At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation strategies and connect research to real-world impact.
- Company: Join Ole Miss, a top public research university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative role with a focus on community engagement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a difference in economic development and support startups in Mississippi.
- Qualifications: Master's degree and 8-10 years of leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member – student, faculty, and staff – can achieve their fullest potential.
The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Economic Engagement (AVC-IEE) serves as a key leader within the Office of Research and Economic Development, responsible for accelerating the university's innovation ecosystem and strengthening its role as an engine of economic and social progress. The AVC-IEE will develop and lead strategies that connect university research and creativity to commercialization, entrepreneurship, and community and regional economic development. A primary focus of this role is the development and management of a new venture fund designed to accelerate the growth of university-affiliated startups.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and implement a comprehensive innovation and economic engagement strategy aligned with the university's strategic research priorities.
- Expand and strengthen programs that advance technology transfer, intellectual property management, and startup creation.
- Support the development and management of a new venture fund to catalyze university spin‐offs and early‐stage ventures.
- Build partnerships among faculty, students, industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and government agencies.
- Collaborate with community and state economic development organizations to encourage investment, workforce growth, and business innovation across Mississippi.
- Oversee the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem, including engagement with Innovate Mississippi, Insight Park, and the Innovation Hub.
- Integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into academic and experiential learning opportunities.
- Represent the university on state, regional, and national partnerships related to innovation, research, and economic growth.
- Manage staff and budgets in areas involving corporate partnerships, industry engagement, and community innovation initiatives.
- Monitor performance and assess the impact of economic engagement programs and investments.
- Communicate Ole Miss's innovation and entrepreneurship successes to internal and external audiences.
Experience: At least 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in research administration, economic development, or technology commercialization.
Skills & Competencies
- Proven ability to create and sustain partnerships across academia, industry, and government.
- Deep knowledge of technology transfer, innovation ecosystems, and startup development.
- Strong leadership, communication, and strategic vision.
- Commitment to fostering inclusive innovation that benefits communities across Mississippi.
- Preferred attributes include experience in a research university environment and familiarity with Mississippi's innovation landscape.
- Track record of securing external funding or investment, specifically in the context of venture capital or seed funds.
- Collaborative, visionary leadership that supports the University of Mississippi's mission to drive progress through research, innovation, and engagement.
Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
EEO StatementThe University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Background Check StatementThe University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Resume and cover letter required.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Economic Engagement in Hyde Park employer: University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, known as Ole Miss, is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to academic excellence and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the university offers numerous opportunities for professional development and collaboration across various sectors, enhancing both personal and community advancement. Located in a supportive environment, Ole Miss encourages its staff to engage in meaningful work that drives economic and social progress throughout Mississippi.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Economic Engagement in Hyde Park
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like University of Mississippi.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like University of Mississippi.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Economic Engagement in Hyde Park
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at University of Mississippi that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at University of Mississippi and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Mississippi
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at University of Mississippi, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show University of Mississippi that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At University of Mississippi, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
