ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Academic Innovation Jobs in Seattle, WA

Uw

Director of Education

Seattle, WA

... innovation for all students, trainees, and faculty in the Department. The primary goals will be to ... The Department of Medicine (DoM) is the largest academic department in UW Medicine, providing ...

Uw

DIRECTOR, WORKDAY OPERATIONS

Seattle, WA

... innovation, learning, discovery, and service." Data & Applications (D&A) is the division in UW-IT ... runs the university's academic and business systems, productivity platforms, enterprise ...

LeonaBio, Inc.

Senior Director, Medical Affairs

Bothell, WA · On-site

$260K - $300K/yr

With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation, we are dedicated ... Build and maintain strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academic investigators ...

Uw

Director for Development

Tacoma, WA · On-site

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem ... Develop and lead fundraising strategies for assigned schools, units, and academic and student ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAcademic Innovation JobsDirector Academic Innovation JobsDirector Academic Innovation Jobs in Seattle, WA

Director Academic Innovation information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$39.3K

$98K

$161.6K

How much do director academic innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director academic innovation in Seattle, WA is $97,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $116,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of academic innovation do?

A Director of Academic Innovation leads efforts to improve and modernize educational programs within an institution. They identify emerging trends, integrate new technologies, and develop strategies to enhance teaching, learning, and student engagement. This role often involves collaborating with faculty, administrators, and external partners to implement creative solutions that support academic excellence and institutional goals. The Director also assesses the impact of innovation initiatives and ensures alignment with the organization’s mission and educational standards.

How does a director of academic innovation typically collaborate with faculty and administrative staff to implement new educational initiatives?

A Director of Academic Innovation works closely with faculty, department heads, and administrative teams to identify opportunities for curricular improvement and to pilot new teaching technologies or instructional models. This collaboration often involves organizing workshops, gathering feedback on proposed changes, and supporting faculty through the adoption process. The director also coordinates with IT and assessment teams to ensure new initiatives are feasible and impactful, fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement across the institution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of academic innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Academic Innovation, you need expertise in curriculum development, educational technology, and a background in higher education leadership, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), instructional design tools, and data analytics platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills help drive change and foster collaboration among faculty and stakeholders. These skills are essential for successfully implementing innovative practices that enhance student learning and institutional outcomes.

What is the difference between Director Academic Innovation vs Academic Program Manager?

AspectDirector Academic InnovationAcademic Program Manager
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Education, Instructional Design, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Administration, or related fields
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in academic settings, focusing on innovation initiativesOperational management of academic programs, overseeing daily activities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, educational technology companiesEducational institutions, program development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding strategic roles in academic innovationManaging academic programs and initiatives

The Director Academic Innovation typically focuses on leading strategic initiatives to enhance teaching and learning through innovative methods, often requiring advanced degrees and strategic skills. In contrast, the Academic Program Manager handles the day-to-day management of academic programs, ensuring their smooth operation. Both roles are vital in educational settings but differ mainly in scope, responsibilities, and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Director Academic Innovation jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Director Academic Innovation jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Academic Innovation jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Academic Innovation jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Director Academic Innovation jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Director Academic Innovation job openings:

Director Academic Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Academic Innovation job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,969 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Senior Director of School of Medicine Communications - UW Medicine, Strategic Communications

Seattle, WA • On-site

University of Washington
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about University of Washingtonexternal

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Description
UW Medicine Strategic Communications has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Director of School of Medicine Communications to join their team.
About This Opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Director of School of Medicine Communications will serve as the primary communications leader for the UW School of Medicine within UW Medicine's systemwide Strategic Communications team. This new role will design and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the School of Medicine, bringing together internal communications, public relations, executive messaging, reputation-building and change communications in support of the School's education, research, clinical and community service missions.
Key Responsibilities
School of Medicine Communications Strategic Leadership - 55%
  • Serve as a high-level communications strategist for the entire School of Medicine, providing counsel to leaders, developing recommendations, creating communications plans and overseeing implementation across the school and the WWAMI region.
  • Assess current communications practices and design strategies, channels and infrastructure that deliver clear, transparent and timely communications for employees, faculty, trainees, learners and other key audiences.
  • Advance the School of Medicine's reputation locally, regionally and nationally by elevating excellence in medical education, scientific research, academic innovation and clinical accomplishments, while ensuring alignment with UW Medicine, WWAMI and University priorities.

Leadership and Supervision - 20%
  • Provide direct, dotted-line and indirect leadership across a matrixed communications environment, ensuring collaboration, inclusion, accountability, quality and consistency in School of Medicine-related content.
  • Partner with other leaders to align work, reduce duplication, coordinate handoffs and support the broader UW Medicine communications strategy.

Content Creation - 15%
  • Develop high quality messaging and materials to address communications needs.
  • Play a key role in the design of messaging and materials for high-impact audiences.

Crisis Communications Support - 5%
  • Support the Chief Communications Officer in crisis response related to the School of Medicine.

Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in communications or related field
  • Five years of progressive responsibility in communications leadership, preferably serving as the communications head of a large, complex organization

Additional Qualifications
  • Experience in communications planning and project management for large-scale projects
  • Precise, accurate writing and editing skills
  • Strong organizational and project management skills and the sharp attention to detail needed to manage highly visible communications
  • Proven track record of successfully prioritizing and managing a large volume of initiatives, projects and content simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience measuring and tracking key performance indicators, adhering to tight deadlines, and driving outcome-focused, measurable results
  • Change management experience and expertise
  • Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
  • Sound judgement and the ability to exercise discretion
  • An authentically and consistently good listener
  • Exceptional skills in relationship-building and collaboration
  • Proven ability to work seamlessly and graciously with peer leaders to align with overarching strategy and reduce duplicative or siloed work; the willingness to defer to systemwide strategy and leaders as needed
  • Understanding of and commitment to healthcare equity and inclusive communications practices
  • A strategic and resourceful problem-solver; critical thinker
  • Strong writer and oral communicator, able to ensure accuracy and excellence in all deliverables
  • High level of computer literacy skills
  • Ability to periodically work outside of traditional hours to support urgent issues
  • Demonstrated integrity

Preferred Qualifications
  • More than twelve years of progressively responsible experience in communications strategy development, planning and execution
  • Ten or more years of experience in communications strategy development of both internal and external communications; well-versed knowledge of communications best practices
  • Seven or more years of supervisory experience
  • Advanced degree in communications or related field
  • Experience working in academic medicine
  • Experience leading communications within a large university
  • Experience in healthcare
  • Familiarity with AP style and ability to adhere to brand guidelines
  • Prior experience working in a large, complex organization
  • Knowledge of accessibility best practices

Working Conditions
  • Ability to work outside of typical business hours as needed to address urgent situations. As an essential and hybrid position, the individual is required to work remotely when the University is under suspended operations due to inclement weather, etc.
  • Hybrid - Approximately one day per month in South Lake Union (with the option for more days in-office as desired), and occasional on-site presence at the University of Washington School of Medicine. This position may also need to sometimes be onsite locally for interviewing, reporting, and/or multimedia creation.

About the Team
UW Medicine's Strategic Communications team helps advance the organization's mission to improve the health of all people by delivering clear, timely, and effective communications to internal and external audiences. The team's work spans internal and executive communications, hospital communications, crisis communications, social media engagement, and enterprise-wide digital platforms.
This role has a primary focus on supporting UW's School of Medicine, a leading public medical institution serving the five-state WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho). With a mission rooted in improving the health of the public, the School of Medicine unites a deep commitment to primary care and rural health with cutting-edge specialty care and world-class biomedical research by educating physicians, researchers, and allied health professionals.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$150,000.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$170,004.00 annual
Other Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not Applicable
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

What University Of Washington School Of Medicine employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply