Innovation Director (E6020) - 250295
The Director of Innovation will be a key leader within IEEE's Office of Innovation, responsible for translating the organization's innovation strategy into tangible programs, pilots, and outcomes. Partnering closely with the Chief Innovation Officer and senior leaders across IEEE's societies, councils, and organizational units, this role will drive execution of the innovation portfolio, oversee cross-functional initiatives, and ensure that IEEE's innovation efforts deliver measurable impact for members, industry, and society at large.
While primarily focused on strategy delivery and execution, this role also provides meaningful opportunities to shape the future direction of IEEE's innovation agenda. With visibility across the innovation lifecycle-from upstream strategy to downstream product development.
Key Responsibilities :
- Strategy Delivery & Shaping
- Lead the operationalization of IEEE's innovation strategy, ensuring initiatives are translated into clear roadmaps, milestones, and deliverables.
- Shape evolving strategy by identifying emerging opportunities, market signals, and internal capabilities that should inform future innovation priorities.
- Own the connection between IEEE's innovation strategy, upstream organizational go-to-market strategy, and downstream product development, ensuring alignment and continuity across the full value chain.
- Drive the development, launch, and scaling of new innovation programs, products, and services.
- Partner with organizational units and societies to align innovation activities with IEEE's strategic priorities and mission.
- Monitor execution progress and proactively resolve barriers, ensuring accountability across teams.
Workshop Facilitation
Design and facilitate executive-level and cross-organizational workshops, including portfolio prioritization, strategic alignment, and innovation roadmapping sessions.Apply structured methods such as design thinking, systems thinking, and futures frameworks to guide decision-making and problem-solving.Translate workshop outcomes into actionable strategies and portfolio adjustments.Portfolio & Pipeline Management
Manage the innovation portfolio and pipeline, including idea intake, prioritization, prototyping, and funding pathways.Oversee evaluation frameworks to measure impact (financial, mission-driven, and public good).Facilitate decision-making with data-driven insights and structured business cases.Cross-Functional Leadership
Lead cross-organizational working groups and project teams to deliver on innovation initiatives.Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to accelerate adoption and scale.Support change management efforts to embed innovation as a capability across IEEE.Measurement & Reporting
Establish and maintain KPIs, metrics, and dashboards to track execution progress and innovation outcomes.Provide regular reporting to the Chief Innovation Officer, senior executives, and the IEEE Board on initiative status, outcomes, and lessons learned.Team & Culture Development
Mentor and manage innovation project managers and analysts, cultivating a high-performing team focused on delivery excellence.Contribute to fostering a culture of creativity, experimentation, and inclusivity across IEEE.Travel Information : 25% Domestic and International weekends included.
Qualifications :
Education : Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Master's or other advanced degree preferred.Work Experience : 10-15 years of experience in innovation management, product development, strategy execution, or related fields. Req Prior consulting experience in strategy, innovation, or organizational transformation, with a track record of delivering impact for large, complex organizations. Req Demonstrated success in moving innovation initiatives from concept to implementation in a large, complex environment (nonprofit, professional society, or corporate). Req Proven expertise in design thinking and workshop facilitation to align stakeholders, generate insights, and accelerate innovation delivery Req Strong project and portfolio management skills, with proven ability to prioritize and deliver multiple concurrent initiatives. Req Excellent collaboration, facilitation, and communication skills to align diverse stakeholders. Req Analytical mindset with experience applying metrics and frameworks to measure innovation impact. Req Familiarity with nonprofit mission-driven innovation, engineering / technology sectors, or member-based organizations preferred.Other Requirements :
As defined in IEEE Policies, individuals currently serving on an IEEE board or committee are not eligible to apply.PLEASE NOTE : This position is not budgeted for employer-sponsored immigration support, this includes all persons in F (both CPT and OPT), J, H, L, or O status.For information on work demands and conditions required for this position, please consult the reference document, careers / careers / ieeeadarequirements.pdfThis position is classified under Category II - Mobile Positions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.