Director of Innovation
Required Qualifications (as
evidenced by an attached resume):
Master’s degree (foreign
equivalent or higher) in a relevant field. Five (5) years of
full-time successful management experience in increasingly
responsible positions. 1 year of full-time experience overseeing
employees/volunteers in an innovation/maker/hacker center. Experience
managing personnel in a creative, experimental environment. 1 year of
full-time experience in a leadership role, ideally in innovation,
product development, research and development, or a related field.
Leadership experience in innovation or R&D.
Preferred
Qualifications:
The ability to work cross-departmentally and
in interdisciplinary environments. Project management experience.
Experience in a Higher Education/Academic environment. Experience
with scholarship in technology-related issues. Proven experience with
fundraising.
Brief Description of Duties:
The
Director of Innovation will be responsible for the implementation
plan for the overall Libraries' strategic plan with measurable
outcomes to build an ecosystem of technological innovation and
entrepreneurship at SBU Libraries, including incremental improvements
and breakthrough initiatives. This ecosystem should transform how we
support and upgrade existing resources, create new facilities and
programs, and engage faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry
partners in value creation.
The role involves identifying
emerging trends, developing strategic innovation initiatives, and
integrating cutting-edge solutions to maintain a competitive edge,
promoting risk-taking and learning from failure. Reporting to the
Dean of Libraries, the Director will act as a catalyst for change,
bridging the gap between abstract ideas and practical implementation
while ensuring alignment with the University's overarching goals.
They will drive growth and efficiency by fostering a continuous flow
of innovative concepts and securing support through internal or
external fundraising to bring these from ideation to implementation.
Our ideal candidate will facilitate an innovative environment
for teaching, scholarship, and service through transparent leadership
and a regard for the Libraries’ governance. The University
Libraries have just completed a new strategic plan, which can be
found on our website. AI and emerging technologies are critical focus
areas, and we expect the Director of Innovation to be an active
leader. SBU Libraries are an essential partner in Stony Brook
University’s mission of global leadership in research, discovery,
and learning, serving as a hub for collaboration, digital innovation,
open scholarship, and creativity. We provide the best possible
access to various resources in multiple formats and world-renowned
special collections. We actively contribute to student success and
faculty productivity through teaching and research services aligned
with the university’s strategic priorities. As the largest academic
research library on Long Island, the Libraries serve as a vital
resource for regional and global communities.
Experience
managing personnel in a creative, experimental environment is crucial
for leading and maintaining the day-to-day operations of spaces
dedicated to technological and making activities. Leadership
experience in innovation or R&D is essential for driving
strategic initiatives, guiding teams, and turning ideas into
impactful projects. Collaboration across disciplines is key to
fostering an innovation ecosystem that leverages diverse expertise
within the university. Project management experience skills ensure
the successful execution of complex initiatives within set timelines
and budgets. Familiarity with academic environments helps align
innovation strategies with the university's educational and research
missions. Understanding ethical technology ensures that advancements
align with societal standards and positively impact the community.
Scholarship in technology-related issues provides credibility and
ensures the candidate contributes to the academic discourse.
Versatility in technologies and interdisciplinary engagement are
crucial for serving our varied stakeholders in research, teaching,
and learning. Proven fundraising abilities are essential for
securing resources to support and expand the Libraries' innovative
initiatives.
The University Libraries play a crucial role in
advancing the University’s commitment to furthering diversity,
equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in our spaces,
collections, services, and outreach. We are committed to DEIA values
in our hiring, training, and daily work practices, where differences
are acknowledged, respected, and celebrated. We welcome candidates
who genuinely embrace the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and
intentionality of a diverse and inclusive workplace to apply. Duties
include:
Management, Operations:
Regularly update a new FabLab/Hackerspace/Makerspace and other labs as needed within the Library while minimizing overlaps with other facilities.
Manage and market the services of the University Libraries’ technology/learning labs, including overseeing staff, student workers, and volunteers.
Mentor staff to build a strong, cross-functional team.
Work with faculty and staff to develop workshops and courses that use the Libraries’ resources.
Promote and advertise these opportunities campus-wide to students and faculty.
Innovation, Development, and Fundraising:
Explore new opportunities, such as AI, rapid prototyping, and other technologies.
Identify unexplored innovation opportunities across research and teaching.
Seek external funds from individuals, foundations, and agencies to expand opportunities.
Collaboration, Networking and Outreach:
Collaborate with other departments and centers to foster a culture of inclusive innovation on campus.
Organize and host events that showcase and celebrate student, faculty, and staff projects.
Facilitate a collaborative environment among university entrepreneurship and innovation programs to ensure efforts are complementary and avoid duplication.
Build and enable connections across the SUNY system and a national network/ecosystem that translates Stony Brook’s academic and research output into real-world economic and social impact.
Create and leverage partnerships with external organizations and individuals to increase the reach, scope, and number of business connections to the Stony Brook community.
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and department 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.
For this position, we are unable
to sponsor candidates for work visas.
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) 632-6280 or visit OEA.
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Job Number: 2404078
Official Job Title: Director
Job Field:: Administrative & Professional (non-Clinical)
Primary Location: US-NY-Stony Brook
Department/Hiring Area: SBU Libraries
Schedule: Full-time
Shift : Day Shift Shift Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Posting Start Date: Nov 20, 2024
Posting End Date: Dec 20, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
Salary: $120,000 - $130,000
Appointment Type: Regular
Salary Grade: SL6
SBU Area: Stony Brook University
To Apply:
