Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship

Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship

Strategy & Performance Division

Harry S Truman State Office Building - 301 W. High Street

Jefferson City, MO

SALARY (based upon credentials): $81,000 - $87,000

Come join the team that is committed to helping Missourians prosper. We are in search of a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship. This position will lead the state’s strategic efforts to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business growth throughout Missouri. The Director will oversee programs, partnerships, and policy initiatives that build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, strengthen capital access, and support the success of entrepreneurs in both urban and rural communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a statewide entrepreneurship strategy aligned with Missouri’s economic development goals.

• Oversee initiatives to support startups, innovation centers, rural entrepreneurship, and technical assistance programs.

• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with entrepreneurs, business leaders, government agencies, investors, and community partners.

• Advocate for support of entrepreneurship and opportunities to support the network.

• Facilitate partnerships that enhance entrepreneurship programming and support services.

• Represent the Department and the Office of Entrepreneurship at regional and national entrepreneurship and innovation events, roundtables, and key meetings.

• Identify funding and non-financial resources to expand the reach and effectiveness of supports and programs.

• Support entrepreneurs in the development of proposals, coordinate with grant makers and stakeholders, and manage partnerships to fund and sustain key initiatives.

• Continuously scan the landscape for new tools, programs, and policy changes that impact entrepreneurs.

• Ensure the office remains informed of and aligned with national, regional, and local entrepreneurial supports and goals.

• Provide timely insights and recommendations to inform strategic planning and program development.

• Advise department leadership and policymakers on entrepreneurship trends and barriers.

• Maintain relationships with partner agencies.

• Create and develop marketing material to promote the support and services of the office.

• Establish performance measures and goals to ensure the office is supporting entrepreneurs across the state.

• Manage innovation grants and entrepreneurship-related funding initiatives.

• Monitor and track performance indicators and complete reporting requirements.

Competencies

• Familiarity with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).

• Strong communication and networking skills; comfortable speaking with diverse stakeholders.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to turn vision into action and manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Effectively build relationships and work across sectors.

• Experience reading and interpreting state laws and regulations.

• Effective and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated commitment to economic development and support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, to include rural regions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Seven or more years of relevant experience. This can be obtained through a combination of work experience and completion of a bachelor’s degree in a relatable field.

• At least 5 years of experience working with startup companies, small businesses, entrepreneurship support or economic development organizations.

• Experience in government programs, policy development or public-private initiatives.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

If you have questions about this position, please contact DED Human Resources at HRHelpdesk@ded.mo.gov .

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• State of Missouri

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