Program Manager, Innovation Program & Partnerships

Hamilton College•Clinton, NY

About The Position

The Program Manager, Innovation Program & Partnerships is a key leader in shaping a vibrant, interdisciplinary culture of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning within, and beyond, the Innovation Center. This position advances project-based, experiential learning and innovation by designing programs, supporting faculty partnerships, and empowering students to explore emerging tools and technologies. The Program Manager works closely with faculty, students, staff, and external partners to create impactful learning experiences; supports integration of fabrication, immersive media, and creative technology into academic and co-curricular contexts; and fosters an inclusive, curiosity-driven innovation community where interdisciplinary ideas grow into real-world projects. Reporting to the Director of Digital Initiatives, Scholarship, and Collaboration (DISC), this position works closely with the DISC team members, Senior Academic Technologist, Innovation Center, and with Library and Information Technology Services colleagues to design and deliver cross-disciplinary innovation programs. The ideal candidate will have an intense curiosity to explore emerging technologies in support of learning outcomes, and will be skilled at helping others of a variety of levels of expertise consider how they can become innovators with a human-centered design focus at their core.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., design, digital media, educational technology, human-computer interaction, engineering, innovation studies, or related discipline), or equivalent professional experience
Management experience (1 year minimum) required.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and support students, faculty, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and areas of study
Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning community
Experience planning and managing complex projects, events, or collaborative programs
Ability to build and maintain partnerships across campus and with external organizations
Experience designing and facilitating experiential learning, innovation programming, or technology-enhanced learning experiences
Familiarity with design thinking, digital fabrication, immersive media (AR/VR), and/or related creative technology workflows
Understanding of current trends in innovation, and emerging technologies
Ability to assess project needs, ask thoughtful questions, and match users with appropriate tools, methods, and resources
Strong teaching, training, or facilitation skills with learners at varying levels of technical experience
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of the Innovation Center program, including workshops, Innovation Design Studios, design challenges, and project-based learning experiences, in partnership with DISC team members.
Partner with faculty across academic divisions to co-design courses, assignments, and research experiences that leverage fabrication tools, immersive media, and creative technologies.
Provide mentorship and guidance for student Innovation Fellows and student project teams; encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking.
Foster partnerships with campus departments, community organizations, alumni networks, and industry partners to support creative problem-solving, experiential learning, and career exploration.
Collaborate with members of Enterprise Information Systems (EIS) and other LITS team members as needed to support Innovation Center program development.
Facilitate training, events, and showcase opportunities for student and faculty projects, including exhibitions, speaker series, public demonstrations, workshops, and special programming.
Partnering with the Senior Academic Technologist, Innovation Center, ensure alignment between programming, equipment, safety standards, and learning outcomes.
Coordinate budget planning and expense management for the Innovation Center in partnership with the Director of DISC, the Director of Academic Technology, Teaching & Research Services, and the Senior Academic Technologist, Innovation Center, supporting effective and strategic use of Innovation Center resources.
Support grant writing, donor engagement, program assessment, and resource planning in collaboration with campus partners.
Promote equitable access to Innovation Center resources and contribute to building a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
Some evening and weekend availability may be needed to support student project schedules, workshops, and innovation events.
Perform other duties as assigned.