Director – UC Innovation Center

Posted October 26, 2022

Director – UC Innovation Center

Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center, University of Charleston

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of the UC Innovation Center is responsible for all programs and operations of the Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center. The primary responsibilities are leading, coaching, and mentoring a team of undergraduate Innovation Scholars, managing high school and prospective student outreach activities, coordinating various competitions and events hosted by the Center, and facilitating innovation efforts across campus. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Innovation, the Director works closely with colleagues in the UC Downtown Innovation Hub (DIH) to support client needs and student interaction as needed. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Innovation Center and manage all UC and community events in the center
• Coach student innovators/entrepreneurs relative to competitions/class projects
• Coordinate on-campus innovation competitions and UC student participation in off-campus competitions
• Connect students to key resources for financial and technical support
• Lead innovation outreach programs to high school and other audiences designed to attract prospective students
• Supervise students using and working in the Innovation Center
• Facilitate sessions to help innovators develop appropriate ideas, business models, and customer relationships
• Assist innovators in conducting market research and competitor analysis
• Oversee the operations and training in the MakerLab
• Develop relationships with local and regional businesses to cultivate a mentoring network
• Understanding of Business Model Canvas and Lean Startup, as well as application of these tools to projects and entrepreneurial ideas
• Develop and deliver faculty and staff training in innovation pedagogy
• Provide regular reports to the Executive Director of Innovation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned graduate degree in an education-related or business-related discipline
• Five years of teaching, training, coaching or similar professional experience
• Highly motivated self-starter who works well in a collaborative environment
• Ability to analyze and solve problems
• Ability to mentor/manage projects effectively
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively
• Demonstrated understanding of how entrepreneurship/innovation activities serve to strengthen and grow West Virginia’s economy

• Possess knowledge of social media strategies
• Possess a design-thinking / innovation mindset

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter addressing qualifications for the position, a current resume and contact information for three professional references to:

David Ramsburg, Executive Director of Innovation

davidramsburg@ucwv.edu .

The University of Charleston is an Equal Opportunity Employer