Innovation Director

Job Purpose:

To oversee programs across HBKU which foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the university and beyond. 

Key Result Areas:

• Develop the strategy, business plan, and budget for the innovation function in line with the university’s overall strategy.
• Initiate and oversee educational and training programs to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within HBKU community and beyond.
• Develop and oversee various innovation funding programs offered across the university from ideation to pre-incubation.
• Oversee the development and operation of the innovation spaces including university-wide makerspace(s).
• Establish a network of sponsors from national and international stakeholders to support the various innovation programs.
• Establish and maintain active collaboration with various government and industry entities in Qatar to support the mission of the innovation function.
• Establish and maintain active collaboration with Qatar-based accelerators and incubators.
• Establish and manage joint programs with innovation centers and initiatives at world leading universities.
• Promote HBKU innovation within QF, Qatar, regionally and internationally.
• Develop and coach nationals and support Qatarization initiatives within the domain of command.
• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Operating Environment, Framework & Boundaries:

The incumbent needs to strictly observe confidentiality and abide by the applicable policies and procedures. The work is performed in office environment and occasional travel may be required.

Communications and Working Relationships:

• President – Provide information and updates and seek direction and guidance.
• Subordinates – Provide guidance and direction and seek updates and information.
• HBKU Senior Management – Support innovation programs and provide guidance.
• External Entities – Exchange ideas and build collaborations.

Problem Solving & Complexity: 

• Proactively identifies problems that are inhibiting meeting the organization’s objectives.
• Encourages both individuals and teams to solve problems through empowerment and effective delegation and review mechanisms.
• Ensures the allocation of resources and invests in people and tools to optimize problem solving and decision-making efforts.
• Removes obstacles and facilitates information flow to support effective problem solving across the organization.

Decision Making Authority & Responsibility:

• Applies judgment to decide when to make swift decisions even in the absence of all necessary information.
• Arrives at sound and timely decisions, based on past experience and an understanding of the current business environment and projected changes.
• Considers the impact of decisions on various stakeholders and takes this into account.
• Delegates decision making as appropriate to encourage and facilitate empowerment.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Master’s degree in engineering, innovation, entrepreneurship or a related field. PhD is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant full-time work experience, out of which a minimum of 5 years of experience in advancing ideas and research through commercialization channels- preferably in research / higher education environment.
• Experience in fabrication and prototyping and familiarity with maker-space tools and functions.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Fluency in written and oral English. Arabic is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills with excellent writing skills and ability to draft written documents and communications, and articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Strong client service skills as demonstrated through efficient and creative resolution of issues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

How to Apply:

Please submit your completed application (CV, cover letter and the names of three references with their full contact information) via the following link: Click here to apply

Deadline:

Review of applications is expected to begin soon and continue until the position is filled. Shortlist will be called for interviews.

Remuneration:

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an education allowance, furnished accommodation, annual paid leave, air tickets and medical insurance.

HBKU, as an equal opportunity educator and employer, is committed to maintaining culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.