Description
For 27 consecutive years, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has been ranked the #1 undergraduate engineering institution in the United States. Supporting that distinction are the Branam Innovation Center (BIC) and Kremer Innovation Center (KIC) — 30,000 square feet of dynamic makerspaces where students design, build, compete, and transform bold ideas into reality.
We seek a visionary and energetic leader to direct these centers, help coach nationally competitive student teams, and inspire the next generation of STEM innovators. This is a rare opportunity to lead at the intersection of hands-on engineering, student mentorship, and institutional strategy — reporting directly to the Provost as a member of the Academic Affairs leadership team.
The Director of the Branam Innovation Center (BIC) and Kremer Innovation Center (KIC) leads, mentors, and manages BIC/KIC staff and student workers, ensuring wellmaintained, worldclass facilities; strict adherence to safety protocols; and programming aligned with the Institute’s academic mission and strategic priorities. The role supports more than 14 competition teams—ranging from rocketry to motorsports—by providing specialized coaching within areas of expertise and collaborating with faculty and staff advisors to establish shared expectations, develop multiyear strategies, set performance goals, and track outcomes.
The Director serves as the primary liaison to external competition organizations and governing bodies, monitoring rule changes, emerging technologies, and industry trends while analyzing team and staff performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities include recruiting advisors, informing them of grant opportunities, partnering on funding proposals, and securing corporate and private donor support in collaboration with Advancement and Career Services. The Director also cultivates campus partnerships to enhance learning, support recruitment efforts, strengthen postgraduate outcomes, and represent RoseHulman at regional and national competitions. Working closely with Communications and Marketing, the Director showcases team achievements and maintains engagement with external stakeholders and K–12 outreach initiatives.
The Director oversees the BIC/KIC budget, identifies project needs, sets funding priorities, ensures responsible and compliant spending, and carries out supervisory duties consistent with institutional policies and applicable laws. The role emphasizes clear communication, daily engagement with staff and student workers, and leadership grounded in mentorship, and professionalism.
Requirements
Qualified candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, along with 5-7 years of professional engineering experience demonstrating breadth across multiple disciplines. Candidates must have a proven track record of coaching or leading technical competition teams at the collegiate or advanced highschool level, as well as experience in student recruitment, youth STEM education, or community outreach. Strong communication, organizational, and budget management skills are required.
In addition to the above qualifications, preferred candidates will have an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in engineering or a related technical field, and would be eligible for occasional teaching opportunities. Eight or more years of relevant professional experience are strongly preferred, along with demonstrated success in grant writing or fundraising. Preferred candidates will also bring handson proficiency with industrial tools and fabrication technologies, such as woodworking, 3D printing, metalwork, circuitry, and/or rocketry.
