Instructor - da Vinci Center

The da Vinci Center for Innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University is prototyping the future of education through cross-disciplinary academic, experiential, and experimental learning opportunities designed for creative thinkers and doers from a wide range of backgrounds. Recognized by Fast Company Magazine as their 2023 Innovation by Design award winner in the learning category, the da Vinci Center’s human centered design approach to innovation is reimagining the role of education for a diverse range of learners. While students in our programs may come with backgrounds in design, engineering, psychology, business, and even social sciences and the arts, they all share common traits of unconventional thinking, a track record of producing highly creative work, and a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit.

The da Vinci Center for Innovation seeks a dynamic educator and practitioner to contribute to the Center’s academic, experiential, and experimental approach to higher education. This teaching-intensive, 12-month position, will have primary teaching responsibilities in the Center’s undergraduate programs (e.g. product innovation, venture creation, and human centered design). This position will also support external partnerships focused on innovation in teaching and learning. Responsibilities may include teaching and mentoring in the da Vinci Center’s Master of Product Innovation graduate program. Other responsibilities include course and curriculum development, mentoring, and serving on committees. This faculty member will be a catalyst for innovative and high quality instruction and may develop or co-develop new courses and other learning modules as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate in the development of courses and curriculum, ensuring alignment with industry trends and best practices in innovation education.
  
• Develop and deliver engaging undergraduate course content in areas such as product innovation, venture creation, and human-centered design.
  
• Contribute to the Master of Product Innovation graduate program by teaching and mentoring students, bringing practical insights and expertise to their academic journey.
  
• Collaborate with external partners to enhance innovation in teaching and learning, fostering relationships that contribute to the Center's mission.
  
• Manage an existing partner relationship with Podium Education (3rd party academic partner / home of the The Global Career Accelerator) for student registration, progress reports, grading, and student support
  
• Mentor undergraduate students in their academic and professional growth, providing guidance and support in their exploration of innovative concepts and practices.
  
• Support recruitment strategy and efforts for The Global Career Accelerator, undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as da Vinci courses open to all students.
  
• Engage in committee work related to academic program development, assessment, and strategic planning, providing valuable insights and contributions.
  
• Actively participate in the academic community, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence within the da Vinci Center and beyond.
  
• Serve as a catalyst for innovative instruction, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance the quality and effectiveness of teaching methods and approaches.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Masters or Phd degree in business, design, engineering, education or related field, or 10+ years experience in small business development, product development, innovation, entrepreneurship or related field.
  
• Evidence of expertise and experience deploying and teaching design thinking
  
• Demonstrated experience teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work with multiple overlapping deadlines
  
• Evidence of working independently and exercising initiative
  
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with key stakeholders
  
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
  
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in product innovation, design thinking, and emerging technologies, as well as the skills necessary to establish connections and develop strong relationships with businesses, government, and fellow scholars.
  
  
• An established network across multiple industries with a focus on product, innovation and entrepreneurship is highly desired.
  
• Experience serving in a mentorship role with graduate students and/or early career professionals in the product innovation space.
  
• Experience working with data analytics, digital marketing, coding for data or coding for web
  

Other Position Details:

• Position is contingent upon the initiative's funding source