Cummings Family Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship & Director of the Derby Entrepreneurship Center – Tufts University

Cummings Family Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship & Director of the Derby Entrepreneurship Center – Tufts University

• Institution: Tufts University

• Academic Unit: School of Engineering | Tufts Gordon Institute (TGI)

• Center: Derby Entrepreneurship Center (DEC)

• Position Title: Cummings Family Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship & Director, Derby Entrepreneurship Center

• Appointment Type: Full-Time Faculty Leadership (Professor of the Practice)

• Salary Range: $82,000 – $164,000 per year (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

• Location: Medford Campus, Massachusetts, United States

• First Round Application Deadline: September 4, 2026 (Rolling thereafter)

• Expected Start Date: January 2027

Overview of Role

Tufts Gordon Institute (TGI) in the School of Engineering at Tufts University invites applications and nominations for the dual role of Cummings Family Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship and Director of the Derby Entrepreneurship Center.

This strategic leadership appointment is designed for a seasoned practitioner-educator who combines authentic startup experience with academic leadership. The Director will drive university-wide entrepreneurship education, oversee flagship co-curricular programs, lead philanthropic development, and foster collaboration across Tufts schools and the broader New England innovation ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities & Effort Allocation

• 40% Academic Leadership & Teaching:

  • Design and teach rigorous, practice-oriented entrepreneurship courses across undergraduate and graduate levels.

  • Mentor student founders bridging academic theory with new venture creation.

  • Collaborate with cross-campus faculty to build forward-looking entrepreneurship curricula and contribute to pedagogical scholarship.

• 40% Co-Curricular Programs & Student Engagement:

  • Direct signature experiential programs, including the Tufts New Ventures Competition, the Tufts Venture Accelerator, and founder mentorship networks.

  • Expand social enterprise and interdisciplinary venture initiatives with operational support from Derby Center and TGI staff.

• 20% External Engagement, Fundraising & Board Leadership:

  • Secure philanthropic support, corporate sponsorships, and grants in partnership with University Advancement (target track record of $500K+).

  • Manage and engage the Derby Center Board of Advisors comprising prominent entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry leaders.

  • Represent Tufts within national entrepreneurial consortia (e.g., GCEC) and regional startup ecosystems.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

• Required Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated track record as a founder or executive leader of growth-stage companies (raising capital, scaling revenue, team building, and managing pivots; business exits preferred).

  • Minimum of five (5) years of university-level teaching experience in entrepreneurship, strategy, innovation, engineering, or related fields with strong instructional evaluations.

  • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship, Business, Engineering, Education, or a related discipline.

  • Proven leadership experience at the Director level or above managing teams and complex programmatic initiatives.

  • Documented success in fundraising, major gifts, corporate partnerships, or grants ($500K+).

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Published research or thought leadership in entrepreneurship pedagogy.

  • Established network across venture capital, angel investment, and startup leadership communities.

  • Experience navigating matrixed academic organizations within an R1 research university setting.

Application Checklist & Required Documents

Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio:

1. Cover Letter (1 Page): Detailing relevant experience, leadership vision, and interest in the role.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume

3. Statement of Teaching Interests & Objectives

4. Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References

Application Process & Inquiries

• 🔗 Direct Application Portal: Apply via Interfolio (Position #190991)

• 📧 Search Committee Chair: Kevin Oye, Executive Director & Professor of the Practice (kevin.oye@tufts.edu)

• 📅 Priority Deadline: September 4, 2026

🌐 gordon.tufts.edu | derbyecenter.tufts.edu