with Auburn and HCOB Advancement Officers to secure financial support for the NVA and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Manage and develop the NVA’s team of Entrepreneurs‑in‑Residence.
• Work closely with the NVA administrative director to plan and execute NVA’s programs.

Auburn, AL – a vibrant college town recognized as one of the best places to live in Alabama, offering a high quality of life, cultural events, sports, and ample recreational opportunities.

A successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Alabama, the Southeast, and nationally, including familiarity with key incubators, angel investors, and emerging market trends. Experience as a successful entrepreneur, building and leading start‑up businesses, is required. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to establish and manage professional relationships, develop a…