Innovation Studio Director (Part-Time)

Position Overview: Southwestern Adventist University seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the part-time Innovation Studio Director. The Innovation Studio serves as a hands-on learning environment where students develop technical certifications, entrepreneurial competencies, and startup ventures through experiential learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Innovation Studio and its growth as a campus-wide innovation and entrepreneurship hub
• Develop annual goals, programming, and operational plans aligned with departmental and university priorities
• Implement and manage certification pathways for Innovation Studio technologies including Heat Press Systems, Hat Press Systems, HP Latex Printing Systems, and Embroidery Machines
• Design and facilitate entrepreneurship workshops and seminars
• Mentor student-led business ventures from concept to execution
• Ensure proper operation, maintenance, and care of Innovation Studio equipment
• Develop and enforce safety protocols and operating procedures
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate Innovation Studio experiences into coursework
• Track participation, certifications earned, businesses launched, and student outcomes

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated entrepreneurial experience, small business ownership, startup involvement, or innovation leadership experience
• Experience teaching, training, mentoring, or coaching students or professionals
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Preferred: Experience operating or managing makerspaces, innovation labs, fabrication studios, or business incubators
• Preferred: Experience with embroidery equipment, printing technologies, heat press systems, or related production equipment

Primary Requirement: Must have strongly expressed a commitment to Jesus Christ, the teachings and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church in good and regular standing, and have a desire to serve in a cooperative, spiritually redemptive, and soul-winning atmosphere.

Work Conditions: Approximately 20 hours per week. Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as sitting, walking, typing, and standing for extended periods.