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Cornell University · 2 months ago

Associate Director of Innovation Studio- Cornell Engineering Office of Innovation and External Collaboration (Hybrid)

Ithaca, NY

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$83K/yr - $98K/yr

3+ years exp

Cornell University is a leading engineering college focused on innovation and technology translation. The Associate Director of the Innovation Studio will lead programs that empower students and faculty to transform ideas into impactful ventures, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.

BiotechnologyHigher EducationMedicalUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Oversee a portfolio of innovation-focused programs that foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration

Set the strategic direction of the Innovation Studio and manage its operations

Design learning experiences that support students in solving real-world problems, commercializing innovations, launching startups, and gaining exposure to diverse innovation pathways

Build a robust ecosystem that supports success in innovation by working closely with students, faculty, alumni, corporate partners, and campus collaborators

Qualification

Innovation managementExperiential learning designVenture developmentStartup ecosystem knowledgeProject managementCommunication skillsMentoring studentsAgility in collaborationCommitment to diversityFostering inclusive cultureHuman-centered designLean startup methodologiesSlackGoogle WorkspaceAirtableCRM systemsRelationship buildingCreativityAdaptability

Required

Master's degree and at least 3 years of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, startup acceleration, or related areas

Demonstrated success designing, teaching and leading experiential learning or venture development programs

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with students, faculty, and external partners

Strong project and operations management skills; ability to manage multiple programs and teams

Experience mentoring or advising student innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in educational and innovation contexts

Familiarity with tools such as Slack, Google Workspace, Airtable, and/or CRM systems

Strategic vision and operational excellence in leading innovation-focused programs within a dynamic, student-centered environment

Experience designing, teaching and managing experiential learning or venture development initiatives that foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact

Exceptional communication, mentoring, and relationship-building skills with students, faculty, alumni, and external partners

A strong commitment to innovation and education, with a demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive studio culture

Familiarity with the innovation and startup ecosystem, including design thinking, technology commercialization, and early-stage venture development

Agility in working across academic, administrative, and industry domains to align studio programming with institutional priorities

Creativity, adaptability, and a passion for empowering students to explore bold ideas and bring them to life

Preferred

Experience in higher education or managing university-based innovation programs

Knowledge of the technology commercialization process or startup financing

Experience working with technical founders or engineering students

Background in human-centered design, lean startup, or similar methodologies

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options

Generous retirement contributions

Access to wellness programs

Employee discounts with local and national retail brands

Three weeks of vacation

13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1

Two additional floating holidays

Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program

Tuition aid for external education

Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program