Head of Entrepreneurship

About the role

Do you want to shape the future of entrepreneurship at one of the world’s leading universities?

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Entrepreneurship to lead the development of Imperial Enterprise Lab’s world-class entrepreneurship education, skills programmes and early-stage venture pipeline.

Imperial Enterprise Lab is the front door to entrepreneurship at Imperial College London, building a visible, inclusive and high-energy community that inspires students, researchers and alumni to explore entrepreneurship, develop their ideas and launch impactful ventures.

In this high-profile senior leadership role, you will lead the delivery and growth of Imperial’s flagship entrepreneurship programmes, including WE Innovate and the Venture Catalyst Challenge, while developing new best-in-class initiatives that increase participation, strengthen entrepreneurial capability and convert engagement into venture-ready ideas and teams.

You will also play a key role in securing partnerships, sponsorship and external income to support the Lab’s portfolio of education, community and venture development activity. Working closely with colleagues across Imperial, external partners, alumni and founders, you will help position Imperial as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The role also includes deputising for the Director of Entrepreneurship and contributing to the wider strategic leadership of Imperial Enterprise Lab.

What you would be doing

You will manage and develop teams, building a high-performing culture focused on excellent participant experience and measurable impact.

Lead the strategic planning and delivery of Imperial Enterprise Lab’s education, skills and community programming, ensuring it remains innovative, inclusive and aligned to the E-Lab Vision 2030 strategy.

Oversee and develop high-impact flagship programmes such as WE Innovate, Venture Catalyst Challenge and future new initiatives that inspire entrepreneurial action across Imperial’s student, alumni and researcher communities.

You will cultivate strong relationships across Imperial’s enterprise ecosystem, working closely with incubation, investment and venture support teams to create clear pathways for founders and teams.

You will lead fundraising and partnership development activity, securing sponsorship, philanthropy & collaborative opportunities that strengthen programme sustainability and institutional reputation.

You will oversee budgets, reporting, operational resources and continuous improvement activity, ensuring effective delivery and high standards across all programmes and partnerships.

A key priority for the next 12 months is to rethink and evolve E-Lab’s community engagement & programmatic activity as part of the Lab’s move to a new, high-profile space in the Faculty Building. This includes creating a visible, daily “front door” experience, establishing a clear and compelling rhythm of entrepreneurship education activity, and ensuring the space functions as a focal point for entrepreneurial energy, connection and progression.

What we are looking for

• Proven experience designing &  delivering entrepreneurship education programmes, startup support initiatives or innovation-focused community activity within higher education or a related environment.
• Significant leadership experience, including managing and developing teams & overseeing multiple complex projects or programmes simultaneously.
• Strong track record in partnership development, sponsorship, fundraising or income generation.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage & influence senior stakeholders across academic, corporate, public & founder communities.
• Strong understanding of innovation, entrepreneurship & venture development, ideally within a research-intensive environment.
• Excellent communication & presentation skills, with confidence representing an organisation externally & speaking to large audiences.
• Strong analytical and financial management capability, including budget oversight, reporting & using insight to improve performance.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgement & the ability to build inclusive, collaborative environments.

Available documents

• download: Head of Entrepreneurship- Job Description.pdf
• download: Employee Benefits Booklet - V.2026.pdf