Senior Director, Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship

Department

Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

Responsibilities

About This Role

Recently recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Employer, Florida State University is a place where ideas, innovation, and public impact come together every day. The Senior Director of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) plays a central role in advancing that impact by leading statewide efforts that support entrepreneurs, strengthen small businesses, and contribute to economic growth across Florida.

Reporting directly to the Dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, this role is responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership, operational oversight, and program direction for the Institute. Based in Fort Lauderdale, the Senior Director serves as a visible, statewide leader-connecting regional teams, university partners, and external stakeholders to ensure JMI programs are delivered effectively and continue to expand their reach.

This position exists to bring strategy to life across a dynamic, multi-site organization-ensuring that JMI remains responsive, sustainable, and aligned with its long-term vision.

Why This Role Matters

The Jim Moran Institute is not confined to a single campus. Its work shows up in communities across Florida-supporting entrepreneurs, developing leaders, and strengthening the state's business landscape.

In this role, you will:

• Help expand access to entrepreneurship education and support services across Florida.
• Strengthen the connection between the University and the small business community.
• Ensure programs are delivered consistently and effectively across multiple regions.
• Build partnerships that extend the Institute's reach and long-term sustainability.

The Senior Director ensures JMI can operate at scale-balancing strategy, operations, and relationships to move the mission forward in meaningful, measurable ways.

What You'll Do

As Senior Director, you will provide leadership across strategy, operations, financial management, and statewide engagement.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Institute, including supervision of administrative and OPS staff.
• Align processes and practices across regional offices to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Guide institute-wide priorities and initiatives in alignment with the College's vision.
• Represent JMI through public speaking, outreach, and program promotion.

Statewide Engagement & Program Oversight

• Travel extensively across Florida to support Outreach Directors and regional programming.
• Maintain an active presence in Tallahassee to engage university leadership and key partners.
• Participate in conferences, business forums, and community events to strengthen visibility.
• Oversee travel planning and coordination in compliance with university policies.

Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships

• Lead special projects and initiatives that expand JMI's impact across the state.
• Support advisory board planning, engagement, and fundraising activities.
• Serve as a liaison to small businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and university partners.
• Contribute to long-range planning, including sustainability beyond 2035 and integration of academic programs

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Institute's annual operating budget.
• Monitor financial performance and provide reporting and analysis to support informed decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with FSU Foundation and university financial policies.
• Advance a sustainable revenue model by identifying and pursuing varied funding streams, including grants, partnerships, and philanthropic support.
• Strengthen donor engagement and stewardship efforts in collaboration with the FSU Foundation, contributing to long-term growth and investment in JMI's mission.

University & Community Engagement

• Represent JMI in university initiatives and statewide engagements.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary liaison between JMI, the Jim Moran College, the FSU Foundation, and other university entities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and five years of experience related to administrative services; or a Bachelor's degree and seven years of related experience.
• (Note: A combination of post-high school education and experience equal to eight years may be substituted.)
• Two years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience overseeing complex, multi-site, or statewide programs.
• Strong background in budgeting, financial management, and reporting.
• Experience in entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, economic development, or higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and engage stakeholders across regions.
• Experience supporting fundraising, donor relations, or advisory boards.
• Familiarity with grant development and management.
• Working knowledge of financial practices, including GAAP and/or university systems.

Contact Info

For questions, assistance, or additional information, please contact the Jim Moran College Administrative Team at jmc-hr@fsu.edu.

University Information

One of the nations elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Working at Florida State University

Employees at FSU are part of a vibrant academic and professional community where ideas matter, collaboration is essential, and public service is central to our purpose.

Love What YOU DO at FSU.

Learn more about our university and campuses at jobs.fsu.edu.

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How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Frequent statewide travel is expected, including regular travel to Tallahassee.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.