Bachelor's degree in Business or related field; Master's preferred.
5+ years in entrepreneurship/business development; 2+ years in management preferred.
Experience in launching or leading innovation programs in higher education.
Established network in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley entrepreneurial ecosystem preferred.
Experience with technology-driven and socially impactful startups preferred.
Responsibilities
Lead and manage C-STE innovation and incubation programs and spaces.
Design and implement new programs to enhance the CSUN entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Build and sustain partnerships with startups, corporations, and community organizations.
Collaborate with leadership to raise funds for programs and initiatives.
Mentor student and alumni entrepreneurs from concept to launch.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment aligned with university values.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
Excellent fringe benefits offered by the University.
Full Job Description
Director of Innovation and Incubation Programs
Job no: 561457 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Northridge Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Responsibilities
Under general supervision, the Director of Innovation and Incubation Programs leads innovation and incubation programs, develops strategic initiatives, strengthens university and community partnerships, supports entrepreneurial learning and startup development, advances fundraising efforts, and ensures program operations align with Center for Social and Technology Entrepreneurship (C-STE) and CSUN priorities.
Leads, manages, and ensures the success of all C-STE innovation and incubation programs and spaces, including I-Corps, the Summer Accelerator, Sunstone Startup Launch, Demo Day, and the Student Innovation Incubator.
Envisions, designs, and implements new programs that fill gaps in the CSUN entrepreneurial ecosystem such as a pre-Incubation program, Digital Venture Studio, academic spinoffs, etc.
Builds and sustains partnerships with local startups, corporations, investors, community organizations, and government entities.
In collaboration with the Dean and C-STE Executive Director, raises funds to support C-STE programs, student and alumni ventures, and innovation initiatives through grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships.
Provides mentorship and guidance to student and alumni entrepreneurs, helping them move their ideas from concept to launch.
As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university's vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set. Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.
Performs other duties as assigned.
*NOTE: To view the full position description copy and paste this link into your browser: https://mycsun.box.com/s/hfozbe9y70lmecjwux8nr490pocu9wgu
Qualifications:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business or a job-related field. Master's degree in business or a related field is preferred.
Equivalent to five years of entrepreneurship/business development experience, with two of the five years in a managerial role preferred.
Experience launching or leading innovation or incubation programs in a university or college environment.
Established network within the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley entrepreneurial ecosystem is preferred
Experience supporting both technology-driven and socially impactful startups is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Leadership
Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor early-stage ventures and lead innovation programs.
Proven experience in fundraising and securing financial or partnership support for programs or startups. Familiarity with academic research and trends in entrepreneurship and innovation education.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with a proven ability to build relationships on and off campus.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse student populations and to foster an inclusive, collaborative environment.
Lead diverse teams to support the operational mission and vision of employers by fostering an ethical, inclusive and collegial work environment.
Demonstrated ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership.
Lead varying initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented and communicative approach.
Demonstrated commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further operational goals.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Salary is commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience. The University offers excellent fringe benefits.
The anticipated HIRING RANGE: $ 155,000 - $ 177,000 per year, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
General Information
This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
The person holding this position may be considered a 'limited reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
Please note: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN on-line application. To submit an application and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers
Applications received through October 23, 2026, will be considered in the initial review and review of applications will continue until position is filled.
The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.
Advertised: Oct 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close:
