Position Overview

The Innovation Facilitator is responsible for the effective and efficient operational management of the JCU Cairns Innovation Centre (CIC)in conjunction with the Associate Director. The incumbent collaborates with the team that leads the design, development and delivery of targeted programs that enable researchers, students and the community to build innovation skills, enhance research translation capability and create entrepreneurial pathways.

The Innovation Facilitator is responsible for ensuring that the CIC has high standards of reception and support functionality,operates as a professional business hub with an attractive commercial environment and facilitates a range of workshops as well as networking opportunities for the attractionof quality tenants to help build a vibrant innovation community within the CIC.

Division of Research and Innovation

The Division of Research and Innovation plays a pivotal role in the University by developing and implementing research policy, identifying and fostering research strength, and promoting and coordinating collaboration with governments, industry, publicly funded research agencies and other universities. The Division is comprised of: Policy and Projects, Research Infrastructure Directorate, Research Services, Graduate Research School, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and The Cairns Institute.

Organisational Charts

James Cook University

Principal Accountabilities

1. Develop and facilitate events and innovation programs such as public seminars, think tank events, and design thinking skills development /technical workshops under the direction of the Associate Director to foster a community focused approach.
2. Assist with leading the scale up and ongoing operational management of the Cairns Innovation Centre (CIC) through provision of effective and efficient centre management to ensure the centre is achieving high value from its assets and activity.
3. Foster a culture of collaboration by effectively liaising with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to gain the necessary engagement from them and to promote values driven leadership.
4. Support driving student and community entrepreneurship by liaising with the relevant divisions and directorates across JCU using strategies developed by the Associate Director to ensure active communication and the maintenance of high levels of participation.
5. Create awareness and coordinate the delivery of Innovation Challenges with industry partners for internal JCU stakeholders to be encouraged to direct investment in solutions that address a wide range of social, economic, environmental sustainability issues and solves real-world problems.
6. Synthesise trends and prepare key presentations, and reports including surveys and data on Centre KPI’s, annual reports, grant applications and tender submissions to actively inform effective decision making.
7. Identify and recruit potential clients and tenants for the CIC through networking and attraction strategies discerning the readiness to start or expand a business.
8. Coordinate start up scouting and vetting interactions as well as a range of engagements with the university innovation ecosystem by actively utilising the JCU Virtual Innovation Platform Bright Idea to enhance and support the CIC innovation community.
9. Manage efficient administrative, procurement and logistical systems and processes and act as the first point of contact for the CIC to ensure all relevant paperwork is in accordance with external stakeholder’s requirements, JCU policy and procedure and the relevant retention scheduling.
10. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
11. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values.
12. Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Descriptors

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff. Your specific level descriptor can be found within the Enterprise Agreement.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Innovation Facilitator is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Innovation Facilitator is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance.
3. The Innovation Facilitator is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct. 

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. Progess towards postgraduate qualifications in business, marketing or project management with extensive relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education and/or training.
2. Proven project management experience with an ability to successfully manage multiple projects ranging in size and complexity, utilising effective project management tools and processes to achieve outcomes.
3. A successful track record in lean innovation, startup ecosystems and corporate venture capital, supported by customer-centric and empathic mindset, entrepreneurial work ethic, and strong business acumen.
4. Demonstarted experience fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, and associated behaviour change with the ability to exercise significant judgement and initiative.
5. High level communication, collaboration, networking and interpersonal skills, including an ability to build positive and professional relationships with diverse stakeholders groups.
6. Demonstrated high-level negotiation experience with an ability to be self-motivated and work autonomously to achieve outcomes.

Desirable

1. Experience in educational technologies, start-ups and/or innovation.
2. Project management experience in higher education or large, complex organisations.