• Job Description

  Req#: REQ_0000051632

  APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

  JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  Happy Valley LaunchBox, which stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit, is seeking a Startup Catalyst to play a crucial role in accelerating and supporting startup growth in central Pennsylvania (known as Happy Valley and home to Penn State).

  Joining the team of entrepreneur builders at Happy Valley LaunchBox (part of Invent Penn State) will allow the Startup Catalyst to play an important role in fostering the next generation of startups and establishing an active startup culture on campus and in the community, all while enjoying the full benefits of a Penn State employee.

  You will assist in delivering a variety of entrepreneurial programs, provide startup mentorship, and actively engage in educational and community-building activities that promote startup success across Happy Valley.
  
  Core Responsibilities:

  • Entrepreneurial Coaching: As a mentor, your role will be to guide new startups through the various phases of testing, building, and launching their ideas into scalable businesses. Going beyond simply providing resources and knowledge, this will involve a combination of coaching and mentoring. You will provide entrepreneurs with the necessary guidance and tools to navigate the complex world of starting a business.

  • Program Execution: Assist in creating and executing a robust lineup of programs designed to support startups in various stages of their journey. You'll manage these programs from the initial spark of an idea to the full blaze of a business launch, ensuring each cohort receives comprehensive and sustained support.

  • Culture Shaping: You will position yourself as a community leader to advocate for startup growth. You will be responsible for connecting with entrepreneurs and amplifying the startup spirit both on campus and within the community through proactive engagement. This will include giving public speeches and presentations, participating in committees, and engaging in direct discussions.

  • Academic Partnership: Collaborate with different campus departments to offer engaging workshops that inspire both students and faculty. As a significant contributor to the ENTI (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) minor and other academic programs, you will create supplemental course materials and be igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in students, motivating them to explore and embrace the world of startups.

  • Strategic Development: You will assist in developing a strategic vision and goals for Happy Valley LaunchBox to foster the team’s dedication to expanding entrepreneurship in Happy Valley. You will recommend plans for scaling programs and form operational goals, objectives, and policies.

  This role represents a unique intersection of academia, innovation, and public service, where the community, students, faculty, and staff converge to ignite economic and entrepreneurial growth at Penn State's University Park Campus and beyond. With our roots in the Commonwealth's land-grant institution, we are committed to extending our legacy of societal impact through entrepreneurship and outreach.

  Working Environment: This full-time, in-person position requires a dynamic, adaptable schedule, including occasional evenings, to match the vibrant pulse of the startup scene. The position will work onsite at Happy Valley LaunchBox, which is housed at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, Pennsylvania.

  Benefits include (visit https://hr.psu.edu/benefits for more detailed information):

  • Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans

  • 75% tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26)

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • 15 paid holidays/campus closure days

  Qualifications: This position typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher plus six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in a business discipline is preferred. Other qualifications include:

  • Experience within startup ecosystems, emphasizing mentorship and strategic program implementation.

  • Proven advocate for entrepreneurial practices; eager to immerse in and apply innovative thinking.

  • Technologically adept.

  • Exceptional relational abilities with the capacity to foster cooperative partnerships.

  Application Instructions: Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume for full consideration.

  Launched in 2015, Invent Penn State focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation programs, tools, and resources that accelerate the movement of great ideas to the marketplace and make a substantial economic development impact across Pennsylvania and the nation. Overseen by the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization, the effort spans the University’s twenty-four campuses, all academic colleges, institutes, and centers. It has quickly become a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting Penn State faculty, staff, student, and community innovators.

  The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

  The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:

  $56,200.00 - $81,500.00

  Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

  CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

  Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

  Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

  EEO IS THE LAW

  Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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• About the company

  The Pennsylvania State University is a state-related, land-grant research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania.

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