Job Summary:

Texas Christian University (TCU) is seeking an entrepreneurial and visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Director of the Innovation Hub. This key role will launch and lead TCU’s new Innovation Hub, a flagship initiative within the university’s LEAD ON: Values in Action Strategic Plan. The new TCU-wide Innovation Hub will inspire, connect, and foster a culture of innovation within the university, encouraging collaboration, experimentation, and the adoption of new ideas and technologies. The Innovation Hub is focused on enabling diverse programming to inspire, challenge, and educate, engaging spaces for creativity and innovation, and building collaborations to strengthen rankings, reputation, drive innovation and collaboration ultimately leading to a richer and more diverse student experience. The Innovation Hub will include programming (e.g., speaker series, networking events, workshops, hackathons) to encourage collaboration, creativity, and experiential learning; experiential student/faculty projects with companies and non-profits; and will be a “lighthouse” for broad regional collaboration to bring more innovation to North Texas.
The ideal Director clearly understands and shares TCU’s vision and brings the focus, experience, confidence, skill, and enthusiasm to succeed in the campus-wide mission. TCU is looking for someone who has demonstrated accomplishment in leveraging institutional strengths and building strong collaborations across campus and the community. This position reports to TCU’s Chief University Strategy and Innovation Officer.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Develops and implements a vision, strategy, and organizational structure to maximize the effectiveness of the Innovation Hub in serving the needs of faculty, staff, students, and community and fully aligns with TCU’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
2. Creates and oversees programs and initiatives that promote and showcase innovation, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the TCU community.
3. Facilitates partnerships with academic units, research centers, and external organizations to create opportunities for students and faculty to engage in innovation projects.
4. Builds trust and interest among diverse constituencies across campus and the community.
5. Cultivates relationships with industry leaders, startups, investors, non-profits, and community partners to foster collaboration and resource sharing.
6. Positions the Innovation Hub as a regional and national leader in innovation, experiential learning and multi-disciplinary collaboration.
7. Works closely with Chief University Strategy and Innovation Officer, administration, faculty, and students to identify and support high-impact innovation initiatives.
8. Serves as an ambassador for TCU’s Innovation Hub, representing the university at conferences, forums, and other external engagements.
9. Develops and tracks key performance indicators to measure the success and impact of the Innovation Hub’s programs and initiatives.
10. Provides regular reports and updates to university leadership on the Hub’s achievements and areas for growth.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• 7+ years of professional experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, program management, or a related field with increasing levels of management, administrative and leadership responsibility
• Demonstrated experience working with students, specifically undergraduates, and inspiring students to engage.
• Demonstrated success in launching or managing innovation-focused initiatives or centers.
• Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary collaboration, design thinking, and innovation processes.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Advanced degree in business, entrepreneurship, innovation management, STEM, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience preferably in higher education, corporate innovation, or startups/nonprofits.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of trends and challenges in innovation and entrepreneurship education.
• Skill in Customer Relationship Management systems.
• Skill in leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Skill in working in interdisciplinary and cross-sector environments.
• Ability to employ a collaborative, resourceful, and results-driven mindset with the ability to inspire and empower others.
• Ability to be committed to TCU’s values of Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.