[Hiring] Program Officer, I&E Education & Curriculum Design @VentureWell

Role Description

Are you experienced in developing and managing immersive learning experiences in the fields of STEM Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E)? Are you passionate about enhancing inclusive innovation ecosystems with institutions of higher education, industry and government? Do you want to join a dynamic and growing Higher Education Innovation Ecosystems department? If so, VentureWell has an exciting opportunity for you.

The Program Officer (PO) is responsible for designing and managing immersive learning experiences to support the organization’s growth in higher education ecosystem development. This role will be critical in enhancing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of ecosystem leaders to advance Research & Development translation and STEM entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialization in regions across the country.

The candidate will have demonstrated experience and passion for broadening STEM Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Commercialization pathways.

This position will join the Higher Education Innovation Ecosystems Team, which is responsible for collaborating and interfacing with ecosystem leaders (universities, innovation practitioners, workforce developers, investors, and federal agencies) to drive equitable and inclusive innovative ecosystems.

The Program Officer reports directly to the Director, Higher Education Ecosystems, and is expected to travel about 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Program Administration (50% of time)
  • Serves as an internal subject matter expert in the field of instructional design; designs, develops, and delivers a wide range of STEM Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Commercialization, Ecosystem Development curricula and training programs.
  • Leads the development and management of immersive experiences such as STEM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Communities of Practice, customized trainings/workshops and convenings.
  • Manages the logistics of successful program implementation of activities and programs.
  • Attends conferences and meetings to serve on panels and/or present insights, strategies, and best practices to various audiences.
  • Leverages experiences and knowledge to coordinate, develop and implement new and existing delivery methods.
  • Incorporates social learning principles into programs to support the diffusion of ideas and best practices.
  • Defines competency models and skills frameworks for various audiences in higher education, industry and government.
  • Provides recommendations to support continuous improvement and organizational learning.
  • Implements defined program objectives, including group conversation facilitation, presenting and teaching directly, and one-on-one engagements with participants.
• Collaboration & Project Management (40% of time)
  • Actively participates in internal (and external) collaboration and communication to ensure program success.
  • Contributes in collaboration and partnerships with external subject matter experts, consultants and vendors.
  • Designs, plans and facilitates effective meetings.
  • Prepares and synthesizes written material and reports to funders.
• Departmental Collaboration and Relationship Management (10% of time)
  • Gathers and synthesizes critical information and builds strategies for project expansion and/or new project development.
  • Contributes to program design, evolution and renewals through provision of content for and authorship of reports to funders.
• Relationship Management (5% of time)
  • Identifies new strategies to engage IHEs into programming with a focus on assessing the unique training needs of these audiences.
  • Maintains relationships with university leadership and faculty to understand institutional goals, priorities, and challenges.
  • Conducts Virtual and In-Person site visits, as needed.
  • Supports VentureWell membership activities.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years related experience in higher education including instructional design and training administration.
• At least 5 years experience in programming and curricular development in higher education, implementation, and assessment.
• Experience designing STEM I&E training programs for various stakeholders: institutions of higher education, industry and government.
• Knowledge and fluency working with various needs assessments.
• BS/BA required.

Requirements

• Ability to succeed and thrive in an environment with competing and changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Track record of building solid collaborative working relationships.
• Commitment to embedding equity for all in internal practices and culture.
• Openness and engagement to personal, professional, and organization-wide learning.
• Self-starter with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Benefits

• Salary range of $70,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience and internal equity.
• 403(b) plan with 200% match up to a maximum contribution from VentureWell of 10% when the employee puts in 5% (eligible after one year of service for the match).
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• $1,000 home office stipend upon hire.
• Focus on work-life balance with work weeks that reflect that.
• 20 paid vacation days.
• 12 paid holidays.
• 12 paid wellness days.