The Innovation Education & Engagement Manager serves as a cross-functional leader within USF CONNECT, advancing USF’s innovation and commercialization mission through integrated support of entrepreneurial education, industry partnerships, external communications, strategic planning, and ecosystem development. This role bridges academic research, startup activity, industry needs, and regional economic development efforts, creating pathways for both faculty and companies to advance market-ready solutions. The Innovation Strategist leads educational programming, fosters strategic partnerships, manages external communications, and contributes to program alignment that positions USF CONNECT as a national leader in innovation-driven economic growth.
The duties and responsibilities for this position include:
Marketing, Communications & Storytelling (30%) – Lead external communications strategy (newsletters, social, events, website, press releases); craft narratives that highlight program impact and outcomes; manage strategic messaging for ecosystem partnerships.
Strategic Planning & Program Alignment (20%) – Support strategic planning for entrepreneurial education, industry engagement, and economic development; conduct landscape analyses; align programs with institutional and regional priorities; define metrics and track performance.
Industry Engagement & Economic Development (20%) – Build partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofits; represent USF CONNECT at consortiums and ecosystem events; support sponsored initiatives that elevate USF’s innovation profile.
Program Development & Delivery (25%) – Design, refine, and deliver education programming (ideation, lean startup, design thinking, business modeling, market readiness); develop hybrid/online modules; support TBTI, SII, Evolve Accelerator, and commercialization initiatives.
Faculty Liaison & Internal Collaboration (5%) – Bridge CONNECT with academic colleges and faculty researchers to foster entrepreneurial mindset; participate in internal committees and working groups.
Performs other duties as assigned.