Director Rist DifferenceMaker Institute at University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524753

Position type: Staff Full Time

Benefit Status: Benefited-Union

Campus: UMass Lowell

Department: Student Affairs

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience within the grade/range

Applications Open: Aug 28 2024

Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The Rist DifferenceMaker Institute Director is responsible for the successful operations and growth of the campus's DifferenceMaker® program. The Director provides strategic and managerial leadership of Institute programs and is responsible for developing alumni and foundation relationships and financial support for program activities. The Rist DifferenceMaker Institute was established in 2019 to increase the participation and recognition of UMass Lowell student innovation and entrepreneurship across the northeast and the country. The DifferenceMaker Program, established in 2012, includes a range of program activities meant to support the success of our students and teams (e.g., $50K Idea Challenge, College-based Competitions, Summer Boot Camp, Faculty Fellow Program, Rist DifferenceMaker Fellow, Mentor Program). The Director will ensure that all programs and activities are successfully implemented and executed and will lead efforts to raise the national profile of our student teams and program.

The qualified applicant must have a comprehensive understanding of business model development, presentation development, market and customer research, project management, entrepreneurship, and marketing principles related to start-ups and related community building efforts.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Master degree in business or related field


• 5-10 years' experience working with entrepreneurship centers, student entrepreneurs, start-up ventures, mentors, and university faculty


• Program development experience in an entrepreneurship center


• Evidence of engagement with national entrepreneurship leadership and conferences


• Experience raising funds to support program activities and/or center development


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Considerations:

• 1-2 years' experience working in a start-up environment


• Experience with Lean LaunchPad, business model canvas, Design Thinking, or other related entrepreneurial strategies and resources.


• Teaching entrepreneurship experience

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P21.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.