Director of the Entrepreneurship Research and Incubation Center (ERIC)

The primary purpose of the Entrepreneurship Research and Incubation Center (ERIC) within the School of Business, Health, and Applied Sciences is to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, applied research, and economic development by providing students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and community partners with the resources, education, mentorship, and support necessary to transform innovative ideas into viable and sustainable enterprises.

ERIC serves as a collaborative hub that connects academic learning with real-world entrepreneurial experiences. The Center promotes an entrepreneurial mindset through business incubation, research, experiential learning, technical assistance, mentorship, workshops, and strategic partnerships with businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and regional economic-development partners.

Through its programs and initiatives, ERIC supports the development of student and community entrepreneurs, strengthens small and emerging businesses, encourages commercialization and innovation, and creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across business, health, science, technology, and other applied disciplines.

Ultimately, the Center contributes to the University's mission by preparing students for leadership and entrepreneurship, supporting workforce and business development, fostering innovation, and strengthening the economic vitality of northeastern North Carolina and the broader region.

Elizabeth City State University seeks a strategic leader, experienced relationship builder with strong operational expertise to serve as Director of the Entrepreneurship Research and Incubation Center, beginning October 1, 2026. The Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of the Center, advancing its mission to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and student-centered experiential learning across the university. Reporting to the Dean of the School of Business, Health & Applied Sciences, the Director translates vision into action by building sustainable funding streams, strengthening signature programming, launching and managing an Entrepreneur in Residence ( EIR) program, and supporting the center's Advisory Board.

The Director will elevate the Center's profile, expand its resources, and foster a campus-wide culture of entrepreneurship aligned with the University's strategic priorities, and commitment to inclusive, student-centered excellence.

This position is Exempt from the State Human Resources Act.

Elizabeth City State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University's receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Elizabeth City State University State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Elizabeth City State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.