Associate Vice President of the Innovation Outpost

Please Note: This is not a student worker position. It is a full-time position with Amarillo College, posted by the Human Resources Recruiting team. For additional employment info, visit the Amarillo College Job Board on NEOED.

Summary

At Amarillo College, our mission is: Transforming our community and economy through learning, innovation, and achievement. Every team member, regardless of job title or duties, is responsible first and foremost, for assisting students in every way.

This is an exciting time to work for Amarillo College! We are seeking our next Associate Vice President of the Innovation Outpost who will be all-in on our mission and who is responsible for the development, management, and growth of an innovative ecosystem designed to support entrepreneurial activities, technology integration, community partnerships, and workforce development. This individual will lead the strategic vision, implementation, and operational management of the ecosystem, collaborating with faculty, staff, community stakeholders, and industry partners to create a cutting-edge educational and business environment that prepares students and the workforce for future opportunities. The AVP will ensure that the Innovation Outpost (IO) becomes a key driver of academic excellence, student success, and regional economic development.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Education, Innovation, Technology, or a related field.

Preferred: Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Education, Innovation, Technology, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Five (5) years of experience in leadership roles focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, or economic development, including responsibility for program development, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Preferred: Seven (7) to Ten (10) or more years of experience in leadership roles focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, or economic development. Proven track record of successful program development, strategic planning, and community engagement. Experience in higher education preferred.  

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and execution of the vision and strategic direction for the Innovation Outpost that is aligned with Amarillo College’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Act as the chief advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship within the college and the surrounding community.
• Work alongside and support Academic Affairs to develop and implement academic and non-academic programs designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
• Collaborate with academic departments to create interdisciplinary programs that integrate technology, entrepreneurship, and real-world business applications.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with local businesses, industry leaders, governmental agencies, and other educational institutions to ensure the IO offers relevant and timely programs.
• Engage with community members and stakeholders to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Oversee all operations of the IO, including staffing, budgeting, facilities management, resource allocation, compliance, and risk management.
• Ensure that the initiatives operate efficiently, sustainably, and in accordance with institutional policies and best practices.
• Promote student success by creating pathways that connect education to real-world career opportunities.
• Collaborate with regional employers to ensure programs align with workforce needs.
• Implement initiatives to support students in securing internships, co-op experiences, job shadowing opportunities, and part-time and full-time employment.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic donations, to support the growth and sustainability of the IO.
• Partner with Institutional Advancement to develop and lead fundraising campaigns to support scholarships, research projects, and facility enhancements.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and trends in education, business, and industry.
• Encourage the integration of cutting-edge tools, platforms, and methodologies to create dynamic and future-focused workforce training.
• Work in collaboration with Marketing and Communications to design the marketing efforts for the IO.
• Ensure that the brand and value proposition are effectively communicated to potential students, faculty, partners, and the broader community.
• Promote the IO as a hub for innovation, learning, and economic development.
• Establish metrics for evaluating the success of programs, partnerships, and operations.
• Use data-driven decision-making to improve offerings and ensure relevance to evolving workforce needs.
• Regularly assess community and employer satisfaction with IO initiatives.
• Ensure programs are designed to be broadly accessible and supportive of student success, meeting the needs of learners from varied backgrounds and career pathways. 
• Perform other work-related duties as required.
• As an Amarillo College employee, seek knowledge of and pledge to actively engage in a culture of caring striving to serve students, peers and the community by embracing the AC Core Values: Wow, Family, Fun, Innovation, and Yes!

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership with the ability to articulate vision, inspire collaboration, and drive innovation.
• Knowledge of higher education systems, workforce development, and economic development practices.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and future workforce trends.
• Skilled in building and sustaining partnerships with business, industry, government, and community organizations.
• Proficiency in strategic planning, program evaluation, budgeting, and operational oversight.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in grant writing, fundraising, and resource development.
• Ability to use data-driven decision-making to evaluate and improve programs.

Salary: Amarillo College follows a lag pay strategy, with starting offers typically between the minimum and midpoint of the pay grade, rarely reaching the maximum to support long-term growth within each position.

Pay grade 17 Amarillo College Pay Grades (salary is determined by Human Resources based on education, work experience and internal comparisons).

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to travel between offices and buildings, and requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and/or maneuver office supplies up to twenty-five (25) pounds as needed.
 
Working Conditions: Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (days, nights, weekends, holidays, and varying events if necessary).
 
Work Environment: This position operates in a professional office environment, routinely uses standard office equipment (i.e. computers, phones, copy and fax machines, filing cabinets) and is in a high traffic area with continual interruptions. Software commonly used includes Microsoft Office, Colleague, and various other educational applications. Work may also be performed outside of the office and with little to no supervision.

Notice of Background: Applicants selected for employment will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal history background check and possibly a pre-employment drug test.

Commitment Statement: Amarillo College is dedicated to building a workforce that embraces a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, fostering a culturally aware team at every organizational level. Our goal is a faculty and staff that mirrors the distinctiveness of our community and is continually enhancing their skills and knowledge to better serve our entire student population.

Promotional Opportunity Policy: Under the Amarillo College Promotional Opportunity Policy, only current appointed or part-time non-appointed employees will be considered for a position during the first five (5) working days from notice or posting.

Amarillo College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.