Serve as a lead advisor and hands-on partner to early-stage companies
Provide expertise across: Finance & investment readiness
Sales, marketing & business development
Strategy & operations
Organizational growth
Mentor a select group of portfolio companies based on your experience
Program Engagement
Contribute to and help deliver the 10-week Ben Franklin TechCelerator, guiding entrepreneurs in: Customer discovery
Business model development
Investor readiness and pitch development
Strategic Impact
Assess leadership teams and identify key growth opportunities and risks
Build and implement action plans for: Sales and marketing strategies
Corporate and operational improvements
Cash flow management and financial planning
Collaborate with Ben Franklin's internal experts in: Accounting and finance operations
HR and talent strategy
Market research
Software/tools training
Define measurable KPIs, track company progress, and adjust strategies as needed
Ecosystem Engagement
Actively network and build relationships across: Business and investment communities
Higher education institutions
Technology and innovation sectors
Champion inclusive entrepreneurship, supporting innovation from all communities and backgrounds
Requirements
Proven business leadership experience-preferably in a technology-driven private-sector environment
Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for early-stage company growth
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skill
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams
Enthusiasm for Central & Northern Pennsylvania's innovation ecosystem
Willingness to engage in frequent regional travel (including occasional overnight trips)
Why Join Ben Franklin/CNP?
Direct impact on the growth of innovative companies
Opportunity to mentor and shape the next generation of entrepreneurs
Collaborative, mission-driven environment
Flexibility and regional influence across a thriving startup ecosystem
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Business Development Relationship Adviser - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Master's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
If filled as Business Development Relationship Adviser - Senior Professional, this position requires:
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require suc
Benefits
Remote work optionsFlexible schedule
Additional Information
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA (Ben Franklin/CNP) is the region's leading early-stage investor and innovation partner, supporting technology-based startups across a 32-county footprint. Headquartered in State College-with offices in Erie, Harrisburg, Johnstown, and Lancaster-we help entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.
Through high-risk, early-stage investments and hands-on management support, we empower founders to launch, scale, and succeed-creating jobs and strengthening Pennsylvania's economy.
We currently have 3 positions as Entrepreneur- or Executive-in-Residence (EIR) that we are seeking to fill in the Transformations Business Services team , and are looking a dynamic, experienced, and highly motivated individuals. This flexible position can be based in any of our regional offices namely Penn State University Park or Harrisburg or Behrend.
This position will be filled as a Business Development Relationship Adviser (Senior Professional OR Principal Professional).
As an EIR, you will play a pivotal role in supporting early-stage companies by providing hands-on leadership and strategic guidance across critical business functions. You'll work directly with startup founders, helping them navigate growth challenges and accelerate their path to success.
This role reports directly to the Transformations Team Lead.
Penn State University · Penn State University Park