Virginia Commonwealth University · 11 hours ago
Director, Shift Education Labs (Internal Applicants Only)
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$80K/yr - $100K/yrVirginia Commonwealth University is focused on driving academic innovation and student success through its Office of Innovation and Strategic Design. The Director of the Shift Education Lab will provide strategic leadership to develop and scale innovative education initiatives that enhance student success and community impact, while managing partnerships and securing funding.
Higher EducationLife ScienceUniversities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the Shift Education Lab, setting vision, priorities, and annual goals aligned with institutional strategy
Design, pilot, and scale innovative education programs, credentials, and learning models using human-centered design and entrepreneurial approaches
Lead cross-functional teams of faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators to co-create and deliver lab initiatives
Build, manage, and sustain partnerships with K–12 school systems, higher education partners, industry, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and international collaborators
Foster and expand international collaborations that support global learning and innovation, including partnerships with EDU Hub in Lisbon, Portugal
Lead the development of international pilot programs, study-abroad experiences, joint projects, and global innovation initiatives aligned with the Shift Education Lab’s mission
Partner with the VCU Rice Rivers Center to co-develop place-based, environmental, and STEM education initiatives that integrate experiential learning, research, and community engagement
Partner with the School of Education to identify and execute strategic initiatives
Identify, pursue, and steward external funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and earned-revenue models
Oversee program operations, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective execution
Establish evaluation frameworks and track key performance indicators to measure educational, workforce, and community impact
Translate early-stage concepts into sustainable offerings, including pilots, proof-of-concepts, and scalable programs
Supervise and mentor staff, fellows, graduate assistants, and student team members engaged in lab activities
Communicate outcomes and impact through reports, presentations, and storytelling for internal leadership and external stakeholders
Qualification
Required
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to translate complex innovation concepts for various audiences (students, executive leadership, and community partners)
A terminal degree in education or related field
Experience with STEM education at the primary and secondary level
Experience with direct classroom instruction in a middle school or high school environment
Demonstrated research experience and success with securing external funding for research or sponsored projects
Commitment to the university's strategic plan, mission, vision, values, and goals
Excellent customer service skills and business acumen
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Product Suite
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
Preferred
Experience with international study abroad programming
Experience teaching at the postsecondary level
Evidence of industry sponsored research or partnership development
Proven track record in developing and/or delivering micro-credentials or stackable certificates
Strong connection to the Richmond educational ecosystem or national education networks
Demonstrated experience working within an academic or higher education setting, particularly within a fast-paced research institution
Benefits
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
Company
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University.
Founded in 1838
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$7.48MKey Investors
Virginia Innovation Partnership CorporationUnited States-Japan Foundation
2025-01-15Grant· $0.1M
2024-03-12Grant· $0.08M
2024-02-01Grant· $0.07M
Leadership Team
Karol Kain Gray
Senior VP and CFO
Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
Professor
Recent News
The Virginian-Pilot
2025-12-05
2025-11-01
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