Venture Associate, NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast Region, Fall 2026

Hiring Group: Graduate Students Only

Anticipated Start Date: September/October 

Estimated Pay: $22 per hour

Number of Jobs Available: 1

Schedule: Day. Various. Will discuss during Interview. 

Location: FinTech Innovation Hub

About the department / center:

The Neil Book School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship serves as a people accelerator and University-wide nexus for innovation. The School of Innovation opens doors, ignites pursuit of new ideas, and empowers students, faculty, and researchers from all disciplines to become creative problem-solvers and ethical leaders who drive societal advancement and flourish amidst rapid change.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic community.

Role Description:

As an NSF I-Corps Hub Institution, the University of Delaware, through Horn Entrepreneurship and the Book School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, seeks a motivated and passionate graduate student to join our team as a Venture Associate. This role is pivotal in promoting and recruiting for Commercialization programming, including NSF I-Corps, helping participating researchers and innovators transform their ideas into successful startups.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Program Support: Assist the Commercialization team with the coordination and execution of commercialization-related programming, including events, workshops, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Recruitment & Outreach: Develop and implement outreach strategies to recruit participants for commercialization programs, including NSF I-Corps and related initiatives.
• Marketing & Communications: Create promotional materials, maintain digital communication channels, and support the development of content highlighting commercialization opportunities and success stories.
• Information Sessions & Events: Help plan and host info sessions, networking events, and training related to innovation and commercialization.
• Team Engagement: Serve as a liaison between commercialization program participants and mentors, ensuring timely communication and support.
• Data Management & Reporting: Track program activities and participant progress; compile reports and feedback for continuous improvement.

Qualifications:  

• Currently enrolled as a graduate student in a relevant field (business, science, engineering, or related disciplines).
• Strong passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology commercialization.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with the NSF I-Corps program or experience in entrepreneurship is preferred, but not required.
• This is a part-time position with a competitive hourly wage.
• The opportunity includes networking and skill development in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Hiring Timeline:

The NSF I-Corps program is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Join us in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic community and helping research teams to make broader impacts by translating their inventions from the lab to the marketplace.

Application Deadline: Open until filled with a targeted start date on October 1, 2026.

Please note that dates are subject to change depending on the needs of the department. 

Eligibility for Graduate Student Employment

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Delaware and be in good academic standing. In order to be considered for additional on-campus employment, applicants’ combined on-campus employment, including teaching, research and graduate assistantship, must not exceed 29.5 hours per week.

Graduate students on contract may hold additional employment, on campus or off, up to 29.5 hours per week total without approval by the student’s program, the student’s advisor or the Graduate College. However, graduate students on contract are encouraged to discuss additional employment with their advisors to avoid any situations that might hinder timely progress toward the degree.