Head of Entrepreneurship Center

Location: İstanbul – Şişli and İstanbul-Rumeli Feneri

Koç University was founded in 1993 by the Vehbi Koç Foundation with the vision of achieving excellence in education, pioneering scientific research, and contributing value to society. Ranked among the top 500 universities globally, our university is one of Turkey’s most prestigious institutions and aims to contribute to scientific, technological, and societal progress with its research and innovation-oriented structure. We offer an inspiring and dynamic living environment, creating a distinctive working atmosphere.

At Koç University, our employees advance their careers in a dynamic and supportive work environment as part of a team of experts and innovators. Our workplace fosters continuous learning and offers opportunities for personal and professional development. With our vision and strong values, we invite you to join the Koç University family to achieve new milestones in your career.

We are looking for a Head of Entrepreneurship Center to join Koç University, reporting to the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), who meets the following criteria.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business, Engineering, Innovation Management, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, or startup ecosystem leadership.
• Demonstrated success in managing major innovation or entrepreneurship projects, including team leadership and program development.
• Deep understanding of university-based technology transfer processes, IP protection, and commercialization pathways.
• Experience working with academic researchers and knowledge of academic culture and governance.
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Experience in developing and managing budgets, funding proposals, and institutional reporting.
• Proven ability to initiate and sustain collaborations with external stakeholders, including industry, investors, government agencies, and NGOs.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Fluency in both Turkish and English (written and spoken) is required.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Lead the development and execution of the University’s innovation and entrepreneurship strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Oversee all KWORKS (academic entrepreneurship center) operations, including accelerator programs, startup portfolio support, and partnership development in Şişli-Istanbul location (main workplace).
• Provide mentorship and strategic guidance to early-stage startups within the university ecosystem.
• Coordinate events, special courses, workshops, seminars, and competitions to stimulate campus-wide entrepreneurial activities at Koç University Rumeli Feneri location.
• Build and expand national and international networks with startups, corporates, technoparks, investors, and innovation hubs.
• Provide guidance to the Academic Consultancy and UNVEST research and development unit activities within the University
• Facilitate the creation of investment networks, venture capital collaborations, and other funding mechanisms within the Koç University community.
• Coordinate with the related department to support the identification, protection, and commercialization of intellectual property.
• Promote entrepreneurial culture across campus through training programs, awareness events, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Support researchers, students, and alumni in transforming innovative ideas into sustainable ventures.
• Develop new models to support and scale faculty consultancy activities and university-industry collaborations.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of governance mechanisms that support innovation-related operations and stakeholder relations.

Campus Opportunities

• Unlimited access to the Sports Center
• Health Center
• Unlimited access to the Suna Kıraç Library
• Participation in cultural and arts events at the Sevgi Gönül Cultural Center

Benefits

• Car and Fuel Allowance
• Koç Foundation membership & Foundation Health Insurance
• “Healthy Living Program for Koç Members” via Koç Healthcare
• Access to Koç Group Sports Club facilities
• Employee Support Program
• Discounts at member establishments with the Koç Ailem card
• Flexible benefits through Flextra Program
• Training programs to support professional and behavioral development
• Tuition fee discounts
• Birthday leave

Koç University embraces the principle of equal opportunities. All candidates are evaluated without discrimination based on race, gender, national or social origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.