Director of Startup Success

Engineering a world of possibilities

Think of this role as the Mines version of a Managing Director of a top-tier accelerator. You are the architect of an environment where founders get sharper, faster, clearer, and more confident. You will build the systems and rituals that define what it feels like to launch at Mines. You will curate a mentor network so strong that founders rearrange their schedules to be part of it. You will orchestrate programming that fuels breakthroughs. And you will cultivate the partnerships that make Mines a gravitational force for ambitious technical founders across the Front Range.

You are not just supporting startups. You are shaping the platform that accelerates hard tech, science-driven, and founder-led innovation at one of the world’s top engineering institutions.

This is a role for someone who wants to build something iconic. Something lasting. Something founders will call the best part of their journey.

In less than two years, the Beck Venture Center has emerged as one of the most exciting hubs for innovation and startup growth in Colorado. Part of the Colorado School of Mines, Beck offers over 31,000 square feet of coworking, event, and innovation space. More than 60 companies have already launched or scaled inside our walls, collectively raising over $50 million in funding. And we are just getting started.

Beck is a key pillar of the Mines Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem. The McNeil Center trains the next generation of student founders and engineering leaders. The Labriola Innovation Hub is where prototypes, physical products, and inventions take shape. The Beck Venture Center is where real companies form and thrive.

Beck is the commercialization powerhouse that launches student ventures, accelerates spinouts from Mines’ world-class research labs, and supports alumni and Colorado founders building the next wave of hard tech and science-driven companies. It is where founders find their momentum and where breakthrough ideas get the support they need to scale into impact.

• Recruit and activate an exceptional network of operators, investors, technologists, and seasoned founders.
• Ensure mentors are aligned, engaged, and making meaningful contributions to venture progress.
   
• Build systems that deliver high-impact mentor matching and structured founder support.
• Curate high-quality introductions between founders and investors
• Build a high-quality Preferred Service Providers Program that gives founders trusted, vetted partners.

• Create a clear, intuitive, founder-centered pathway through all of Beck’s resources.
• Design and manage the core processes, touchpoints, and experiences that support startups from day one.
• Continuously refine programs based on best practices from top incubators and accelerators.

• Curate the Startup Forum series, bringing high-profile speakers and running an inspiring, high-energy event.
• Produce semiannual Investor Look Books showcasing all Beck ventures.
• Run high-value workshops, masterclasses, founder roundtables, and structured office hours.
• Co-lead the Faculty Startup Fellowship and support founders commercializing Mines IP.
• Collaborate with the McNeil Center to co-produce the Mines New Venture Challenge.

• 10+ years of relevant experience, which must include scaling an early-stage company or direct involvement in a startup accelerator/incubator, venture capital firm, or as a startup mentor or board member.
• Executive presence and the ability to work directly with founders, CEOs, Investors, and senior-level academics as a peer.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a complex professional network of entrepreneurs and investors.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Technology, or a related field.

• Proven track record of success in founding, building, or mentoring startups that have achieved significant milestones (e.g., major funding rounds, acquisition, significant revenue growth).
• Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting with a focus on technology commercialization.
• Deep connections within the Colorado startup ecosystem.
• Master's degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent).

The Director of Startup Success is the engine that powers the founder experience at Mines. You will build the systems that help startups thrive, the networks that open doors, and the programs that position Mines as a rising national leader in hard tech venture creation.

You are not just supporting startups. You are shaping the trajectory of founders who will change the world.

About Mines & Golden, CO 

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. 

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). 

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.  

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. 

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?  

Look to Mines. 

Equal Opportunity 

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety. 

Annual Rate 

$125,000 to $151,350

Mines takes into consideration a combination of (the) candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. 

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our University Staff positions!

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes: 

• Flexible health and dental care options 
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus. (remove period)
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution 
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents) 
• Free RTD Ecopass (EcoPass)

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. 

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Monday, February 16, 2026. If you submit your application after this date, it may or may not be considered.  Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at [email protected] with any questions about this opportunity. 

Background Investigation Required Prior to Start

Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at [email protected] or 303.273.3250 for assistance. 

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting