Join Our Team
GSE hires annually for the Summer Startup program. We search for a diverse group of passionate people who care about what they do. GSE team members have the opportunity to observe and learn from the speakers and materials presented throughout the program. GSE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
About the Governor's School for Entrepreneurs
The Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE), identifies, inspires, and supports Kentucky’s future innovators and business leaders. Our three week residential summer program immerses Kentucky high school students in a creative space that empowers them to share and develop their ideas for innovative products and services in an exploratory learning environment. During the program, motivated teams of high school students develop a business model, design a prototype, and pitch their startup to a large audience and panel of judges.
Once students have completed the program, they are then connected to millions of dollars in college scholarships. Since 2013 we have impacted the lives of more than 900 students and our alumni have launched more than 30 businesses and filed for multiple patents. We are an independent, non-profit 501c3 that is committed to diversity and inclusion. We aim to serve the entire state of Kentucky through our programming.
Open Positions
Team Director
Reports to: Instructional Coaches
Location:
- Session 1: Thomas More University (Crestview Hills, Kentucky)
- Session 2: University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
Pay: $17/hr (Includes room and meals)
Employment Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 - July 6, 2024 (Includes mandatory training June 10 - June 14, 2024)
- Session 2: June 17 - July 13, 2024 (includes mandatory training June 17 - June 2, 2024)
*You will only be able to work one 4-week session. You may indicate which session you are applying for in the application.
The Team Director (TD) will be responsible for supervising team leader staff and cultivating community amongst the team leaders. The TD will oversee all instructional time systems to create a safe environment for the students while ensuring that every team leader is implementing them effectively. The TD is on-duty daily, including during weekends, with one day off per week. The TD will be expected to work no less than 40 and up to 60 hours a week. The most concentrated time for duty will be during instructional time between the hours of 9:00 am - 6:00 pm with the occasional evening shift from 7:00-10:00 pm. The Head TL will be provided a room and all meals and will be required to live on campus for the duration of their employment.
- Supports Instructional Coaches in organizing and administering the instructional side of the program for the students at the Governor's School for Entrepreneurs, including team time, instructional activities, guest entrepreneur visits, safety, and supervision of the team leader staff.
- Establish and supervise duties and daily schedule of the Team Leaders during GSE.
- Serve as liaison between Resident Director and Team Leaders and between Team Leaders and Instructional Coaches.
- Provide administrative support to Instructional Coaches whenever needed (organizing Google drive documents, running errands, etc.).
- Co-manages with the Residential Director, GSE student move-in and move-off campus, including taking inventory of supplies, loading and moving equipment.
- Prioritize the quality of the student experience and what is best for them socially and emotionally.
- Serve as role models, mentors, and ambassadors at all times by exemplifying maturity even in intense circumstances.
- Be a contributing and communicating member of the staff team always focusing on the wider community’s role and goals. Remain prompt, tidy, and respectful of others.
- In cooperation with the GSE Leadership Team, provide supervision for all GSE field trips, assist with additional summer program preparations as needed, cooperate and work in coordination with Summer Program Counselor in support of students as needed.
- In cooperation with GSE Leadership Team and Summer Program Counselor, assist with the staff training at the host campus.
- As needed, participate in planning sessions ahead of the summer program with the GSE Leadership Team and Summer Program Counselor.
- Enforce and abide by rules, regulations and procedures for community living as published in the 2024 GSE Staff Handbook.
- Effectively balance between authority figure and mentor with entrepreneurs by being approachable but setting boundaries where needed; professionalism is expected at all times.
- Proven leadership ability. Superior interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
- Prior knowledge of business models and business startups is a huge plus, but not required.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Experience in residential educational programs and camps.
- Self-starter, must be able to work alone with a minimum amount of supervision.
- Live in-residence during the summer program and training week, in the host campus dormitory.
- Bachelor’s Degree or pursuit of degree; must have graduated from high school no later than 2021 at time of application.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
GSE Summer Team applications are now open. Interviews will be held in February 2024.
The link to apply for all open positions is at the top of this page.
Team Leader
Reports to: Team Director
Location:
- Session 1: Thomas More University (Crestview Hills, Kentucky)
- Session 2: University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
Pay: $15/hr (Includes room and meals)
Employment Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 - July 6, 2024 (Includes mandatory training June 10 - June 14, 2024)
- Session 2: June 17 - July 13, 2024 (includes mandatory training June 17 - June 2, 2024)
*You can only apply to work one 4-week session. You may indicate which session you are applying for in the application.
Team Leaders work directly with the Team Director and Instructional Coaches to help guide the student teams through the process of their product/service design, development, and through the components of a business model. Team Leaders should be good at motivating students, spotting and addressing conflict early, and keeping teams on task. Upper level undergraduate students, graduate students and teachers make great Team Leaders. Prior knowledge of business models and business startups is a huge plus, but not required. A room and all meals are provided at no cost. Team Leaders are expected to participate in a living-learning/working situation with students that will require 40-50 hours a week. However, Team Leaders are welcome to commute to campus/program activities if preferred. Team leaders will accompany our entrepreneurs on field trips, site visits, recreational outings, and help manage the day to day activities of the GSE program.
- Plan and execute classroom activities that will help facilitate an environment for student autonomous learning in conjunction with GSE instructional coaches.
- Supervise up to 25 high school entrepreneurs daily to ensure all students are learning in a safe and productive environment.
- Motivate and encourage entrepreneurs while also helping teams address and resolve conflict quickly with help from Summer Program Counselor when needed.
- Maintain close communication with instructional coaches and work with them to help guide the student teams through the process of their product/service design, development, and through the components of a business model.
- Assist in providing for the safety and well-being of entrepreneurs while under the care and/or supervision of the residential program.
- Prioritize the quality of the student experience and what is best for them socially and emotionally.
- Ensure your classroom is clean and orderly.
- Be a contributing and communicating member of the staff team always focusing on the wider community’s role and goals. Remain prompt, tidy, and respectful of others.
- In cooperation with GSE admin, provide supervision for all GSE field trips, assist with additional summer program preparations as needed, cooperate and work in coordination with Summer Program Counselor in support of students as needed.
- Available during meals and during other non-instructional daytime hours for program planning, evaluation, scheduling and student issues as needed.
- Serve as liaison between residence life and instructional coaches communicating logistics for daily activities with particular attention to field trips and Demo Day.
- Maintain close communication on a frequent basis with the GSE Admin, including attendance at weekly Team Leader meetings.
- Enforce and abide by rules, regulations and procedures for community living as published in the 2024 GSE Staff Handbook.
- Effectively balance between authority figure and mentor with entrepreneurs by being approachable but setting boundaries where needed; professionalism is expected at all times.
- Prior knowledge of business models and business startups is a huge plus, but not required.
- Proven leadership ability. Superior interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Experience in residential educational programs and camps.
- Self-starter, must be able to work alone with a minimum amount of supervision.
- Live in-residence during the summer program and training week during June and July, in the host campus dormitory.
- Bachelor’s Degree or pursuit of degree; must have graduated from high school no later than 2022 at time of application.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
GSE Summer Team applications are now open. Interviews will be held in February 2024.
The link to apply for all open positions is at the top of this page.
Resident Director
Reports to: Campus Director
Location:
- Session 1: Thomas More University (Crestview Hills, Kentucky)
- Session 2: University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
Pay: $17/hr (Includes room and meals)
Employment Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 - July 6, 2024 (Includes mandatory training June 10 - June 14, 2024)
- Session 2: June 17 - July 13, 2024 (includes mandatory training June 17 - June 2, 2024)
*You can only apply to work one 4-week session. You may indicate which session you are applying for in the application.
The Resident Director (RD) will be responsible for supervising residential staff and cultivating community amongst the residential staff. The RD will oversee all residential life systems to create a safe environment for the students while ensuring that every resident advisor is implementing them effectively. The RD is on-duty daily, including during weekends, with one day off per week. The RD will be expected to work no less than 40 and up to 60 hours a week. The most concentrated time for duty will be late afternoon, evenings and early morning. RDs are “on call” throughout the night. The RD will be provided a room and all meals for the duration of their employment.
- Organizes and administers the residential program for the students at the Governor's School for Entrepreneurs, including dormitory life, non-instructional social and recreational activities, safety, hygiene, supervision of the residential staff, and all other aspects of residential living.
- Co-manages with the Team Director, GSE student move-in and move-off campus, including taking inventory of supplies, loading and moving equipment.
- Prioritize the quality of the student experience and what is best for them socially and emotionally.
- Serve as role models, mentors, and ambassadors at all times by exemplifying maturity even in intense circumstances.
- Establish and supervise duties and daily schedule of the residential advisors during GSE.
- Be a contributing and communicating member of the staff team always focusing on the wider community’s role and goals. Remain prompt, tidy, and respectful of others.
- In cooperation with GSE Admin, provide supervision for all GSE field trips, assist with additional summer program preparations as needed, cooperate and work in coordination with Summer Program Counselor in support of students as needed.
- In cooperation with GSE Admin and Summer Program Counselor, assist with the staff training at the host campus.
- As needed, participate in planning sessions ahead of the summer program with GSE Admin and Summer Program Counselor.
- Maintain close communication with the GSE Admin, throughout the planning and implementation of GSE regarding all aspects of residential life and interactions with parents, residential staff, instructional coaches, etc.
- Enforce and abide by rules, regulations and procedures for community living as published in the 2024 GSE Staff Handbook.
- Effectively balance between authority figure and mentor with entrepreneurs by being approachable but setting boundaries where needed; professionalism is expected at all times.
- Proven leadership ability. Superior interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Experience in residential educational programs and camps.
- Self-starter, must be able to work alone with a minimum amount of supervision.
- Live in-residence during the summer program and training week during June and July, in the host campus dormitory.
- Bachelor’s Degree or pursuit of degree; must have graduated from high school no later than 2021 at time of application.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
GSE Summer Team applications are now open. Interviews will be held in February 2024.
The link to apply for all open positions is at the top of this page.
Resident Advisor
Reports to: Resident Director
Location:
- Session 1: Thomas More University (Crestview Hills)
- Session 2: University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
Pay: $15/hr (Includes room and meals)
Employment Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 - July 6, 2024 (Includes mandatory training June 10 - June 14, 2024)
- Session 2: June 17 - July 13, 2024 (includes mandatory training June 17 - June 2, 2024)
*You can only apply to work one 4-week session. You may indicate which session you are applying for in the application.
- Assist in providing for the safety and well-being of entrepreneurs while under the care and/or supervision of the residential program.
- Prioritize the quality of the student experience and what is best for them socially and emotionally.
- Be a contributing and communicating member of the staff team always focusing on the wider community’s role and goals. Remain prompt, tidy, and respectful of others.
- Plan and execute residential life events for the students in coordination with the residential life team and the Resident Director.
- In cooperation with the GSE Leadership Team, provide supervision for all GSE field trips, assist with additional summer program preparations as needed, cooperate and work in coordination with the Summer Program Counselor in support of students as needed.
- Enforce and abide by rules, regulations and procedures for community living as published in the 2024 GSE Staff Handbook.
- Effectively balance between authority figure and mentor with entrepreneurs by being approachable but setting boundaries where needed; professionalism is expected at all times.
- Assist in providing for the safety and well-being of entrepreneurs while under the care and/or supervision of the residential program.
- Prioritize the quality of the student experience and what is best for them socially and emotionally.
- Be a contributing and communicating member of the staff team always focusing on the wider community’s role and goals. Remain prompt, tidy, and respectful of others.
- Plan and execute residential life events for the students in coordination with the residential life team and the Resident Director.
- In cooperation with the GSE Leadership Team, provide supervision for all GSE field trips, assist with additional summer program preparations as needed, cooperate and work in coordination with the Summer Program Counselor in support of students as needed.
- Enforce and abide by rules, regulations and procedures for community living as published in the 2024 GSE Staff Handbook.
- Effectively balance between authority figure and mentor with entrepreneurs by being approachable but setting boundaries where needed; professionalism is expected at all times.
- Proven leadership ability. Superior interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Experience in residential educational programs and camps.
- Self-starter, must be able to work alone with a minimum amount of supervision.
- Live in-residence during the summer program and training week, in the host campus dormitory.
- Bachelor’s Degree or pursuit of degree; must have graduated from high school no later than 2022 at time of application.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
GSE Summer Team applications are now open. Interviews will be held in February 2024.
The link to apply for all open positions is at the top of this page.
Digital Storyteller
Reports to: Program Manager
Location:
- Session 1: Thomas More University (Crestview Hills, Kentucky)
- Session 2: University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
Pay: $17/hr (Includes room and meals)
Employment Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 - July 6, 2024 (Includes mandatory training June 10 - June 14, 2024)
- Session 2: June 17 - July 13, 2024 (includes mandatory training June 17 - June 2, 2024)
*You can only apply to work one 4-week session. You may indicate which session you are applying for in the application.
The Digital Storytellers (DSs) will create and publish digital content from the GSE Summer program. These two positions create and maintain an archive of digital images, videos, and other content. The Digital Storytellers will be responsible for maintaining GSE’s social media, paying close attention to brand guidelines and voice. DSs are expected to have knowledge in both videography and photography. A great candidate for this position is someone who is studying digital media and is looking for a fast-paced environment to gain a wealth of media experience over the summer. Each DS is on-duty daily, including during weekends, with one day off per week. DSs will be expected to work no less than 40 and up to 60 hours a week. They will be provided a room and all meals for the duration of their employment.
- Capture and convey the spirit and accomplishments of the GSE program, students, and staff via photography, videography, and storytelling.
- Create digital projects from the media captured during the program for online distribution.
- Update social media accounts daily with current and relevant photos and videos from GSE activities and events.
- Organize digital images and videos for storage.
- Create content not only for GSE promotional materials but also for documentation purposes.
- Edit photos and videos quickly with precision and ease.
- Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Create and produce at least two videos that overview each summer session to be shown on the final day of each session.
- Be a contributing and communicating member of the staff team always focusing on the wider community’s role and goals. Remain prompt, tidy, and respectful of others.
- Enforce and abide by rules, regulations and procedures for community living as published in the 2024 GSE Staff Handbook.
- Effectively balance between authority figure and mentor with entrepreneurs by being approachable but setting boundaries where needed; professionalism is expected at all times.
- Digital media experience is required.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
- Proven leadership ability.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Experience in residential educational programs and camps.
- Self-starter, must be able to work alone with a minimum amount of supervision.
- Live in-residence during the summer program and training week during June and July, in the host campus dormitory.
- Bachelor’s Degree or pursuit of degree; must have graduated from high school no later than 2022 at time of application.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
GSE Summer Team applications are now open. Interviews will be held in February 2024.
The link to apply for all open positions is at the top of this page.
Summer Program Counselor-in-Residence
Reports to: Program Director
Location:
- Session 1: Thomas More University (Crestview Hills, Kentucky)
- Session 2: University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
Pay: $5,000 (Includes room and meals)
Employment Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 - July 6, 2024 (Includes mandatory training June 10 - June 14, 2024)
- Session 2: June 17 - July 13, 2024 (includes mandatory training June 17 - June 2, 2024)
*You can only apply to work one 4-week session. You may indicate which session you are applying for in the application.
Attending GSE can be an intense experience for students as they adjust to new surroundings, face a rigorous schedule, and engage with a supportive, diverse community of entrepreneurs. Students are challenged to grow and expand their horizons, embrace failure, and work through conflict with their team which can lead to both exciting opportunities and intimidating challenges. To fully support GSE students’ emotional, social, and mental health during the summer program, an experienced, reliable, and accessible counselor is a vital member of the summer program leadership team.
The GSE Counselor is an independent contractor who serves the following roles:
- Advises GSE Leadership Team, Instructional Coaches, and Staff on a wide range of issues related to social, emotional, and mental health. This includes developing plans of action in response to student issues, and directly responding to those issues when/as necessary.
- Leads training for GSE Staff about supporting the emotional/social/mental health needs of students.
Pre-Program (March – June)
- As needed, consult with the GSE Leadership Team on student policies, staff training design, etc.
- Attend a leadership meeting with the GSE Leadership Team, Resident Director and Instructional Coaches in early May.
- Have a significant presence during staff training week; this includes leading training sessions for residential life staff and team leaders on topics such as responding to student emotional/social/mental health needs (homesickness, anxiety, etc.), self-care, setting boundaries, etc.
Summer Program
- Live in-residence at host campus. Room and board are provided. Applicants who live near GSE host campus and would prefer to live off campus will be considered.
- Provide 24-hour consultant and counseling services for the duration of the program. This can include response to emergency situations.
- Attend daily leadership meetings to review student needs/issues, develop action plans in consultation with administration, and respond to student needs in a contextualized and timely manner.
- As needed, provide one-on-one consultation with individual staff members, students, and student guardians.
- Set up meetings with each student team at the beginning of the program to explain the role of Counselor to students.
- Provide open workshops to students and staff throughout the program about mental/social/emotional health (i.e. how to deal with public speaking anxiety, how to destress and relax, etc.).
As mentioned above, the Counselor attends a leadership meeting in early May, staff training from, and the entirety of the summer program.
Students are often working with their teams from 9:00 a.m. until as late as 9:00 p.m., meaning some student interaction takes place at meal times or in the evening. The GSE program operates seven days a week, although the GSE Program Director will work with the Counselor to determine their own plan for rest and self-care.
Position requirements:
- Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling or Social Work (or related field)
- Experience in counseling and mentoring youth
- Experience in crisis intervention or grief counseling
Desired experience and qualities include:
- Knowledge or experience with programs for gifted and talented students
- Experience working with high school students
- Superior interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Background and/or appreciation of entrepreneurship
- Understanding of adolescent development
- Knowledge of common psychological disorders and appropriate treatments
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
To apply:
Please submit a resume, reference list, and cover letter to Erica Rust Pennington, GSE Program Director, at [email protected].
For additional information on the position, please email [email protected].
Instructional Coach
Reports to: Campus Director
Location:
- Session 1: Thomas More University (Crestview Hills, Kentucky)
- Session 2: University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
Salary: $7500 per three-week session and mandatory training week,(2) summer sessions are offered. This is a full-time temporary contractual position with summer work hours typically 50-55 hours per week, plus weekly 1-hour planning video-calls beginning in mid-March.
Employment Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 - July 6, 2024 (Includes mandatory training June 10 - June 14, 2024)
- Session 2: June 17 - July 13, 2024 (includes mandatory training June 17 - June 2, 2024)
*You will only be able to work one 4-week session. Please indicate which session you are applying for when submitting your materials.
The GSE Instructional Coach is a key player in our three-week, on-campus summer program for high school students. You’ll collaborate with a team that’s passionate about the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and drive economic growth across Kentucky.
Our curriculum blends Lean Startup methodology for starting a venture with general leadership development. Student entrepreneurs (“E”s) learn by doing, through the framework of business model discovery and design-thinking. They use STEAM and design skills to build a prototype, along with research, marketing, and communications to create their business pitch. Activities include guest lecturers, field trips to startup companies and large production facilities, team building exercises and recreational activities.
Instructional Coaches expand the intellectual and creative horizons of GSE student entrepreneurs by providing leadership in ideation, product/service design and development, components of a business model and business pitches. Emphasis is placed on innovation, customer development (validation), and triple bottom line philosophy. Instructional Coaches must be willing and able to use non-traditional and participatory methods, with minimal lecturing. They must relate well and communicate effectively with students ages 14-18. They should be enthusiastic and flexible enough to keep pace with GSE’s intensive, ever-changing environment.
Instructional Coaches are responsible for planning and delivering the learning content for GSE’s summer program and establishing an atmosphere of open discussion, interaction, creative thinking and collaboration.
Instructional Coaches work together collaboratively and are supported by staff members called Team Leaders.
Instructional Coaches are expected to:
- Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with Es; initiate contacts, stimulate conversation and excitement among Es, and assist in leadership of team sessions, activities and field trips.
- Work with the other Instructional Coaches and the Program Director to plan and schedule session topics, guest lecturers, field trips and other learning activities; sharing in responsibility for creating and implementing the core content of the program.
- Coordinate and lead the Team Leaders in mentoring and coaching student teams to help them develop their ideas to the fullest potential and understand the components of a business model. This involves stimulating open, creative and divergent thinking among the Es and guiding them in their decision-making.
- Together with the other Instructional Coach and Team Leaders, assess each E’s knowledge-base and understanding of the components of the business model and tailor the pace of the curriculum accordingly.
- Coach and critique team pitches in preparation for Demo Day event. Help manage execution of Demo Day, including some on-stage interaction with the audience.
- Document and critique curriculum and calendar strategies for future planning and operations.
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience
- Proficiency in Google Workspace
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work in collaboration with others
- Great planning skills, ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines
- Live in-residence during the summer program and training week, in the host campus dormitory
- Entrepreneurial experience is preferred
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
To apply:
Please submit a resume, reference list, and cover letter to Erica Rust Pennington, GSE Program Director, at [email protected].
For additional information on the position, please email [email protected].
Questions About Employment?
Contact our team with any questions about open positions or joining the GSE team.