The Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. Chair for Business & Entrepreneurship advances Lakeland University's community presence by leading the management and strategic development of its downtown Sheboygan property. The Chair develops a sustainable business model for the property while engaging students and community stakeholders in experiential learning opportunities that support the academic curriculum and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Chair also teaches courses in the College of Business; candidates with a terminal degree may be eligible for tenure-track faculty appointment. As a spokesperson for Lakeland's community-focused initiatives, the Chair maintains a highly visible presence in the local community, represents the University with external groups, and identifies opportunities for Lakeland to serve as a valued resource and partner. Because this is a customer-facing role, on-site work is required three days per week at Jake's and two days per week at the main campus.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONSAll Lakeland University employees are expected to:
- Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland University and a commitment to its stated mission;
- Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of the University;
- Be good stewards of the University's resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni, and local community;
- Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals;
- Keep their supervisor appropriately informed;
- Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the University community;
- Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect;
- Acts in a manner that sets the standard for service in higher education and the core principles of Lakelanders Excelling at Professionalism (LEAP) show respect, communicate and be positive;
- Advise their supervisor concerning all matters that require their attention, including their performance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Oversee the profitable business operations for Jake's, a Lakeland Community. Collaborate with students and community stakeholders to develop short- and long-term plans that expand cooperative education and project-based learning. Secure mentoring and workshop opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs while strengthening Lakeland's academic presence in the community.
- Leverage Lakeland's downtown facility to develop new revenue streams through Lakeland University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (LUCIE) programming, including coworking memberships, long-term space rentals, event rentals, creative space rentals, and entrepreneurial development workshops to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Supervise the Jake's Operations Manager, who oversees daily administration, facility operations, event management, and revenue-generation goals.
- Foster a welcoming, vibrant, and creative environment throughout the facility.
- Deliver a high-quality guest experience for members, event clients, community attendees, and other visitors.
- Collaborate with Co-Op and Career Readiness Office and campus faculty to host events at Jake's that foster learning and engagement among students and community stakeholders.
- Teach 12 credits per year under a 12-month contract, including courses in general education, business, and cooperative education supervisions.
- Mentor and advise students pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, integrating real-world entrepreneurial and business experience into Lakeland's curriculum.
- Participate in the Community Engagement Committee and perform related duties as assigned.
- Support other strategic initiatives as requested.
SPECIALIZED KNOW-HOW & SKILLS- A minimum of a master's degree and five years of demonstrated successful experience in the Business, Hospitality field is required; terminal degree (Ph.D., D.B.A., or D.M.A.) in these fields is preferred.
- Community engagement experience, such as board service, leadership of collaborative partnerships, or comparable outreach, is preferred.
- Strong commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience and effectively managing events.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Teaching experience preferred.
- Ability to work independently and operate effectively within a team environment.
- Ability to inspire colleagues to work in collaboration to move ideas forward in support of the public good.
- Experience working with budgets.
- Experience with managing facilities and business infrastructure.
- Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and common software applications.
- Occasional travel may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT- No or very limited exposure to physical risk;
- Some limited physical effort required;
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
OTHER DUTIESPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Lakeland University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.
