Position Summary:

The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science (EMS) at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is looking for a director for the new UW-Platteville Huff Family Innovation Center. The Engineering Innovation Center Director will coordinate resources, policies, and activities that pertain to the hands-on prototyping and fabrication laboratories and innovation spaces in the College of EMS. The Innovation Center Director will lead the organization of activities in the center, including supporting entrepreneurship and innovation teams in prototyping projects, cross-disciplinary collaborations, curriculum, and fundraising. We are a strong, student-centered institution located in Southwest Wisconsin that values hands-on undergraduate engineering education and dedication to an inclusive learning environment. 

This is a full-time, benefit eligible Academic Staff position. Salary is $80,000 and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities:

• Propose, develop, and teach workshops and/or courses in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and the community to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
• Coordinate resources, policies, and activities that pertain to the hands-on prototyping and fabrication laboratories and innovation spaces.
• Maintain and execute a financial plan to support the sustainability of Innovation Center operations, which should include (but is not limited to) external fundraising and recruitment of revenue-generating projects.
• Create an environment for open exchange of ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities.
• Ensure programming welcomes students from across campus to realize our goals of supporting interdisciplinary teams
• Provide coordination of continuous improvement of Innovation Center operations.
• Work collaboratively with many different stakeholders, including professional staff and student technicians, industry representatives, students, etc.
• Liaise with external partners (e.g. regional industry, WiSys, etc).
• Assist in developing and implementing college and department level long-term equipment, staffing, and renovation plans for the laboratories and shops.
• Work cooperatively with other areas on campus to steward use of resources appropriately and implement interdisciplinary lab and shop development projects.
• Supervise the laboratory and shop technicians, instrument makers, and other lab/shop personnel
• Preserve and enhance the exceptional work environment, collaborative nature, and student-centered focus the center.
• Other duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of EMS.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree 
• Experience in the support projects and connect with patrons of the space.
• Practical experience in manufacturing, industrial design, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in relevant topics in computer science, engineering, robotics, and/or electronics.
• Working knowledge and experience in Makerspace and manufacturing labs and/or advanced manufacturing or rapid prototyping tools including 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC, lathes, milling, injection molding, PCB fabrication and testing.
• Understanding of use of hand tools, electronics, computer software, hardware, and various other technologies.
• Experience with project management
• Experience supervising others
• Experience with promoting educational programming and continuing education
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with a diverse group of external patrons, donors, faculty and staff at all levels.
• Excellent interpersonal communications and presentation skills.

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers 47 baccalaureate and 10 master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Take a virtual tour of our campus!

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted through our online applicant portal, applications due by: September 23, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

How to Apply:

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Letter of application addressing all required qualifications
• A current resume
• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for 3 professional references.
• Additional documents as needed

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

            Jessica Fick, meulbroj@uwplatt.edu

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Our mission is to foster a diverse environment that contributes to an inclusive culture and climate by promoting critical discourse and meaningful interactions between all members of our campus community.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is committed to recruiting, supporting and fostering a diverse, inclusive and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and is an AA/EEO Employer. A criminal background check is required for employment. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. at time of hire.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.