Executive Director of the Sullivan Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

University of California San Diego

Position overview
Position title: Executive Director of the Sullivan Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $185K -$200K.
The posted UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-scales/t35-iii.pdf Application Window

Open date: March 18, 2026

Most recent review date: Monday, Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Position Summary
The Academic Coordinator III / Executive Director provides senior-level academic and administrative leadership for the Sullivan Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a Center that serves the UC San Diego campus and that advances research translation, venture creation and entrepreneurship education and training. The role operates with a high level of autonomy and is responsible for the design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of SCEI's programming, while also leading strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, communications, and program sustainability efforts.

This position reports to the Associate Dean of Programs and collaborates closely with the Assistant Dean of Strategy & External Relations, faculty advisor(s) and campus partners. Key partners may include graduate and undergraduate program leadership, Student Affairs, Career Services, Development, Marketing and Communications, research and innovation offices, offices of development, and relevant institutes and centers.

Primary Responsibilities

1) Academic Leadership, Program Direction, and Continuous Improvement

Lead SCEI's academic, educational, and training strategies, including development of new program concepts and evolution of existing offerings to strengthen UC San Diego and Rady's leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship and ensure the campus has access to a full suite of entrepreneurial programs for students, staff and faculty.

Direct the design and delivery of SCIEs's workshops, seminars, accelerators, mentoring programs, competitions, ensuring appropriate rigor, learning objectives, and a strong participant experience.

Establish program goals, success metrics, and assessment approaches; use outcomes data and stakeholder feedback to improve program content and strategic objectives.

Partner with faculty and academic leadership to ensure SCEI's programming reflects academic priorities and supports innovation-focused education and research translation.

2) Strategic Planning and Partnerships

Develop and execute periodic strategic plans that expand SCEI's campus-wide, regional and national reach, impact, and visibility.

Foster an environment that attracts and retains innovators, entrepreneurs, industry partners, donors, and investors to engage with SCEI programs and venture spin-offs

Lead development of partnerships, collaborations, and high-impact initiatives that strengthen connections across campus and throughout the San Diego innovation ecosystem.

Develop and sustain relationships with industry, startups, investors, executives, and alumni to expand the engagement of these external experts is fostering entrepreneurship and venture creation.

Represent SCEI and the Rady School to external stakeholders, advisory groups, and the broader community; increase institutional visibility through participation in conferences, panels, and innovation-related convenings.

3) Program Operations, Budgeting, and Resource Stewardship

Provide operational oversight for SCEI's vision and program delivery, including planning, scheduling, staffing/coverage, and resource allocation.

Plan and manage program budgets; monitor expenditures; align resources to priorities and program needs.

Contribute to program sustainability by supporting funding strategies and collaborating with Development and school leadership on advancement priorities and donor engagement.

4) Supervision and Team Leadership

Provide leadership and direction for CIID staff (3.5FTE) and affiliated contributors, including assigning work, setting performance expectations, coaching, and supporting professional development.

Oversee engagement and involvement of over 100 volunteer mentors, executives, seasoned entrepreneurs, and program affiliates to ensure a consistent, high-quality participant experience.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Degree in business, economics, finance, management, law, or related field, or degree with commensurate experience.

Demonstrated experience designing, building, and leading complex academic or educational entrepreneurial programs, including strategic planning, program assessment, and building broad and deep networks of external experts.

Experience collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and external partners; demonstrated and strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

Demonstrated experience in building and retaining diverse networks of experts and executives as advisors, content providers, and donors.

Demonstrated skills with fundraising and resource development.

Experience with budgeting and resource management and program administration.

Previous experience supervising staff, conducting performance appraisals, and redistributing tasks/programs as priorities shift.

Preferred qualifications

Demonstrated experience negotiating timelines, deliverables, and partnerships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Familiarity and experience with university technology transfer and venture creation dynamics and policies.

Experience advancing innovation and entrepreneurship programming, commercialization, accelerators, venture competitions, mentorship programs, and industry engagement initiatives.

Familiarity and experience with the San Diego life sciences, sustainability, and technology sectors.

Advanced degree in a related field (MBA, etc.) and/or an equivalent combination of education and significant relevant experience.

Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present to diverse audiences and communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to lead multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research (Optional)
Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

3-5 required (contact information only)

Please provide contact information. References will not be checked without prior notification of the candidates.
Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04463

Help contact: t4washington@ucsd.edu
About UC San Diego

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.

The UC San Diego Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at: https://www.police.ucsd.edu/docs/annualclery.pdf. This report provides crime and fire statistics, as well as institutional policy statements & procedures. Contact the UC San Diego Police Department at (858) 534-4361 if you want to obtain paper copies of this report.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
Click for more information on Assembly Bill-810
Click for more information on Senate Bill-791

'Misconduct' means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]
Job location
La Jolla, CA

To apply, please visit: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04463

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About University of California San Diego

UC San Diego is an academic powerhouse and economic engine, recognized as one of the top 8 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Innovation is central to who we are and what we do. Here, students learn that knowledge isn't just acquired in the classroom - life is their laboratory. UC San Diego's rich academic portfolio includes six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions and five graduate and professional schools. The university's award-winning scholars are experts at the forefront of their fields with an impressive track record for achieving scientific, medical and technological breakthroughs.

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