1

Digital Innovation Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As a leading technology law firm, Cooley is determined to become a leader in the digital practice of law. The Practice Innovation Manager is an execution-oriented role that will drive the rollout ...

Working closely with the Digital Manager, News Director, and newsroom leadership, the Assistant Digital Manager will help drive innovation, audience growth, and operational excellence while serving ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Digital Innovation Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$14.4K

$92.1K

$162.6K

How much do digital innovation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital innovation manager in Virginia is $92,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a digital innovation manager do?

A digital innovation manager oversees the development and implementation of new digital technologies and strategies to improve business processes, products, or services. They analyze market trends, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and utilize tools like data analytics and project management software to drive technological growth and competitive advantage.

How much do innovation managers make?

Innovation managers in the US typically earn a median salary of around $100,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those in high-demand sectors can offer higher compensation, often exceeding $150,000. Skills in project management, strategic thinking, and familiarity with innovation tools can influence earning potential.

What is a Digital Innovation Manager?

A Digital Innovation Manager is a professional responsible for driving technological advancements and transformation within an organization. They identify emerging digital trends, develop strategies to adopt new technologies, and oversee the implementation of innovative solutions to improve business processes, products, or services. Their work often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing digital projects, and ensuring the organization remains competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What is the difference between Digital Innovation Manager vs Digital Project Manager?

AspectDigital Innovation ManagerDigital Project Manager
Primary FocusDriving innovative digital strategies and new technology adoptionPlanning, executing, and completing digital projects on time and within scope
Skills & CertificationsInnovation management, digital strategy, project management certifications (PMP, Agile)Project management, Agile/Scrum, PMP certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-departmental collaboration, R&D teamsProject teams, vendors, stakeholders, often within IT or marketing

While both roles involve digital initiatives, the Digital Innovation Manager focuses on developing and implementing innovative digital strategies, whereas the Digital Project Manager manages specific digital projects to ensure successful delivery. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and find suitable candidates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Digital Innovation Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Innovation Manager, you need expertise in digital strategy, project management, and business analysis, often supported by a degree in business, IT, or related fields. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, agile methodologies, and digital transformation tools like design thinking platforms or collaboration suites is common. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and foster a culture of innovation. These capabilities enable Digital Innovation Managers to identify opportunities, implement new technologies, and ensure successful transformation initiatives.

What are common challenges faced by a Digital Innovation Manager when implementing new technologies within an organization?

A Digital Innovation Manager often encounters challenges like resistance to change from employees, integrating new technologies with legacy systems, and aligning innovative projects with overall business objectives. Managing stakeholder expectations and securing cross-functional buy-in are also critical hurdles, as innovation initiatives can disrupt established workflows. Success in this role frequently depends on strong communication skills, effective change management strategies, and the ability to demonstrate the tangible value of digital innovations to all levels of the organization.

What does an innovation manager do?

An innovation manager oversees the development and implementation of new ideas, products, or processes within an organization. They analyze market trends, coordinate cross-functional teams, and utilize project management tools to drive growth and improve efficiency.

What is the role of digital innovation?

Digital Innovation Managers oversee the development and implementation of new digital technologies and strategies to improve business processes, products, or services. They analyze emerging trends, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and utilize tools like data analytics and project management software to drive technological growth and competitive advantage.
What are the most commonly searched types of Digital Innovation jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Digital Innovation jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Digital Innovation Manager jobs in Virginia? For Digital Innovation Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Digital Innovation Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Digital Innovation Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Digital Innovation Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Digital Innovation Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Digital Innovation Manager job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,122 per year, or $44.3 per hour.
Associate Director, Institute for Digital Innovation

Associate Director, Institute for Digital Innovation

George Mason University

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: Office Rsrch Innov and Econ Impact
Classification: Administrative Faculty
Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Arlington, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
George Mason University's Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA) is a multidisciplinary research institute designed to position Mason as a global thought leader in our increasingly digital world. More than 200 faculty, along with their students, staff, and collaborators, are engaged in cutting-edge digital innovation research and scholarship that will shape the future of digital civil society. These faculty members are:
  • engaging in critical reflection on the implications of digital innovations to ensure that key stakeholders - including innovators, policy-makers, and the public at large - are informed about related social, ethical, political, and economic impacts;
  • developing, deploying, and evaluating digital technologies in applications across diverse sectors critical to national security and societal wellbeing, such as finance, education, civil infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, entertainment, security, and government;
  • inventing new algorithms, techniques, and technologies that, when well implemented, advance equality, wellbeing, security, and prosperity for all.

IDIA is headquartered in FUSE at Mason Square. More than just a building, FUSE is a dynamic hub designed to foster learning, research, and entrepreneurship. Designed with collaboration at its core, FUSE brings together faculty, students, corporate partners, and the broader community. The facility features specialized labs across digital innovation disciplines, including robotics, AR/VR, simulation, networking, and data visualization.
About the Position:
The Associate Director serves as a collaborative, strategic, and insightful leader to advance successful initiatives aligned with both IDIA's and George Mason's strategic goals. Reporting to IDIA's Executive Director, the Associate Director works closely with the IDIA team, university leadership, and faculty to develop and manage programs and initiatives that catalyze, develop, and scale transdisciplinary research efforts across the university. The Associate Director also works with the Executive Director to connect the university, faculty, and students with key stakeholders - including local, state, and federal agencies, non-governmental and community-based organizations, and private sector partners - to foster external collaboration opportunities for George Mason faculty and students. The Associate Director actively identifies opportunities for strategic engagement within the George Mason community, works with faculty to identify internal and external partnerships essential to expanding their research and scholarship, and cultivates partnerships to facilitate novel research-to-impact initiatives within and across the digital innovation domains.
Responsibilities:
  • Works with the IDIA Executive Director, local Academic units' leadership, and faculty to identify strategic opportunities for building capacity, developing, and scaling faculty-led transdisciplinary research initiatives;
  • Develops programs with external partners that support transdisciplinary research and scholarship within the IDIA community;
  • Supports the development of solutions to advance an emergent George Mason University's Grand Challenge Initiative;
  • Identifies opportunities and prepares proposals to resource partnerships, programs, and initiatives;
  • Provides program management support to help faculty rapidly launch newly acquired large-scale transdisciplinary grants;
  • Communicates regularly with the IDIA community to ensure full participation and active engagement; and
  • Supervises program support staff and student workers as needed.

Required Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Relevant experience (generally 4+ years) managing transdisciplinary research teams and/or partnership development;
  • Broad knowledge of digital innovation, computing, and technology;
  • Strong program and/or project management skills with the ability to manage multiple, simultaneous work streams;
  • Ability to effectively coordinate, communicate, and collaborate with faculty, staff, administrators, sponsors, and stakeholders across multiple disciplines; and
  • Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Terminal degree in a related field;
  • Relevant experience (generally 6+ years) managing transdisciplinary research teams and/or partnership development;
  • Experience working closely with a variety of external stakeholders (local, state, and federal government, private sector, philanthropic organizations, etc.);
  • Experience developing major proposals for external support;
  • Experience working in a large, dispersed university environment;
  • Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills;
  • Ability to effectively cultivate and manage partnerships;
  • Highly effective collaborator and team member;
  • Demonstrates adaptability and resilience to change and complexity; and
  • An understanding of research translation processes.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Associate Director, Institute for Digital Innovation at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.
Posting Open Date: July 20, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: August 10, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

What George Mason University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom