Steps to Success Entrepreneurship Program Director

Company Description:

As New York's leading public college for agriculture and technology, SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech develops students who wish to positively impact the future well-being of human society and sustainable practices. Our immersive approach to learning combines academic rigor with hands-on application, producing graduates who enter their careers with proven real-world capabilities.

Students thrive on our 900-acre campus, providing a dynamic rural setting with a working farm, modern laboratories, and natural ecosystems serving as our classrooms. As members of this close-knit community, students gain a sense of belonging and support for lifelong learning and professional growth through direct interaction with expert faculty and industry leaders.

An anchor institution in the Mohawk Valley region, the College promotes economic growth through its Institute for Rural Vitality and an extensive network of community, statewide, and national partners. We actively strengthen the industries that align with our academic programs and mission by providing modern business resources, training, and technical assistance while offering shared-use facilities that support regional entrepreneurs, creating new connections for sustainable development.

Drawing on a rich academic tradition that spans more than 100 years, our purpose remains constant: to educate and support undergraduate learners and researchers to be workforce-ready and affect the two most significant forces in today's world - agriculture and technology.

Job Description:

The College seeks a Program Director for its Steps for Success! Entrepreneurship Program. The position will report to the Executive Director of the Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill and be a member of the Management, Communication, and Design department faculty.

This is a 12 month, on campus, full-time, tenure track faculty position expected to start teaching in Fall 2026. The position will teach one traditional academic Entrepreneurship course per semester (BADM 314 in the fall, and BADM 315 in the spring), the Business Development Bootcamps offered multiple times per year, and the Steps for Success! Entrepreneurship Program. They will lead the Steps for Success! Entrepreneurship Program and develop and deliver additional entrepreneurship program offerings.

Teaching assignments may be weekday, evening, or weekend. Classes may be online or face-to-face on campus, depending on the College's need. Online classes may be synchronous, asynchronous, hybrid, or HYFLEX delivery format.

It is expected the successful candidate will have experience with new business development, and/or assisting entrepreneurs with the development of businesses from concept through new product/service launches as the Steps for Success! Entrepreneurship Program Director. It is also expected that the successful candidate will have training or education delivery experience.

Faculty are required to communicate and interact effectively with students, monitor and support student performance and success, and submit grades by published deadlines. Consistent communication and faculty availability to students is a key success factor. Further expectations include commitment to technical education, use of emerging pedagogies, willingness to engage in collaborative and/or interdisciplinary models, and a willingness to teach in multiple modes such as hybrid and on-line courses.

About the Institute for Rural Vitality (IRV)

The Institute for Rural Vitality (IRV) is the outward-facing division of SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech. We collaborate with partners to position the College as Mohawk Valley's anchor institution of higher education and generate profitable revenue through our engagement in economic and workforce development initiatives. Our work focuses on entrepreneurship, training and credentials, shared-use facilities, economic development efforts, and using our farm to help feed our campus community. At our core, the IRV supports entrepreneurs, strengthens local businesses, educates the workforce, and helps drive New York's economic growth. The IRV has assisted nearly 1,000 small businesses, assisted with the development of ~150 new products, and helped participants secure $2M in funding which enabled participants to increase revenue by $2M last year through its many entrepreneurship program offerings.

About the Academic Department

The Management, Communication and Design academic department offers AS, AAS, BBA, BT, and BS degrees across the disciplines of Agricultural Business, Agriculture Communications, Applied Fermentation, Business Administration, Communication in Technology, Culinary Arts, Culinary Arts Management, Food Systems and Technology, and Graphic Design and Technology. A variety of Minors including Agricultural Education, Digital Media, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources Management, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Sustainability are also offered. Additionally, the following micro-credentials are offered: Agri-marketing; Agribusiness Management and Finance; Advertising; Baking and Pastry Skills; E-Marketing; Entrepreneurship; Food, Nutrition, and Safety Basics; Human Resources Management; Management I & II; and Supply Chain.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master's degree in business or a related field or equivalent business experience, is required for this position
• Previous professional experience in a business environment or closely related field
• Previous teaching experience in Entrepreneurship or Business-related subjects
• Ability to provide academic advisement to students and program participants
• Experience with new business development, and/or assisting entrepreneurs with the development of businesses from concept through new product/service launches into the market

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the aforementioned minimum qualifications, it is preferred the candidate also have:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a Business or Education related discipline
• Experience operating within an entrepreneur focused program
• College-level teaching experience, preferably in upper-level Business related courses (300 level and above)
• Experience and ability to develop and teach using innovative delivery methods
• Experience with curriculum or training design
• Involvement in workforce development initiatives
• Entrepreneurship program development

Additional Information:

• Salary range is $62,000 - $66,000
• Traditional academic courses run on a 2-semester (15-week) academic calendar year starting in late August and January each semester. Summer and Winter sessions are also offered.
• Business Development Bootcamps and other entrepreneur programs are offered year-round.
• This position offers full New York State benefits which are some of the most comprehensive in the country.
• SUNY Cobleskill is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community for our students and employees. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of the background check.
• This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.
• All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply, if your skillset meets the minimum requirements as set forth.

SUNY Cobleskill is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, and ensuring equal educational and employment opportunity and access to services, programs and activities without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or any other legally protected status. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Office at (518) 255-5514.

SUNY Cobleskill's Title IX Coordinator is Mary Elhakam, who can be contacted via phone at 518-255-5999, email at TitleIX@cobleskill.edu, or mailing address of SUNY Cobleskill, Knapp Hall Room 123, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact humanresources@cobleskill.edu or 518-255-5423.

Application Instructions:

The application review process will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Priority is given to applications submitted by May 10, 2026.

A complete application consists of the following:

1. Letter of application, addressing qualifications, position responsibilities, and college values
2. Current CV or Resume
3. Names, emails and phone numbers of at least three professional references, preferably former supervisors

* To apply you must create an account and apply through this posting.