Director of Atwood Innovation Plaza

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Director of Atwood Innovation Plaza

Salary

See Position Description

Location

St. George 84770, UT

Job Type

Full-Time Staff

Job Number

25PRO986-1

Division

College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Department

Atwood innovation Plaza

Opening Date

05/07/2024

Closing Date

6/2/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Position Announcement

Utah Tech University is seeking a dynamic and visionary individual to serve as the Director of Atwood Innovation Plaza (AIP). This position presents a unique opportunity to lead the continued development and growth of our innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem encompassing various sectors including technology, biotechnology, engineering, computing, software as a service (SAAS), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), genomics, human endurance, DeserTech, and others. The Director will oversee the operations of Atwood Innovation Plaza, which currently includes a SAAS Incubator, a biotech incubator, a Makerspace, and a broad range of innovation and entrepreneurship events and services. The Why of Atwood Innovation Plaza is to create an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem that provides opportunities and experiences for students, faculty, staff, and the community to have transformative learning experiences, build strong relationships, upskill, invent and innovate, and start companies that place them on a path for social mobility. Additional information can be found online athttps://innovation.utahtech.edu/.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for Atwood Innovation Plaza in alignment with the mission and goals of Utah Tech University.

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry leaders, start-ups, investors, and other stakeholders to enhance the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of programs and initiatives to support startups and entrepreneurs in various fields including tech, biotech, engineering, computing, SAAS, AI, ML, genomics, human endurance, DeserTech, etc.

• Oversee the SAAS Incubator, biotech incubator, and makerspace (until third party contracted to operate), ensuring they provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and support for early-stage ventures.

• Collaborate and coordinate with selected third-party operator of AIP business incubator and accelerator program.

• Develop and manage hackathons, pitch competitions, and other events to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the University and the broader community.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national innovation ecosystems, including industry associations, government agencies, and economic development organizations.

• Organize networking events, workshops, and seminars to connect entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and experts within the innovation community.

• Act as a spokesperson for Atwood Innovation Plaza, promoting its mission, programs, and success stories through various channels.

• Work closely with University leadership, alumni, donors, and funding agencies to secure financial resources to support the operations and growth of Atwood Innovation Plaza.

• Identify opportunities for grants, sponsorships, and corporate partnerships to expand the range of services and resources available to startups and entrepreneurs.

• Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of dedicated Utah Tech AIP staff and interns dedicated to supporting the mission of the Atwood Innovation Plaza. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team, promoting professional development and growth opportunities.

• Assist in the planning and initial implementation of the proposed Utah Tech Innovation District to be located at the south campus.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as computing, business administration, engineering, entrepreneurship, technology management, etc. Master’s degree in business or public administration preferred.

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in innovation management, entrepreneurship support, start-up incubation, technology development or related fields.

• Proven track record of building and scaling successful innovation programs or ecosystems.

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, identify opportunities, and execute plans to achieve organizational goals.

• Experience in budget management, fundraising, and resource development.

• Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in areas such as tech, biotech, AI, ML, etc.

• Passion for fostering creativity, innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, staff, and community members.

• Experience building and running a private business required.

• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.

• Strong leadership skills, including a track record of building organizations.

• Ability to manage and motivate senior-level people, both inside and outside the University.

• Strong technical knowledge and well-rounded in technology fields such as computer sciences, advanced manufacturing, and medical technology.

• Proven track record in developing quality relationships with community, corporate, and governmental entities.

• Proven grant writing experience preferred.

Supplemental Information

POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Full-time professional staff (overtime-exempt) position. Annual salary of$80,000+depending on qualifications and experience. Desired start date ofJuly/August 2024. Excellent benefits package included that begins on start date; includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance and wellness programs, life, disability, retirement, undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents, as well as paid holidays in addition to sick and vacation leave accruals. Seehttps://humanresources.utahtech.edu/employee-benefits/under "Benefits Summary" for more details.

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES:Application review beginsJune 3, 2024. Submit application materials (including resume contents and contact information for three professional references) and upload cover letter electronically. If, because of a disability, you need special services or facilities in order to apply for this opening, please call the Human Resources Office at (435) 652-7520.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY: Utah Tech University is an open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic institution, committed to exceptional student learning and success that has adopted an instructional approach of "active learning. active life" and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek faculty and staff committed to creating an active, applied and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, our University is located in picturesque southwestern Utah, approximately 120 miles north of Las Vegas. The area is renowned for its red rocks, desert climate, over 300 days of sunshine annually, and featuring easy access to world-class outdoor recreational opportunities. Click here to learn more about the University (https://about.utahtech.edu/) .

Utah Tech University is a fast-growing Utah public institution of higher education, with more than 12,000 students. We offer over 250 programs, including masters, bachelors, associates, certificates, endorsements, minors, and/or emphases. We seek to recruit and retain diverse and ambitious faculty and staff who bring new ideas, possess values and career aspirations aligned with the mission and vision, and are inspired to build a premier open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university. Utah Tech University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer; the President and employees of the University are fully committed to Affirmative Action within its employment programs and activities. Utah Tech does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or the University’s non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Equity Compliance / Title IX Coordinator: Hazel Sainsbury -titleix@utahtech.edu, HCC 579, 435-652-7747.

• Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Jennifer Larimore - titleix@utahtech.edu, 435-652-7731.

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://titleix.utahtech.edu/or contact:

• U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, ocr@ed.gov, 800-421-3481.

• U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, ocr.denver@ed.gov, 303-844-5695.

The University provides key institutional information regarding Academics, Campus Safety, Student Services, Employment Laws, and other requirements per the Higher Education Act and other consumer information requirements to prospective students, students, UT employees, and prospective employees online athttps://utahtech.edu/right-to-know/andhttps://police.utahtech.edu/clery-act/.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification.

Click here to visit https://humanresources.utahtech.edu/employee-benefits/to learn more about the wonderful benefits available to you as a Utah Tech employee!

Highlights from Utah Tech's benefits package include:

• 14.2% retirement contribution, paid 100% by the employer (no match required), vested on day 1 of full-time employment;

• Regular undergraduate tuition waiver (paid at 100%) for employee, spouse, and unmarried dependent children to take courses at Utah Tech;

• Full medical, dental, and vision plans, with low employee-paid premiums, that begins on day 1 of full-time employment;

• Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts available;

• Employer-paid basic life insurance & disability insurance coverage from day 1 of full-time employment;

• Generous staff leave accruals, plus 12 paid holidays per calendar year.

  01

  The following attachments are required to apply for this position. The size limit on a single attachment is 5 MB. You may attach up to 10 attachments. If you do not submit all of the required documents, your application may not receive full consideration. You will not be able to edit or add to your application once it has been submitted. Cover Letter Resume Contact information (including email) for three professional references Have you uploaded these documents?

• Yes

• No

  02

  Which pronouns do you use? Check all that apply.

• He, Him, His

• She, Her, Hers

• They, Them, Theirs

• Other

  03

  Will you hold a Bachelor's degree in the required area for this position by the desired start date?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Do you currently have at least five years of experience as listed in the job announcement?

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Agency

Utah Tech University

Address

Human Resources

225 S. University Avenue

St. George, Utah, 84770

Phone

435-652-7520

435-879-4521

Website

http://humanresources.utahtech.edu