Design Thinking and Innovation Specialist

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.

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.

The Design Thinking Innovation Specialist will serve as a member of Innovate Carolina's Design and Innovation for the Public Good team and contribute to human-centered design training, programming, and project execution that nurtures the translation of innovative ideas into innovations for the public good. This full-time, in-person role will also serve as a lead designer on projects through our Design Thinking and Innovation Recharge practice and mentor graduate student Design Thinking Fellows and undergraduate interns.

Responsibilities:
* Work with the Director of Design and Innovation for the Public Good to promote, strengthen, and evaluate the Carolina design and innovation ecosystem, grants programs, and faculty engagement sessions.
* Serve as a lead consultant on design thinking and innovation Recharge projects for internal and external teams, founders, and startup ventures
* Plan, facilitate and lead short- and longer-term human centered innovation workshops, training, and design sprints to help faculty, students and community members translate their ideas into innovations for the public good.
* Work with the Design and Innovation Manager to identify and expand the number of Recharge Center clients, create proposals, and track project progress and outcomes.
* Assist in the mentorship of graduate Design Thinking and Innovation Fellows and undergraduate interns to plan and deliver human centered innovation expertise to both for-profit and community engaged ventures and services.

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.

At least 2 years of relevant experience in design thinking practice including creating, leading, and managing design thinking trainings and/or projects in community, commercial, or research settings. Experience leading strategy or innovation projects, collecting and analyzing qualitative user, stakeholder, and customer data, or scaling start-up ventures. Ability to distill complex problems through structured, insightful, and data-driven analysis into testable insights and takeaways. Trained in design thinking methodology and demonstrated success with design thinking frameworks including rapid prototyping and co-creation in practice is a must. Experience with facilitation and design thinking tools in digital workspaces/digital whiteboards/artificial intelligence. 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 as a valued team member in an entrepreneurial, collaborative fast-paced environment.

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, non-profit, industry, or private sector with founder and student mentorship experience a plus. Passion to make the world a better place.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.