Business: Executive Director - Bethel Institute for Business Engagement

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.

Bethel University’s Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

About the role

• Bethel University seeks an experienced business professional to lead the Bethel Institute for Business Engagement. This full-time faculty position connects students, faculty, alumni, and organizations through experiential learning, consulting, executive engagement, mentoring, and professional development.
• The Executive Director will serve as a primary connection between Bethel Business and the Twin Cities business community. The role offers an accomplished professional the opportunity to use business experience, relationships, and Christian faith to invest in students and help build a growing Christ-centered business school.

What you'll do

• Lead development for the Bethel Institute for Business Engagement and represent Bethel Business to the business community.
• Develop relationships with executives, entrepreneurs, alumni, employers, and other business leaders to create opportunities for students and strengthen Bethel Business.
• Lead Institute initiatives, including the Royals Consulting Group, Executive Fellows Program, Dean's Distinguished Speaker Series, Bethel Family Business Forum, and other industry engagement activities.
• Develop consulting projects for the Royals Consulting Group and other applied-learning opportunities for students and faculty.
• Develop sponsorships and other financial support for Institute programs in collaboration with University Advancement.
• Manage and strengthen the School of Business Board of Advisors, including meetings and ongoing engagement.
• Teach approximately two School of Business courses per academic year, based on the candidate's expertise and School needs. (This is a 12-month 32 credit load position, with 24 credits released for administration of the Bethel Institute.)
• Advise and mentor students and participate in appropriate faculty and School of Business responsibilities.
• Actively support Bethel University's commitment to its Christian values and liberal arts education.

First Year Priorities

During the first year the Executive Director will be expected to:

• Launch the Bethel Institute for Business Engagement.
• Develop several Royals Consulting Group projects.
• Develop the Executive Fellows Program.
• Secure at least $50,000 in sponsorship support in collaboration with the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations.
• Build relationships throughout the Twin Cities business community.

Qualifications

Skills

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership communication and organizational abilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to build new programs and partnerships.
• Ability to connect students and faculty with meaningful business opportunities.
• Ability to represent Bethel effectively with senior business and community leaders.

Experience

• Significant professional experience in business, entrepreneurship, consulting, business development, executive leadership, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated success developing professional relationships and partnerships is required.
• Experience with fundraising, sponsorship development, consulting, or revenue generation is preferred.
• Teaching, mentoring, or professional development experience is preferred.

Education

• An advanced degree in business or a related field is required. A terminal degree is preferred.
• The type and degree of professional experience will be considered in determining faculty rank.

Compensation -- Salary Ranges

• faculty rank is commensurate with candidate's education and experience

Christian Mission

Bethel Business prepares graduates to lead with wisdom, character, and excellence and to demonstrate that organizations best honor God when they help customers and employees flourish. The successful candidate will actively support Bethel University's Christian values and contribute to its liberal arts educational mission.

Additional Information:

Bethel’s mission is to educate and equip students to lead lives of impact through transformative academics in a Christ-centered community. Bethel’s employee community plays a central role in developing our students as whole and holy persons. To carry out this mission, Bethel uses the foundation of our guiding documents, the Affirmation of Faith, Community Covenant, and Key Policies. Bethel expects all employees to actively participate in creating our Christ-centered community by agreeing with and abiding by our core beliefs in the Affirmation of Faith and supporting all other beliefs as Biblical, responsible, and thoughtful approaches while avoiding dissension and divisiveness. Employees teach and mentor students and help one another uphold our Community Covenant commitments.  As a result of these expectations, all University employees act as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to carry out its mission and foster Bethel’s Christ-centered covenant community.

Other Duties: The essential functions, tasks and responsibilities of this position may change from time to time. Bethel University reserves the right to add or omit duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the University or its leadership. Additional tasks or duties required of the position, will be communicated to the incumbent with specificity to ensure the employee may perform their role with complete understanding. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed; it is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Work Authorization Requirements:

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as desktop and/or laptop computers, photocopiers and smartphones. The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university in which all employees are expected to have a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of the University, and an agreement to abide by all University policies.

Benefits

Bethel is committed to offering meaningful benefits to our employees including health insurance, retirement plans, and a generous time off package. Learn more about these offerings here. Bethel faculty members are allowed to devote up to 20% of their time per week on paid or unpaid external projects as long as those projects align with job responsibilities, increase teaching effectiveness, and/or further the advancement of Bethel University.

Learn about our commitment to diversity in hiring .