Director of the Center for Innovation and Collaboration

Ball State University
dental insurance, life insurance, parental leave, sick time
United States, Indiana, Muncie
2000 West University Avenue (Show on map)
Jul 17, 2025
Position Title: Director of the Center for Innovation and Collaboration Compensation: Department: VP Academic Affairs/Provost About this opportunity: Ball State University welcomes applications for an innovative, collaborative, and future-focused innovator to serve as the first director for the new Center for Innovation and Collaboration (CIC). Reporting directly to Provost Anand R. Marri, the director will champion Ball State's mission to connect University resources with off-campus partners, including corporations and communities in pursuit of collaborative partnerships that align with and leverage university expertise. Projects will support design and technology-enhanced innovation, economic development, student and lifetime learning, and community engagement. We seek a visionary director capable of supporting the development and implementation of innovative initiatives, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration, and identifying emerging trends that lie at the intersection of design and technology and that align with Ball State's disciplinary expertise. The director will also serve as the face of the Center for Innovation and Collaboration by securing corporate, organization, and community partnerships that support the university's strategic goal to enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of the Muncie community and East Central Indiana. About the Center for Innovation and Collaboration: The NEW Ball State University Center for Innovation and Collaboration is part of the University's Village Revitalization initiative. The revitalized Village will feature new entertainment venues, as well as spaces for living, working, and dining. The 31,400-square-foot Center for Innovation and Collaboration will serve as a hub for some of Ball State's most innovative programs, faculty, students, and staff to collaborate with community and corporate partners to solve real-world problems and benefit from collaborative opportunities. The Center's initial collaborators include a mix of campus units and community organizations, including the Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts, the Center for Emerging Media Design & Development, the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, Lifetime Learning, the Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center of East Central Indiana, and more. The Center for Innovation will provide a long term, sustainable platform for regional economic impact, workforce development, and training opportunities for jobs in emerging industries vital to East Central Indiana. It will provide a direct physical link to Ball State's East Mall, improving accessibility and promoting connectivity between the academic and business communities in The Village. Construction commenced in 2024 and has an anticipated completion by Fall 2026. Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. What you'll do and what you'll bring: Position Function: Reporting directly to the Provost, the Director will champion Ball State's mission to connect University resources with off-campus partners, including corporations and communities in pursuit of collaborative partnerships that align with and leverage university expertise. Projects will support design and technology-enhanced innovation, economic development, student and lifetime learning, and community engagement. Duties/Responsibilities: Serve as the chief administrative officer of the Center for Innovation and Collaboration; provide leadership in the daily operations of the center and collaborate with cross-functional teams and unit directors that reside and work in the center. Serve as a thought leader responsible for the advancing the vision and mission of the center, engaging in strategic planning for the center in accordance with the university's strategic plan. Plan, direct, and coordinate the operational, personnel, and budgetary functions of the center. Identify and connect external partners with university collaborators for Center for Innovation and Collaboration project development and serve as the center's primary advocate to internal and external communities. Collaborate with all stakeholders to plan and execute the center's activities and programming. Effectively represent the university and maintain a relationship with external stakeholders and partners. Work with other program directors to identify projects; assist in securing necessary resources for projects developed in the center; manage internal and external project leads. Help to identify future collaborators for the center within the university and beyond. Act as fiscal agent for the center; allocate funds and resources in a manner designed to achieve excellence. Work with the University Foundation, Community Engagement, Alumni Association, and Sponsored Projects Administration to secure external gifts, grants, and funding and technologies to support the center's initiatives. Collaborate with Government Relations and Industry Relations. Plan and direct and oversee events and other activities that take place in the center. Collaborate with the Provost's Advisory Council and the Center for Innovation and Collaboration advisory group(s) to help guide the direction of the center. Full managerial responsibility for interviewing and selection, coaching, compensation, discipline, performance appraisal, training and career development of the center's staff. Stay abreast of trends in design, development, and technology. Perform other related duties as assigned by the provost. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution Five years of experience in leading innovation initiatives in academic or professional settings Advanced administrative experience Experience in fiscal management Experience leading with interdisciplinary collaborative teams Experience spearheading IP declaration and technology transfer efforts Advanced skills in project management, design thinking or other strategies for fostering innovation Advanced interpersonal skills A track record of innovative success Evidence of success in launching new projects Experience fostering collaboration between internal and external project partners Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree from an accredited institution. Senior-level administrative experience to provide leadership both inside the center and within the professional communities served by the center Demonstrated success generating external funding Experience in fiscal and facilities oversight An understanding of higher education and university systems, including academic policies and procedures An understanding of shared governance How to apply: Applications will be accepted through August 15, 2025. Please send inquiries about this opportunity to: Search committee chair: Dr. Jennifer Palilonis email: jageorge2@bsu.edu Required in this application: 1. Cover letter 2. Resume (Note: Do not use the "Autofill" feature for your resume.) What we offer: At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected. When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn you undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you. Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow. Curious about our excellent benefits package? We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.