Job Description
We are seeking an innovative and strategic leader to serve as the Vice President (VP) of Research and Development (R&D). In this role, you will lead a dynamic R&D team, focusing on transforming higher education through cutting-edge research, new approaches, and technological innovations. You will work closely with key stakeholders to drive initiatives that create equitable opportunities for all learners, particularly working adults, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of education in California.
As the VP of R&D, your efforts will directly support the institution's mission of increasing economic mobility and addressing workforce challenges. You will have the opportunity to build and lead a collaborative team, spearheading impactful projects that enhance the learning experience, improve student outcomes, and meet the needs of employers across various industries.
You will report directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer and be part of the executive leadership team, shaping the organization's strategy, goals, and vision.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy Development
Lead the development and execution of R&D initiatives with clear goals, priorities, and performance metrics.
Build and manage a growing, collaborative team focused on delivering high-impact solutions.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to drive innovation and ensure the success of R&D efforts.
Work with executive leaders to set ambitious goals and allocate resources to meet those goals.
Innovation & Solution Acceleration
Conduct student-centered research and assess R&D partnerships to identify opportunities for new offerings and services.
Share research findings with faculty, administrators, and technologists to enhance teaching and student support practices.
Scale models and methods that address critical workforce and educational challenges.
Labor Market Insights & Employer Engagement
Create frameworks for economic and labor market analytics to provide valuable insights to employers and tackle workforce challenges.
Collaborate with employers and industry leaders to ensure R&D initiatives meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
Data Strategy & Planning
Oversee data and analytics infrastructure to enable impactful innovation and enhance decision-making.
Thought Leadership & External Partnerships
Serve as an internal and external thought leader, advocating for new solutions and driving the adoption of best practices.
Engage with philanthropic organizations and other partners to advance shared R&D objectives.
Collaborate with educational leaders and the broader community to accelerate the adoption of effective teaching and learning strategies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a creative, systems-thinking approach.
Expertise in human-centered design, innovation design, and digital service delivery.
Proven leadership and management experience, including team building, prioritization, and meeting deadlines.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible language.
Ability to work independently, assess situations, and make sound decisions.
Experience in building and nurturing cross-functional teams and partnerships.
Familiarity with basic business applications such as G Suite, MS Office, and project management tools.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) or equivalent required.
7-10 years of experience in innovation, product development, or R&D-related roles.
Desired Qualifications
At least 5 years of experience in Human-Centered Design, Innovation Design, or related fields.
Experience in user research, rapid prototyping, service design, and systems design.
Previous experience in academia, government, nonprofit, or venture-backed startups is a plus.
Working Conditions
This is a primarily remote position, though occasional travel for meetings or events may be required. Employees should be comfortable using digital communication tools and working on a computer for extended periods. You will be expected to meet regular attendance requirements, and some physical activities such as lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where all individuals can thrive. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 194,000.00 214,000.00 Per Year
Job Tags
Full time,