Job Description
The Innovation Education & Engagement Manager serves as a cross-functional leader within USF CONNECT, advancing USF's innovation and commercialization mission through integrated support of entrepreneurial education, industry partnerships, external communications, strategic planning, and ecosystem development. This role bridges academic research, startup activity, industry needs, and regional economic development efforts, creating pathways for both faculty and companies to advance market-ready solutions. The Innovation Strategist leads educational programming, fosters strategic partnerships, manages external communications, and contributes to program alignment that positions USF CONNECT as a national leader in innovation-driven economic growth.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Five or more years of relevant experience in innovation/entrepreneurial education, incubation/acceleration, communications, strategic planning, or industry engagement.
Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree (MBA or related is preferred.Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.The duties and responsibilities for this position include:
Marketing, Communications & Storytelling (30%) - Lead external communications strategy (newsletters, social, events, website, press releases); craft narratives that highlight program impact and outcomes; manage strategic messaging for ecosystem partnerships.
Strategic Planning & Program Alignment (20%) - Support strategic planning for entrepreneurial education, industry engagement, and economic development; conduct landscape analyses; align programs with institutional and regional priorities; define metrics and track performance.
Industry Engagement & Economic Development (20%) - Build partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofits; represent USF CONNECT at consortiums and ecosystem events; support sponsored initiatives that elevate USF's innovation profile.
Program Development & Delivery (25%) - Design, refine, and deliver education programming (ideation, lean startup, design thinking, business modeling, market readiness); develop hybrid/online modules; support TBTI, SII, Evolve Accelerator, and commercialization initiatives.
Faculty Liaison & Internal Collaboration (5%) - Bridge CONNECT with academic colleges and faculty researchers to foster entrepreneurial mindset; participate in internal committees and working groups.
Performs other duties as assigned.