Director, Maverick Innovation Gateway - Range C (AA26080)

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

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Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on March 23, 2026 and continue until the position has been filled.

POSITION: Probationary; Range C*

Job Description

The Maverick Innovation Gateway is a hub of interdisciplinary learning within our region. Students, faculty, and industry professionals collaborate to develop real-world competencies, aligning with the dynamic needs of the job market.

The mission of the Maverick Innovation Gateway is to bridge gaps in critical thinking, innovation, and professional skills. It offers an interdisciplinary ecosystem for hands-on learning, enabling direct engagement with faculty and industry experts. The Maverick Innovation Gateway focuses on developing high-demand professional skills and competencies to advance learners at all stages of their careers.

The Director of the Maverick Innovation Gateway at Minnesota State University Mankato will oversee operations, work to leverage the university's academic expertise and the diverse resources of the Mankato region and, secure high-impact programs,  competency-based training programs, and innovation incubating to use the space.

The Director of the Maverick Innovation Gateway will also be responsible for overseeing the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship whose mission is to facilitate the launch of the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and dynamic organizations through education, research, and outreach. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to handle and process sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to travel throughout Minnesota, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
• An MBA or Master’s degree in a related field (conferred on an official transcript at the time of application) and a minimum of three years of experience in business development, regional economic development, business consulting, and/or other relevant industry experience.

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A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (conferred on an official transcript at the time of

application) and a minimum of five years of experience in business development, regional

economic development, business consulting, and/or relevant industry experience.

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Preferred Qualification 

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop work/project plans for large projects.
• Experience in networking and negotiating to develop and implement contracts.
• Experience in strategic planning, implementation and assessment of programs or services.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated abilities to communicate effectively with many different constituents – including students, faculty, staff, administrators and external stakeholders.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.

• Cover Letter
• Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Contact Information for three (3) references
• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
• A brief (no more than one-page) diversity statement presenting a commitment to or experience working in an equity-minded environment

Other Requirements

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment. Be able to lift and carry 10-25 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.

This position requires a valid, applicable driver’s license, as well as a DVS records check with an acceptable rating. Employees must have an active, valid, and, applicable driver’s license if they drive a vehicle on state business. For further information, please refer to the Driver’s License and Record Check Policy (HR/LR Policy #1419), which can be found at: https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1419-hrpolicy-dlrchecks.pdf.

Telework (Yes/No)

Based on the essential functions of this positions, MMB Policy #1422, and University policies relating to flexible work, this position is eligible for the following work modes:

• Case by Case/Situational Telework: Up to 10% of the time. A position that may include a temporary reassignment or work outside the permanent/principal work location to meet short-term needs.

About

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at: www.mnsu.edu.

• The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however, salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes:
· Enhancing access and student success.
· Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.
· Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.
Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here: https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html.

Destination 2030, the University’s strategic plan announced by President Edward Inch in August 2023, commits the University to making transformative strides in four main areas: being a lifelong provider of access to an equitable and affordable education; being a leader in transformational learning generating inspired action; being a nimble and innovative steward of resources; and being a community of care built upon diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name—Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelor’s through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships, with 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota’s the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kathleen Dale

Interim Associate Dean

College of Business

Phone: 507-389-5333

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email: kathleen.dale@mnsu.edu

*Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Minnesota State University Administrative and Service Faculty which can be found at: https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/our-benefits/bargaining-units-and-personnel-plans/

NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MN State’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc.  We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

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