Vanderbilt University Hiring for Program Coordinator, Innovation and Design Research at Nashville Full Time

The Program Coordinator for Innovation and Design Research (I&DR) works in the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt University’s Innovation Center. The ideal candidate embodies a demonstrated commitment to curiosity, and interest in the study and implementation of innovation processes and programs, including the results of these efforts. The Program Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and tracking the day-to-day administrative and operational activities of Innovation and Design Research programs. The Program Coordinator will assist with current and future programming that extends both on and off campus with a focus on developing, implementing, and advancing innovative ideas and design doing. The Program Coordinator will play a key collaborative role in working with the Innovation and Design Research team to design program strategy, content, as well as help manage the recruitment, onboarding and evaluation of partner organizations and student participants involved with the Wond’ry’s Innovation and Design Research programming.

The Wond’ry is the university’s center for innovation and design. We are an outwardly facing, customer service-oriented unit that serves the entire Vanderbilt community of faculty, staff, and students from all colleges and schools, while also working to build up the innovation ecosystem in Nashville and beyond. We provide a variety of programming, resources, and funding opportunities to help our constituents express and test their ideas, to develop design and systems thinking skills and an innovation mindset, as well as facilitate interdisciplinary and immersive learning experiences. Because we assist with the development of innovations and collaborations across all disciplines, we look for dynamic, curious individuals with a variety of background experiences they can leverage to help people along their innovation journey.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Coordinator for Innovation and Design Research performs a variety of complex duties, ensuring the success of the Wond’ry and its programs. Responsibilities include:

Program Coordination

• Lead the facilitation and coordination of programming for the Innovation and Design Research Practice Area at the Wond’ry.

• Track and maintain program data, metrics and outcomes in order to assesses program impacts and ensure achievement of goals.

• Assist in the coordination of future collaborations in the practice area that involve on- and off-campus organizations, community partners, and mentors.

• Assist with the co-creation of practice area training materials or website content as needed.

• Assist in the identification and facilitation of grant opportunities that could support core Wond’ry areas and related initiatives.

• Support and co-promote events and activities with current and future partner organizations.

• Ensure that activities in these areas are aligned with the mission of both the Wond’ry and Vanderbilt University.

• Communicate respectfully with program participants and community partners.

• Project a welcoming attitude that ensures participants feel invited and supported as they engage in Wond’ry programming.

  Partnerships, Collaborations, and Strategic Outreach

• Coordinate and manage the design and production of promotional materials on an as-needed basis to create awareness about specific workshops, programs, and events.

• Work with University partners and Wond’ry colleagues to develop articles, blog posts, etc. to promote the Wond’ry and the creative projects its participants undertake.

• Assist in the creation, onboarding, and training of an inclusive network of mentors who help advance the mission of Innovation and Design Research programming.

• Assist in the identification and recruitment of strategic on- and off-campus partners.

Organizational Support

• Oversee Wond’ry related events and events held at the Wond’ry by third parties as needed, including but not limited to, speaker series, seminars, workshops, and competitions.

• Participate in regular team meetings and strategic planning sessions.

• Provide assistance to other team members and work on other projects on an as-needed basis.

• Collaborate with other core staff to turn strategic priorities into meaningful programming.

  Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.

• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.

• At least 2 years of directly comparable experience is necessary.

• Experience facilitating workshops and events is preferred.

• Excellent organizational and planning skills.

• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.

• Extremely well organized with excellent time management skills and the ability to successfully handle multiple programs at once.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with individuals across the university and externally is necessary.

• Superior verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to articulate and present information to various and diverse audiences is necessary.

• Proficiency in office software tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and other software tools for communication, analysis and operation is necessary.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze, use, and present data is preferred.

• Flexible with job expectations and schedule in an office that is on the cutting edge of innovation.

• Willing to jump in wherever needed.

• Positive, energetic, “can-do,” proactive entrepreneurial attitude with a passion for innovation and creativity.

  Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

  At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

  Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

  Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.