Program Director, Innovation Fellows Initiative, Cornell Tech (NYC)

About Cornell Tech

Cornell Tech is Cornell University's state-of-the-art campus in New York City that develops leaders and technologies for the AI era through foundational and applied research, graduate education, and new ventures. Located on Roosevelt Island, the growing campus was founded in partnership with the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and in close collaboration with the NYC Economic Development Corporation after Cornell won a worldwide competition initiated by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's administration to create an applied sciences campus in New York City. More than 1,000 Cornell students are now educated annually on the campus, including 700 in Cornell Tech programs. Since opening in 2012, nearly 120 new companies have spun out from startup programs at Cornell Tech, and 95 percent of them are based in New York City. Cornell Tech continues to have a transformative economic impact on the region's tech sector.

About the Urban Tech Hub at Cornell Tech's Jacob's Institute

The Urban Tech Hub at the Jacobs Institute at Cornell Tech is a pioneering academic center in New York City focused on transforming urban living through technology. We drive applied research, foster a dynamic tech ecosystem, and cultivate future urban technology leaders. Our mission is to develop responsible, human-centered solutions that empower communities by expanding access to the tech sector and creating equitable opportunities for all.

We foster technological innovations that enhance city life-making cities smarter, more resilient, and more accessible for people and businesses. Our work bridges the gap between academic research and public need, forging strategic partnerships between academia, industry, local communities, and government to address urban challenges in real-time.

Through collaborative research and hands-on problem-solving, we train the next generation of technologists to apply their skills in partnership with communities. Our projects, from AI to sustainability, tackle critical issues, ensuring that technological advancements improve lives and strengthen urban resilience. By working alongside diverse partners, from startups to municipal governments, the Hub aims to further the positive impact of urban technologies and help create stronger, fairer cities.

About the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute

The Jacobs Institute fosters radical experimentation at the intersection of research, education, and entrepreneurship. Established jointly by Cornell University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, our mission is to transform key industries through technological innovation, deep-tech startups, and uniquely skilled talent.

Launched in 2013 through a generous naming gift from Joan and Irwin Jacobs, the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute embodies a bold experiment in graduate education, research, and entrepreneurship. The Jacobs Institute brings together engineers, computer scientists, designers, clinicians and entrepreneurs to develop new technologies, launch startups and generate real-world impact through three research hubs focused on health, media and urban challenges and focuses on innovation that serves the digital age-offering dual-degree programs, startup accelerators, and deep engagement with industry leaders in NYC and beyond. Research is supported through private philanthropy and competitive grants from U.S. government agencies.

Position Summary

The Urban Tech Hub at Cornell Tech's Jacobs Institute is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Program Director of the Urban Innovation Fellows Program. The goal of the Fellows program is to act as a catalyst for developing more robust innovation processes in the City of New York. The first cohort of the program launched in 2024 to create a community of Fellows and codify and share innovation best practices. You can read about the work of this inaugural cohort and about the Fellowship in our Interim Report: https://urbaninnovationfellows.com/ We are now expanding the program to work with more agencies and a larger cohort of Fellows and adding complementary programming to further support a culture of technological innovation and adoption in local government agencies.

The Program Director will manage this program on behalf of Cornell Tech and be responsible for program design, implementation, management, and monitoring. The Director will recruit and manage a new cohort of Urban Innovation Fellows to work directly in local government agencies in order to undertake projects that accelerate technology adoption in the city. Each fellow will be embedded in agencies and serve a two-year, full-time commitment. Fellows will support specific technology projects and initiatives, document progress in the innovation delivery process, and implement data collection systems and basic analysis that accelerate tech adoption and advance government innovation.

While position responsibilities vary, all people leaders are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others.

This is a full-time benefits-eligible staff position for a 2-year term with the potential for renewal. The work location is the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City.

Visa sponsorship is not available.

Starting salary range: $102,300 to $134,500

Essential Functions Include:

Program Design and Development - 30%

• Create, lead and direct program design, scope technology deployment projects with agencies, and develop metrics of success along with program monitoring

• Develop and oversee the implementation of programmatic policies and procedures.

• Develop a cohesive vision and direction for the programs; oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated programmatic model that addresses partner needs; provide direct leadership for program development.

• Develop and oversee plans and expected milestones to address identified deficits; develop assessment plans for remediation and follow up on progress toward goals.

• Develop and manage program budget.

• Develop strategic and operational planning for Innovation Fellows Program.

Management - 20%

• Hire, manage and direct Fellows, providing day-to-day project management and identify project blockers.

• Lead and supervise a cohort of Innovation Fellows; conduct performance management, performance dialogues, ongoing coaching and counseling, and growth and professional development opportunities.

• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with other colleagues across campus to promote the incorporation of programs in the Cornell Tech community; oversee the internal and external planning needs and accountability requirements; oversee the development and implementation of solutions.

• Develop and oversee the annual reporting and the development of reports and documentation as requested by funder, NYC partner agencies and Cornell Tech.

Stakeholder Engagement - 20%

• Communicate and confer with key partners and stakeholders; including agencies, City Hall staff, academic colleagues, funders, and industry partners.

• Manage relationships with all public sector stakeholders; resolve highly complex concerns and problems; assure resolution of participants' concerns by nurturing relationships and collaboration with other areas.

• Manage relationships with any outside funders or other key programmatic partners

Urban Tech Hub Coordination - 15%

• Communicate and confer with key partners and stakeholders; including agencies, City Hall staff, academic colleagues, funders, and industry partners.

• Manage relationships with all public sector stakeholders; resolve highly complex concerns and problems; assure resolution of participants' concerns by nurturing relationships and collaboration with other areas.

• Manage relationships with any outside funders or other key programmatic partners

Communications - 10%

• Direct the development of program publications and other resources and marketing tools to create a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy

• Direct all public relations efforts and inform high-visibility stakeholders about the program development and accomplishments.

• Document the Team's progress in all stages and develop a communications strategy to amplify program, research and pilot findings.

• Represent Cornell Tech and Fellows Program at high-profile public forums and events; publishing findings in trade and other media outlets

• Attend local and national conferences, convenings and other relevant public events to advance knowledge and amplify impact of program

Other position-related responsibilities - 5%

• Participate in projects with occasional work responsibility falling above or below current classification.

• Completion of any university required compliance trainings.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree and 3-5 years' relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Background and demonstrated interest in urban tech policy and implementation.

• Familiarity with technology pilot design/execution, data collection and analysis and strong analytical and writing skills

• Exhibits leadership and project management responsibilities; positive and proactive "can do" attitude.

• Demonstrates a collaborative demeanor to build rapport and establish credibility with stakeholders and in maintaining relationships with the Urban Tech Hub's partners.

• Demonstrates an empathetic, flexible and diplomatic management style characterized by collaboration that empowers Fellows, sets high expectations, and holds colleagues accountable.

• Excellent communication skills in writing, meetings, and presentations.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with a proactive approach to work responsibilities.

• Proven ability to deftly navigate complex projects with all stakeholders.

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences.

• Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 10 years of work experience preferred.

• Experience working in NYC or other local government

• Experience with designing, developing, and deploying technology pilots in complex environments

Cornell's Culture of Inclusion and Community Standards

Rewards and Benefits

Competitive compensation, generous time-off, and great benefits ...More on Cornell Benefits

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