Adjunct Instructor - SMO Entrepreneurial

Position AnnouncementUtah Valley University is currently seeking an adjunct instructor to teach SMO Entrepreneurial. This position will be an experiment to see how much practical, real-world experience we can engage students in during a semester. This position will be taking students through a group effort to achieve a seemingly impossible goal (help a local artist go viral/get 1M online impressions or reduce air pollution by 5% in Utah County). The instructor's goal is to help students get something press-release worthy and that really stretches students/exercises their entrepreneurial skillsetSummary Of ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will perform some or all of the following duties: Design and teach courses. Plans, prepares, and follows an approved course of study that includes measurable objectives for each course taught. Prepares instructional materials (course outlines, syllabi, exams, mock-ups, visual aids, and instruction sheets) as necessary. Instructs, manages, and supervises individuals and groups in classrooms and laboratories through the use of appropriate teaching methods. Evaluates instruction and learning by means of appropriate testing methods. Maintains a student-oriented approach to education. Recommends students for advancement and graduation. Maintains and submits accurate and current reports and records involving student accountability, attendance, performance, and follow-up. Coordinates cooperative work experience programs and students as assigned. Assists counselors, department chairperson, and or program coordinator, faculty, and department staff in maintaining an effective program. Thoroughly familiar with the academic freedom and professional responsibility statement and adheres to these policies. Maintains desirable and safe laboratory and classroom conditions. Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications Master’s degree in business, Entrepreneurship, Education, or a field related to their area of expertise or if applicant is working on a Masters and will graduate by the end of 2025. Minimum of 3–5 years of real-world entrepreneurial experience (e.g., launching startups, merger & acquisitions, managing small businesses, product development, or working in a venture-backed company) in the areas of scalable services, freelancing, or food/beverage industries. Experience teaching or mentoring students in a classroom or workshop. Strong understanding of business model development, customer discovery, MVP design, and lean startup methodologies. Proficient in tools used in modern entrepreneurship (e.g., Canva, Figma, business model canvas, pitch decks, Excel, financial modeling). Preferred Qualifications: Experience securing funding (e.g., pitching to investors, crowdfunding, grants). Knowledge of digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, and analytics tools. Demonstrated success in designing, launching, or scaling a business venture. Demonstrated ability to guide students through real-world projects, startup simulations, or capstone experiences. Familiarity with project-based learning and experiential teaching methods. Strong network within the startup or small business community (e.g., local accelerators, VCs, chambers of commerce). Passion for mentoring students and fostering creativity, resilience, and innovation. Core Competencies Excellent communication and presentation skills. Growth mindset and ability to inspire entrepreneurial thinking. Creative problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic environments. Strong organizational and classroom management skills. Commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching practices. Coordinating with outside mentors or community members.