Director - Innovation

Summary:

As a member of the Research and Innovation team, the Director of Innovation will help lead efforts to grow the tech, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Dallas Region. This position builds and executes on strategies that market the region as a place of innovation, accelerates the recruitment of high-tech firms, supports the growth of emerging technologies and cutting-edge industries, connects resources, investors, and capital to startups, and aligns regional innovation initiatives with the needs of the business community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The duties and responsibilities include the following, though other duties may be assigned.

• Develop and manage relationships with DRC members and other leaders in the tech, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Lead or play a key role in developing new, impactful innovation programs that support the DRC’s strategic goals.

• Lead or play a key role in the execution of key DRC innovation events, including the DRC Innovation Task Force and Convergence AI. Work to acquire speakers, sponsors, and market the event when necessary.

• Represent the DRC at events and on initiatives that grow the innovation ecosystem.

• Contribute to the telling of the "DFW Innovation Story" through data aggregation, presentations, and the creation of regular industry reports, white papers, and long-form narratives. Maintain the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Innovation Guide.

• Stay current on emerging technologies and companies leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), big data, virtual reality/augmented reality/metaverse, biotech, mobility, and Web3.

• Support the execution of key DRC tech policy activities by staying up-to-date on legislative policies that affect the tech community, connecting members into relevant conversations, and supporting the tech policy task force activities.

• Support DRC Economic Development department in the recruitment of high-tech companies as needed.

• Support efforts to grow collaboration between area universities and the business community. Support efforts to attract federal grants and other funding opportunities.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate each competency. Below are the knowledge, skills, and judgment required:

• Process-oriented with the ability to work in a continuously evolving work environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Ability to learn Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
• Conduct Standards: Speaks honestly, clearly, and tactfully with DRC members and staff. Consistently respects all DRC policies. When necessary, keeps information confidential. Always displays professional demeanor as a representative of the DRC.
• Effective Communications: Effectively communicates ideas, both orally and in writing. Listens actively to others. Expresses the desired outcome with clarity. Keeps all appropriate parties informed on projects, issues, and/or events.
• Initiative: Welcomes the opportunity to lead and successfully deliver. Demonstrates strength in planning and preparation. Decisive and able to set priorities, formulate goals and establish a course of action. Takes responsibility and accountability for the outcome of work. Self-confident self-starter who is self-disciplined.  Always seeks new opportunities and innovative approaches for the DRC. Exhibits strong follow-through.  Volunteers input, suggestions, and professional guidance as appropriate.  Able to handle frustration with maturity and utilize constructive feedback for personal and professional growth.
• Language Ability: Able to comprehend well and interpret documents. Able to write at a professional level commensurate with the duties of the role. Able to speak effectively before groups.
• Leadership: Exhibits exceptional leadership qualities, which includes: communicating a clear vision of the importance of your department’s work as it relates to the DRC’s overall mission and strategic plan; properly prioritizing and organizing your department’s responsibilities and work; properly delegating the work to team members who are capable of executing at a high level; properly supervising the work that has been delegated; leading the team to complete each assignment in a high-quality fashion; helping team members to grow professionally and personally; exhibiting enthusiasm and positive energy every day; motivating and leading by example, and publicly recognizing when others do the same.
• Management: Exhibits exceptional management skills, which includes: managing up to your direct supervisor by helping him/her achieve DRC goals; managing down to make sure your team is aligned properly, is excited to perform their roles, and is proud of the work they do together; managing sideways by establishing and maintaining the trust and confidence of your colleagues; managing external relationships in a way that reflects well on the DRC, and helps grow our organization and our brand.
• Math Ability: Able to understand mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference. Able to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Member Service: Identifies and assesses member needs and takes action to increase their satisfaction with the DRC. Builds strong and sustainable relationships and trust with members through open and two-way Provides members with accurate, valid, and complete information by using the right methods and resources. Handles member complaints, providing appropriate solutions and alternatives, in a timely manner and follows up to ensure resolution. Goes the extra mile to engage members. Keeps records of member interactions, and inputs them into Weblink.
• Personal Interactions: Goes above and beyond to respond efficiently and effectively to the needs of members, the DRC team, and all other constituents. Treats everyone with respect, fairness, and empathy. Always presents a positive and enthusiastic image.
• Problem-Solving: Contributes ideas along with a well-reasoned plan of action to improve quality and/or productivity. Once approved, leads, or supports implementation of these ideas.
• Quality of Work: Dedicated to total quality in all aspects of work performance. Conforms to the highest professional standards in achieving results work is complete, accurate, on time, and cost-effective. Demonstrates and applies knowledge of procedures, quality requirements, necessary paperwork, safety procedures, etc. Understands the importance of CRM to the overall work of the DRC and inputs all information necessary. Completes job with minimal supervision.
• Reasoning Ability: Able to solve practical problems and to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Revenue Generation / Membership Growth: As a member of the department, is responsible for the identification, generation, and retention of revenue Fully utilizes all systems in place, including CRM, to ensure all pertinent information about constituents is accurately documented and fully maintained.
• Teamwork / Attitude: Actively engages in, and contributes to, the overall senior team, and all other ad hoc teams. Flexible, and supportive of group decisions. Works for the common good, appreciating and respecting the views of others; initiates and supports changes needed for future growth.
• Time Management: Manages time well and is on time for meetings. Maintains a good record concerning absenteeism and Schedules elective appointments as far in advance as possible, whenever possible, to meet the needs of the DRC workload.