Business Incubator Director

SUMMARY STATEMENT The Business Incubator Director is responsible for the oversight of daily operations of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Studies business incubator including: marketing the facility and recruiting new tenants, providing support to existing tenants, facilitating training for tenants and aspiring entrepreneurs and developing the infrastructure that supports and encourages economic development in Washington County.
Reporting to the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Business Incubator Director will also be responsible for meeting occupancy and revenues goals, preparing reports and forecast for annual unit planning and securing funding through rental revenue, rents and sponsorships.
This position will also provide regular communication to the President on incubator operations and activities.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS A.
The Business Incubator Director reports directly to and is responsible to the Vice President for Finance and Administration.
B.
The position provides supervision to Incubator support staff.
C.
The Business Incubator Director coordinates most closely with Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education program managers and staff, Director of IT, Facilities Management and Planning, Finance, Dean of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
D.
The Business Incubator Director meets regularly with the President to communicate ongoing activities, problems, and opportunities for incubator growth and sustainment.
E.
This position also has an organizational relationship with the President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1.
Ensures the success of Hagerstown Community College’s commitment to supporting economic development by facilitating entrepreneurship and small business development.
2.
Markets the facility regionally recruiting potential tenants, and assisting in screening potential clients, making recommendations and executing leasing agreements.
3.
Meets assigned revenue and occupancy goals as determined by HCC Administration.
4.
Oversees the day-to-day operation of the business incubator facility by coordinating facility operations with HCC Maintenance, Custodial and Public Safety staff.
5.
Works with community stakeholders and advances community partnerships including but not limited to: Washington County Department of Business Development, Maryland Department of Commerce, City of Hagerstown Economic Development, Greater Hagerstown Committee, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, SCORE and SBDC to stimulate economic development in the region.
6.
Acts as a catalyst to strengthen the region’s small-business support network by coordinating the delivery of services to tenants and clients and working closely with other business service providers to facilitate client success.
7.
Secures revenue goals through rents, program revenue, grants, donors, sponsorships, etc.
8.
Develops and maintains a client database, prepares periodic reports, and maintains records of projects, progress, and the status of the incubator.
9.
Coordinates, maintains, and reviews tenants’ facility needs to ensure the incubator is meeting current target industry needs.
10.
Develops and implements procedures governing the operation of the facility consistent with the lease and funding contracts, including meeting performance metrics and goals.
11.
Conducts business counseling with tenants and clients on and individual basis.
12.
Creates an annual operating plan addressing marketing strategies to attract new tenants, planned course offerings that is supported by revenue generation.
Manages funds cost center and approves all expenses.
13.
Creates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
14.
Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed.
15.
Contributes to the overall success of Hagerstown Community College by performing all other duties as assigned.
16.
Works with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce to develop and retain its membership base.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s Degree required in business or related field.
MBA preferred.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in economic development or management field; property management experience is highly desirable.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES Demonstrated leadership, business, communication skills, both written and verbal and the ability to interact with a broad spectrum of individuals.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT Typical office environment with frequent interruptions.
Individual will be expected to travel to local meetings and events to represent the TIC.
The scope of the position requires evening and occasional weekend work.
Occasional overnight, out-of-town travel is required.
Office space will be provided at both the Hagerstown Community College Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Studies and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
APPLICATION DEADLINE This position is considered open until filled.
Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled and considered closed.
Hagerstown Community College is committed to the recruitment, selection, hiring and retention of a diverse workforce.