#TRANSFORMINGTOMORROW: MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH US.

IT:U is Austria‘s first public interdisciplinary university dedicated to digital transformation for the benefit of our society, economy and environment.

Shape the future with us as a

Founding Director Outreach & Start-Ups*

As a key member of IT:U’s Founding Management Board you will shape the culture of inreach, outreach, and innovation across the university in close collaboration with the Founding President and all other members of the Founding Management Board.

This role includes the development of IT:U’s inreach and outreach programs designed to bring external ideas and challenges into the university, the establishment and management of a university-wide think tank, and the promotion of initiatives that enhance the research culture. You will also oversee the development and management of university spin-offs, ensure effective intellectual property management, and facilitate the transfer of research outcomes to industry and society.

You are a leader with the ultimate goal to build passion. You will build a team of diverse professionals who are passionate about breaking new ground and will ensure smooth operations with our scientists and students. You will create an open culture that inspires creativity and mutual respect, and welcomes diversity, blending seamlessly with IT:U’s vision and mission-driven approach to learning and research.

Main responsibilities:

• Create strategic partnerships with research and educational institutions to expand research, enhance educational experiences, and foster innovation. Integrate art and design into strategic partnerships, while enhancing creativity, innovation, and the overall impact of collaborations between IT:U and various entities.
• Lead the development and implementation of inreach programs and initiatives designed to bring external impulses, ideas and challenges from all areas of Society into IT:U. This will include foresight analyses and strategic missions to identify emerging topics and opportunities and addressing global challenges to facilitate the triple transition – digital, economical, and social.
• Strengthen and intensify societal transfer & dialogue (outreach to society) of university research through exhibitions, symposiums, and cultural activities, among others. Ensure that the impact of the university’s research is communicated effectively to the broader public and foster community participation and engagement.
• Engage in outreach to industry, business, the public sector as well as the wider civil society through various programs and initiatives to foster collaboration, innovation, and practical application of academic research. Create symbiotic relationships where IT:U benefits from industry insights and funding, while businesses gain access to cutting-edge research, skilled graduates, and professional development opportunities to drive economic growth and added value for society. Bridge the gap between academia and the wider world, ensuring that university research and education have a sustainable impact on society and economy.
• Develop and implement a legal framework for spin-offs and act as IT:U’s “company builder”. This includes establishing a spin-off mindset, developing incentive models, mentoring start-ups, building strategic partnerships with industry leaders and engaging in trend scouting activities. Build and nurture a vibrant innovation community within IT:U, including scientists, lecturers, students, and alumni. This includes integrating principles of open innovation in science and combining state of the art scientific and artistic methods to enrich research practice.
• Establish and manage a university-wide think tank to foster idea generation and advisory services both internally and with external stakeholders. This will involve employing a variety of methodologies such as systems thinking, art-thinking, design-thinking, and other creative approaches to stimulate innovation and ensure an interdisciplinary view.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and ethical standards within your division.

Requirements:

• Have proven experience in high-level management roles (preferably within an academic setting).
• Have exceptional leadership skills and thrive in matrix organizational structures.
• Have a track record in research and facilitating dialogues across different disciplines, preferably in combining art & design with science and fostering innovation in this field of tension.
• Have strong (multi-)project management skills and experience in leading diverse teams.
• Have competence and expertise in translating scientific discoveries and results into outcomes that are economically viable, transferable, presentable, or communicable to the public.
• Have a deep understanding and proven experience in entrepreneurship, university spin-offs, and intellectual property.
• Be a strategic thinker with a keen understanding of academic analytics and data-driven decision-making.
• Have a collaborative mindset and closely interact with other senior Team members, faculty, and administrative teams across the university to ensure alignment of priorities with incubator initiatives, outcomes, and strategies in support of their respective academic activities.
• Have resilience, energy and superior communication skills around brand narrative, strategy, and vision.

We are seeking a dynamic leader who can collaboratively build this new emerging university with us, shaping a new culture of innovation at IT:U.

If you are passionate about outreach in the broadest sense, possess outstanding management skills, and are ready to contribute to the growth of our institution, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.