"Assistant Director - da Vinci Center"

Job Details

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Unit: University College

Department: daVinci Center

Duties & Responsibilities:

About the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation

The VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation is a nationally recognized hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration and experiential learning. We bring together students and faculty from across the university to solve real-world problems through innovation and entrepreneurship. From health innovation to social impact ventures, our programs are designed to cultivate the next generation of changemakers.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director at the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the university’s cross-disciplinary innovation ecosystem. This position is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and management of programs that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact. The Assistant Director will lead efforts to develop inclusive and scalable initiatives that support workforce development, lifelong learning, and health and social innovation.

Ideal candidates will be strategic thinkers and skilled collaborators with a background in innovation facilitation, program design, and partnership development. This role requires a high degree of autonomy, vision, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities Program Strategy & Development

• Lead the creation and expansion of programs aligned with innovation, workforce development, and lifelong learning.
• Design and deliver accessible tools, workshops, and curricula that promote inclusive innovation practices.
• Scale and sustain strategic initiatives in alignment with university-wide goals.

Partnerships & Ecosystem Building

• Cultivate and manage partnerships with stakeholders across healthcare, education, industry, and community sectors.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Represent the da Vinci Center at conferences, forums, and community events to enhance visibility and engagement.

Program Management & Operations

• Oversee the operations of multiple innovation programs, ensuring quality and impact.
• Supervise a growing team of three or more full-time staff and lead cross-functional project teams.
• Manage program budgets, track spending, and ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies.
• Resolve operational challenges independently and efficiently.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Design and implement program evaluation frameworks to measure outcomes and inform improvements.
• Use data and stakeholder feedback to refine program offerings and enhance learner and partner experiences.
• Contribute to institutional learning by sharing insights, metrics, and best practices.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Master’s degree and 5–7 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Expertise

• Demonstrated knowledge in innovation strategy, design thinking, or entrepreneurship.
• Experience managing complex projects and leading interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in academic program administration or supporting cross-unit academic initiatives.
• Commitment to fostering a learning and working environment that supports and celebrates all people.

Salary Range: $80,000-$85,000

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information: Contact Name: Lloyd Young Contact Email: youngel3@vcu.edu