Director of Family Business

St. John Fisher University is an independent, liberal arts institution that provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master’s and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, pharmacy, and public health.

The University’s residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and a successful intercollegiate athletics program. Fisher is a community where all are welcome, regardless of religious or cultural background.

The University continues to honor its founders, the Congregation of St. Basil, by embracing their motto, “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” We are located in Pittsford, N.Y., seven miles outside of the city of Rochester. The campus is situated on 164 park-like acres—a beautiful setting for a warm, friendly campus community.

The Family Business Program n Fisher provides educational programming, networking opportunities, and research that is specifically tailored to the needs of family-owned businesses on topical areas such as governance, succession planning, leadership development, financial management, marketing, strategic planning, emerging technologies, and key business trends. The Director of Family Business, reporting to the Dean of the School of Business, is responsible for leading, managing and growing all facets of the Family Business Program, including strategic planning, budgeting, program development and execution, business development and relationship building, facilitation of timely research, and grant writing.

The director will work with area family business owners and community leaders, faculty and students, and Fisher’s Director of Entrepreneurship. As well, the director will work collaboratively with leaders and units across campus to market, promote, and develop family business opportunities. This is a great position for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit who likes to build flagship programs.

Key responsibilities include
:

• Program Development and Delivery – Design and implement educational workshops, seminars, and conferences covering timely and pertinent topics related to family businesses.
• Business Development – Develop a financially viable and self-sustaining business model with diverse revenue streams, fundraising, and sponsor ships.
• Relationship Building – Navigate a complex stakeholder environment to cultivate strong and multigenerational relationships with family business owners and family members, community leaders, and key decision-makers. Promote programs and recruit attendees.
• Networking Events – Organize networking events and forums to connect those involved in family businesses and those serving family businesses.
• Program Operations and Management – Conduct strategic planning, manage the day-to-day operations, assess programs, and report results. Oversee the Family Business Steering Committee (advisory group). Additional opportunities may be available to teach/facilitate workshops, seminars, and courses related to family business matters.

Additional opportunities may be available to teach/facilitate workshops, seminars, and courses related to family business matters.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working with family and/or small to medium-sized businesses, with preference given to candidates having strong ties to the Rochester metro business community.
• Demonstrated understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics associated with family businesses and the ability to facilitate conversations involving the intersection of business and family systems.
• Leadership and managerial experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial thinking and business development.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Expertise in program development, delivery, project management, and execution.
• Strategic planning and…