Assistant Director - DA Vinci Center

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: da Vinci Center

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

• 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 diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment.

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