Design Thinking Innovation Manager

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 24 days ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 04 Apr 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department IEED-Off Inn & Des for Pub Gd-201450
Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
Posting Open Date 03/21/2024
Application Deadline 04/04/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Design Thinking Innovation Manager
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20053502
Vacancy ID NF0007973
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $64,500-$88,900
Proposed Start Date 05/06/2024

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (IEED) leads the University in its goal to uncover and unleash the vast innovation potential of faculty, students, staff, alumni and stakeholders. IEED works with leadership across campus to set strategy, provide central services, establish and foster partnerships, and garner resources to support the University’s innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development agenda. UNC-Chapel Hill is generating ground-breaking ideas through research to become a leading fundamental and translational research university. IEED uses a federated model to strengthen the innovation ecosystem that consists of an extensive network of University-facilitated programs. This network of students, faculty and staff are working together to tackle the most challenging problems in North Carolina and the world.
Position Summary
The Design Thinking Innovation Manager will serve as a member of Innovate Carolina’s Design and Public Innovation team to deliver human-centered design training, programming, and project execution. This fulltime, in-person role will also manage the day-to-day operations of the design thinking and innovation practice while serving as a mentor to graduate student Design Thinking Fellows.
Responsibilities:
- Work with the Director of Design and Innovation for the Public Good to promote and strengthen the Carolina design and innovation ecosystem.
- Plan, facilitate and lead design thinking innovation workshops, trainings, and design sprints, as well as innovation engagements for Innovate Carolina.
- Consult with internal and external teams to define project scope and opportunities to bring human-centered design into their work.
- Coach and mentor a team of graduate student Design Thinking Fellows in the planning and delivery of design thinking and innovation projects.
- Lead the operations of design thinking and innovation services through proposal creation, project tracking, client management, and invoicing.
- Partner with Innovate Carolina’s Marketing and Communications team to promote design thinking and innovation services.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
At least 3 years of relevant experience in design thinking practice including creating, leading, and managing design thinking trainings and/or projects. Experience leading strategy, transformation, or innovation projects, conducting qualitative research (e.g. stakeholder engagement) and ability to distill complex problems through structured, insightful, and data-driven analysis into insights and takeaways. Trained in design thinking methodology and demonstrated success with design thinking in practice is a must. Experience with facilitation and design thinking tools in digital workspaces/digital whiteboards. Excellent program management skills as well as the ability to set priorities, self-organize, manage multiple tasks, pivot based on the needs of the organization, and work with others to achieve common goals. Effective written, visualization, and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to engage with senior leaders and design solutions to meet project needs. Demonstrated ability to work in an entrepreneurial, collaborative fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Advanced degree preferred (MBA, MPH, MPA/MPP, MEd, PhD, etc.). Knowledge of human-centered methods and processes required to support design thinking engagements in a variety of contexts including strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship, research, and higher education. Prior experience in the public, private or non-profit sector with supervisory, as well as founder and student mentorship experience a plus. Experience with Salesforce or similar project management platforms. Passion to make the world a better place.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/276970

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Bill Romani
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Similar Positions