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Innovation Design Manager

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Innovation Design Manager.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division VP Research

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Partial

Pay Grade

E10

Posting Close Date July 24, 2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Innovation Design Manager is a creative and strategic thinker responsible for developing and executing design-centered innovation programming that drives ideation, experimentation, and translational research impact. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Innovation and Impact, this role will design and manage initiatives that promote human-centered problem-solving, foster entrepreneurial mindsets, and support scalable innovation across disciplines. The ideal candidate will blend design thinking expertise with program execution skills to bring bold ideas to life through collaboration with faculty, students, startups, and external partners.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Lead the design and delivery of innovation and entrepreneurship programs such as ideation labs, design sprints, and prototype workshops. Apply design thinking principles to structure programs that address real-world challenges in research translation and commercialization. Develop and test new models for community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and student/faculty participation in innovation initiatives.

+ Work closely with the Assistant Director of Innovation and Impact to ensure alignment of programmatic design efforts with strategic innovation priorities. Translate complex problems into actionable design briefs for cross-disciplinary project teams. Collaborate with internal and external partners to co-create design-forward solutions that advance university research and economic development goals.

+ Create compelling visual and written content to communicate program successes, participant stories, and translational research outcomes. Design presentation materials, program toolkits, and event collateral to support engagement and visibility. Contribute to social media, newsletters, and web content that positions the Office of Innovation Management as a national leader in innovation design.

+ Assist in developing grant proposals and programmatic materials to secure external funding for design and innovation initiatives. Support the development of design tools, templates, and platforms to streamline innovation workflows. Contribute to tracking and reporting on key performance indicators and outcomes related to design-based innovation activities.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in design, innovation management, business, or a related field. Two ( 2 ) to four ( 4 ) years of experience applying design thinking, human-centered design, or innovation methodologies in a professional setting. Experience managing or supporting innovation programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, or research-based design projects.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Strong understanding of the full innovation lifecycle, from academic research translation to commercialization, including technology transfer, intellectual property, and entrepreneurial principles.

+ Proven ability to design, plan, and execute complex, multi-stakeholder innovation programs and projects using effective project management tools and techniques.

+ Capability to develop and implement strategic plans for innovation management, identify new opportunities for collaboration, industry engagement, and technology commercialization.

+ Strong interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective relationships with diverse internal (faculty, staff, administration) and external (industry partners, startups) stakeholders.

+ Proficiency in analyzing data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, and make informed decisions to optimize innovation processes and resource allocation.

+ Experience leading and facilitating multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative work environment, and motivating performance towards organizational objectives.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly, and prepare compelling reports, presentations, and proposals for various audiences.

+ Demonstrated creativity, adaptability, and resilience in identifying opportunities, developing innovative strategies, and navigating challenges within a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree preferred . Experience in a university, research environment, or regional innovative cluster. Familiarity with technology transfer, research commercialization, or startup development. Knowledge of innovation ecosystems and design frameworks for economic and social impact. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams across academia, industry, and government.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.