Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached
resume):
Master’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in a relevant field. Five (5)
years of full-time successful management experience in increasingly responsible
positions. 1 year of full-time experience overseeing employees/volunteers in an
innovation/maker/hacker center. Experience managing personnel in a creative,
experimental environment. 1 year of full-time experience in a leadership role,
ideally in innovation, product development, research and development, or a
related field. Leadership experience in innovation or R&D.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ability to work cross-departmentally and in interdisciplinary environments.
Project management experience. Experience in a Higher Education/Academic
environment. Experience with scholarship in technology-related issues. Proven
experience with fundraising.
Brief Description of Duties:
The Director of Innovation will be responsible for the implementation plan for
the overall Libraries’ strategic plan with measurable outcomes to build an
ecosystem of technological innovation and entrepreneurship at SBU Libraries,
including incremental improvements and breakthrough initiatives. This ecosystem
should transform how we support and upgrade existing resources, create new
facilities and programs, and engage faculty, staff, students, alumni, and
industry partners in value creation.
The role involves identifying emerging trends, developing strategic innovation
initiatives, and integrating cutting-edge solutions to maintain a competitive
edge, promoting risk-taking and learning from failure. Reporting to the Dean of
Libraries, the Director will act as a catalyst for change, bridging the gap
between abstract ideas and practical implementation while ensuring alignment
with the University’s overarching goals. They will drive growth and efficiency
by fostering a continuous flow of innovative concepts and securing support
through internal or external fundraising to bring these from ideation to
implementation.
Our ideal candidate will facilitate an innovative environment for teaching,
scholarship, and service through transparent leadership and a regard for the
Libraries’ governance. The University Libraries have just completed a new
strategic plan, which can be found on our website. AI and emerging technologies
are critical focus areas, and we expect the Director of Innovation to be an
active leader. SBU Libraries are an essential partner in Stony Brook
University’s mission of global leadership in research, discovery, and learning,
serving as a hub for collaboration, digital innovation, open scholarship, and
creativity. We provide the best possible access to various resources in
multiple formats and world-renowned special collections. We actively contribute
to student success and faculty productivity through teaching and research
services aligned with the university’s strategic priorities. As the largest
academic research library on Long Island, the Libraries serve as a vital
resource for regional and global communities.
Experience managing personnel in a creative, experimental environment is
crucial for leading and maintaining the day-to-day operations of spaces
dedicated to technological and making activities. Leadership experience in
innovation or R&D is essential for driving strategic initiatives, guiding
teams, and turning ideas into impactful projects. Collaboration across
disciplines is key to fostering an innovation ecosystem that leverages diverse
expertise within the university. Project management experience skills ensure
the successful execution of complex initiatives within set timelines and
budgets. Familiarity with academic environments helps align innovation
strategies with the university’s educational and research missions.
Understanding ethical technology ensures that advancements align with societal
standards and positively impact the community. Scholarship in
technology-related issues provides credibility and ensures the candidate
contributes to the academic discourse. Versatility in technologies and interdisciplinary
engagement are crucial for serving our varied stakeholders in research,
teaching, and learning. Proven fundraising abilities are essential for
securing resources to support and expand the Libraries’ innovative initiatives.
The University Libraries play a crucial role in advancing the University’s
commitment to furthering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
in our spaces, collections, services, and outreach. We are committed to DEIA
values in our hiring, training, and daily work practices, where differences are
acknowledged, respected, and celebrated. We welcome candidates who genuinely
embrace the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and intentionality of a diverse
and inclusive workplace to apply. Duties include:
- Management,
Operations:
- Regularly update a new FabLab/Hackerspace/Makerspace and other labs as needed within the Library while minimizing overlaps with other facilities.
- Manage and market the services of the University Libraries’ technology/learning labs, including overseeing staff, student workers, and volunteers.
- Mentor staff to build a strong, cross-functional team.
- Work with faculty and staff to develop workshops and courses that use the Libraries’ resources.
- Promote and advertise these opportunities campus-wide to students and faculty.
- Innovation,
Development, and Fundraising:
- Explore new opportunities, such as AI, rapid prototyping, and other technologies.
- Identify unexplored innovation opportunities across research and teaching.
- Seek external funds from individuals, foundations, and agencies to expand opportunities.
- Collaboration,
Networking and Outreach:
- Collaborate with other departments and centers to foster a culture of inclusive innovation on campus.
- Organize and host events that showcase and celebrate student, faculty, and staff projects.
- Facilitate a collaborative environment among university entrepreneurship and innovation programs to ensure efforts are complementary and avoid duplication.
- Build and enable connections across the SUNY system and a national network/ecosystem that translates Stony Brook’s academic and research output into real-world economic and social impact.
- Create and leverage partnerships with external organizations and individuals to increase the reach, scope, and number of business connections to the Stony Brook community.
- Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and department mission.
Special Notes:
This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the
overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to
maintain FLSA exemption.
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.
In addition to the employee’s base salary, this position is eligible for $3,400
UUP annual location pay, paid biweekly.
Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.
Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.
If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.
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Job Number: 2404078
Official Job Title: Director
Job Field:: Administrative & Professional (non-Clinical)
Primary Location: US-NY-Stony Brook
Department/Hiring Area: SBU Libraries
Schedule: Full-time
Shift : Day Shift Shift Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Posting Start Date: Nov 20, 2024
Posting End Date: Dec 20, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
Salary: $120,000 – $130,000
Appointment Type: Regular
Salary Grade: SL6
SBU Area: Stony Brook University
