Director of Undergraduate Innovation
: Job Details :

Job Description - Director of Undergraduate Innovation (2403347)

Director of Undergraduate Innovation

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):

Master's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline. Five (5) years of full-time experience in leadership roles within innovation, entrepreneurship, or technology commercialization. Proven track record of successfully launching and scaling innovative programs or ventures. Extensive network within the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Strong financial acumen and experience managing complex budgets.

Preferred Qualifications:

Additional years (6+) of full-time experience in leadership roles within innovation, entrepreneurship, or technology commercialization. Experience working in higher education or within academic institutions. Demonstrated success in securing significant funding from various sources (e.g., grants, venture capital, corporate partnerships). Background in both startup and corporate innovation environments. Familiarity with lean startup methodologies, design thinking, and other contemporary innovation frameworks. Experience with intellectual property management and technology transfer processes. Track record of publication or thought leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Brief Description of Duties:

The Director of Undergraduate Innovation at Stony Brook University will lead the institution's efforts to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across campus. This pivotal role will drive transformative change, catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration, and position Stony Brook University as a leader in preparing students for the rapidly evolving global economy. The Director of Undergraduate Innovation will have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and influence diverse stakeholders.

Impact and Performance Metrics:

The success of the Director of Undergraduate Innovation will be measured by:

Increase in the number and quality of student and faculty-led startups

Growth in research funding and commercialization revenue

Improvement in the university's rankings and reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship

Expansion of industry partnerships and collaborative research agreements

Enhancement of the university's economic impact on the local and regional economy

Increase in student participation in innovation and entrepreneurship programs

Success in fundraising and resource development for innovation initiative

Visionary leadership and strategic thinking

Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive change

Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias towards action

Collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making

Comfort with ambiguity and ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Strong mentorship and coaching skills

Duties:

Strategic Leadership and Vision:

Develop and implement a comprehensive innovation strategy aligned with the university's mission and long-term goals.

Cultivate partnerships with industry leaders, venture capitalists, and other external stakeholders to create opportunities for students and faculty.

Serve as a primary innovation ambassador at high-profile events and forums.

Explore opportunities to engage undergraduate students to develop student-run businesses.

Help establish and oversee a campus-wide innovation hub that serves as a focal point for entrepreneurial activities.

Create and manage an innovation fund to support promising student and faculty ventures.

Implement programs to identify and nurture high-potential ideas from concept to market-ready products or services.

Curriculum and Program Development:

Collaborate with academic departments to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship principles across disciplines.

Design and launch degree programs, certificates, and workshops in innovation, management, and entrepreneurship.

Develop experiential learning opportunities, including internships, co-op programs, and startup immersion experiences.

Research and Commercialization:

Foster a culture of applied research and facilitate the commercialization of intellectual property.

Establish processes to identify, protect, and monetize the college's intellectual capital and intellectual property.

Create incentive structures to encourage faculty engagement in innovation and entrepreneurship activities.

Community and Economic Impact:

Develop programs that connect the college's innovation ecosystem with the local and regional business community.

Collaborate with local government and economic development agencies to position the college as a driver of regional innovation and growth.

Establish metrics and systems to measure and communicate the economic impact of the college's innovation initiatives.

Resource Management and Team Leadership:

Build and lead a high-performing team of innovation professionals.

Manage the budget and resources of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Secure external funding through grants, donations, and corporate partnerships to support innovation initiatives.

Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.

Special Notes:

This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

In addition to the employee's base salary, this position is eligible for $3,400 UUP annual location pay, paid biweekly.

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) ###-#### or visit OEA.

In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act, a copy of our crime statistics can be viewed here.

Visit our WHY WORK HERE page to learn about the total rewards we offer.

Job Number:

2403347

Official Job Title:Senior Staff AssociateJob Field:

Administrative & Professional (non-Clinical)

Primary Location:

Department/Hiring Area: Economic Development

#J-18808-Ljbffr