Job description

Position Overview:

The DKU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative (DKU InE) serves as a platform and resource center to encourage innovation practice, nurture entrepreneurship, and transform ideas into actions with a meaningful impact. The DKU Innovation Incubator (Dii) focuses on cultivating and supporting startup ideas from across the campus. We aim to leverage the dynamism and enthusiasm of young change-makers striving to have a positive impact on the world with their unique ideas and innovative products and services. Learn more about us:  https://ine.dukekunshan.edu.cn/

The Senior Coordinator will provide hands-on guidance to student teams and connect them with various resources they need; manage the incubator’s operations, track project progress, and oversee budgeting and reporting; build partnerships with companies, nonprofits, and universities while fostering an entrepreneurial community through events and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 

Reports to:

Associate Director for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

 

Essential Duties:

Students Support and Guidance

1.         Provide hands-on guidance to student teams in project planning, prototype development, navigate challenges and milestone achievement.

2.         Enhance students' confidence and motivation, empowering them to take initiative and persevere in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

3.         Connect students with valuable resources such as industry contacts, funding opportunities, tools, and communication channels to support their project development.

4.         Build and maintain a robust network of industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and academic experts to serve as mentors and advisors for incubator participants, facilitating knowledge sharing and guidance.

 

Operational Management of the Incubator

1.         Manage the Dii projects lifecyle including recruitment, incubation, and completion, monitor the timelines and track student team progress.

2.         Support the design and development strategy for the long-term growth of the Incubator and assist to raise funds from various institutes, such as governments, industries, and foundations.

3.         Manage and maintain the data of the Incubator and prepare reports on program progress and outcomes for stakeholders, including local government, university administration, and funding bodies.

4.         Oversee the day-to-day operations of the incubator, including budget and resources to ensure they are sufficiently used.

 

Community Building

1.         Support the partnership building with companies, non-profits, and governmental organizations within the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

2.         Leverage internal partnerships with different disciplines to provide engagement opportunities for faculty and students.

3.         Design and implement events and programs to involve all stakeholders in building an active and inclusive community.

4.         Other tasks as assigned.

5.         University employee's job responsibilities will continue to expand in scope and depth as the University grows in size and complexity in its programs.

Skills & experience

Required Qualifications:

1.         The candidate should at least possess an undergraduate degree. A graduate degree is preferred. Major in Innovation Management, Business Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Technology Management, or other related fields. 

2.         5 years' experience in program coordination or management in innovation/startup environments.

3.         Demonstrated ability to guide student projects or early-stage ventures.

4.         Experience working with young entrepreneurs, knowing how to leverage their strengths, inspire them, and understand their challenges.

5.         Practical knowledge of business in product design, planning, marketing, manufacturing, purchasing, engineering, and sales.

6.         Familiarity of current technology trends, such as intelligence, blockchain, digital transformation or the Internet of Things (IoT).

7.         Excellent networking and communication skills and analytical capabilities.

8.         Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple parallel projects.

9.         Self-motivated, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to quickly innovate and iterate.

10.      Ability to handle ambiguity.

11.      Fluent in Chinese and English with excellent writing skills in a academic context.

How to Apply:
Please submit your formal application by searching the position on DKU recruitment portal.