Assistant Director- Center for Innovation

Salary/Position Classification

• $84,900+ Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus

Purpose of Position

The Assistant Director is part of the leadership team at the Center for Innovation and assists the Director with the operational and programmatic portfolio of services. The key purpose of this position is to ensure that CFI staff provide high-quality, best practice commercialization, innovation and technology transfer services to faculty, students, and community clients in the most efficient, effective manner.
The Assistant Director is responsible for helping the CFI achieve strategic goals and will lead administrative oversight for organizing and measuring campus and community innovation initiatives. In addition, the assistant director will represent the CFI at campus and community events and fundraising activities. This person is also second in leadership responsibilities when the CFI Director is unavailable.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Management and Program Oversight
  • Plan, organize and assist CFI staff with the implementation of commercialization, technology transfer and innovation programs to promote a culture of engagement from campus and community innovators.
  • Teach or assist in administering CFI programs, either to augment CFI staff, or to demonstrate program leadership.
  • Utilize commercialization coaching tools to assist with training and have metrics to ensure effective facilitation (e.g., customer discovery, lean launch, ICorps, business model development, creative problem solving/ design thinking, etc.).
  • Assist the CFI Director in the organization and administration of CFI fundraising activities to include grants, proposals and alumni outreach aligned with CFI strategic initiatives.
  • Assist CFI Director with project management, grant deliverables, and process improvement initiatives.
  • Act as second in command when CFI Director is out and act as a back-up responsible party when delegated.
  • Monitor activity to measure impact of commercialization and innovation training programs.
  • Support development of strategic plans and road maps for future initiatives for innovation and entrepreneurial activity.
  • Manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously. 
• Relationship Building and Collaborative Communication
  • Establish and maintain strong networks across the University and in North Dakota to support strategic objectives.
  • Support administrative duties of the Center for Innovation Foundation board members to include board meeting preparation, strategic plan implementation, and committee support.
  • Actively seek collaborations to enhance and ensure high quality programming by all CFI staff.
  • Actively support team members to achieve shared goals by providing and encouraging critical thinking, creativity, an inclusive culture, and attention to detail.
  • Provide advice on policies and procedures to advance innovation and commercialization services offered at CFI.
  • Build relationships to encourage collaboration and open communication across the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • Represent the CFI across the University and North Dakota where appropriate. 
• Administration of Financial and Human Resources
  • Lead monitoring of monthly budgets with shared service center and VPRED operational team to ensure accuracy and fiscal responsibility with CFI budget.
  • Track and manage timecards for CFI hourly staff.
  • Monitor progress of center activities and staff to track KPIs and impact to maintain quality and to ensure effectiveness.
  • Communicate, reinforce, and support compliance with University policies, procedures, and required training within CFI, coordinating with Human Resources and other administrative office, including VPRED, as appropriate.
  • Interview, hire, and maintain accurate information of all personnel within CFI staff.
  • Supervise up to three staff and indirect supervision of CFI staff and interns to support leadership and program operation 

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, flexibility, and independent judgement.
• Position requires occasional evening and weekend work and travel
• Strong work ethic
• Energetic
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of directly related experience
• Experience supervising staff
• Demonstrated experience working with university supported innovation and entrepreneurial activity
• Experience in process improvement or project management
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other basic business software
• Submit cover letter detailing how you meet each minimum requirement, required competency, and any preferred qualifications.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, management, entrepreneurship, engineering, education or a related degree
• Background working in or managing a university office, program, or business incubator
• Experience as an entrepreneur - launching a business, running a small business/startup, etc.

To Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter detailing how you meet each minimum requirement, required competency, and any preferred qualifications.