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Director Open Innovation Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Open Rank

Chapel Hill, NC

... and Innovation to support the school's programs and initiatives. In addition, the successful ... The successful candidate will be expected to: -Develop, direct and lead teams in a cutting edge ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Associate Director

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

... Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Associate Director ... Familia; innovation; Orgullo Position Summary The Carolina Latinx Center Associate Director (CLC-AD ...

Therapy Smarts Inc

ABA Program Director

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Foster a positive, collaborative work culture that encourages team engagement and innovation ... Opportunity for growth within the company - Leadership and management opportunities open to all ...

Therapy Smarts, Inc

ABA Program Director

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Foster a positive, collaborative work culture that encourages team engagement and innovation ... Opportunity for growth within the company - Leadership and management opportunities open to all ...

Allied Universal

Director of Operations

Wendell, NC · On-site

Encourage a collaborative and inclusive work environment to promote teamwork, open communication ... Leadership skills that foster teamwork, innovation, agility, client relations and achieving desired ...

Allied Universal

Director of Operations

Wendell, NC · On-site

Encourage a collaborative and inclusive work environment to promote teamwork, open communication ... Leadership skills that foster teamwork, innovation, agility, client relations and achieving desired ...

Allied Universal

Director of Operations

Wendell, NC · Hybrid

Encourage a collaborative and inclusive work environment to promote teamwork, open communication ... Leadership skills that foster teamwork, innovation, agility, client relations and achieving desired ...

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All JobsOpen Innovation JobsDirector Open Innovation JobsDirector Open Innovation Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Director Open Innovation information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$20.3K

$106.8K

$179.8K

How much do director open innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director open innovation in Raleigh, NC is $106,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,161.00 and $162,868.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Open Innovation vs Innovation Manager?

AspectDirector Open InnovationInnovation Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Business, Engineering, or related fields; often requires experience in innovation or R&DBachelor's or Master’s in similar fields; focus on project management and innovation processes
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, executive-level interactionsProject execution, team coordination, supporting innovation initiatives
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, tech firms, and R&D departmentsCommon in corporate innovation teams, startups, and product development units

The main difference is that the Director Open Innovation focuses on strategic leadership and high-level innovation initiatives, while the Innovation Manager handles day-to-day project execution and supports innovation processes. Both roles require relevant credentials and are integral to fostering innovation within organizations, but they differ in scope and seniority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Open Innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Open Innovation, you need a strong background in innovation management, cross-industry collaboration, and strategic leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with open innovation platforms, intellectual property management systems, and experience with tools for partnership management are typically required. Outstanding relationship-building, negotiation, and change management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are essential to successfully drive external collaborations, accelerate innovation pipelines, and deliver business value through strategic partnerships.

What is a Director of Open Innovation?

A Director of Open Innovation is a senior leader responsible for driving innovation by fostering collaboration between an organization and external partners, such as startups, universities, and research institutions. They create and manage programs that encourage the exchange of ideas, technology, and knowledge to accelerate product development and solve complex business challenges. This role involves identifying strategic partnerships, overseeing innovation projects, and ensuring alignment with the company's goals. The Director of Open Innovation plays a key part in building an innovative culture and expanding the organization's capabilities beyond its internal resources.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Open Innovation when integrating external partnerships into existing company structures?

A Director of Open Innovation often encounters challenges such as aligning external partners' goals with internal business objectives, managing intellectual property concerns, and ensuring smooth communication across different organizational cultures. Successfully integrating new ideas or technologies can require navigating resistance to change within the company and establishing clear processes for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Building trust, setting transparent expectations, and fostering strong internal advocacy are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and maximizing the value of external collaborations.
What are popular job titles related to Director Open Innovation jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Director Open Innovation jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Open Innovation jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Director Open Innovation jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Director Open Innovation jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Director Open Innovation job openings:
Director Open Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Open Innovation job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,789 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
Executive Director, Eshelman Innovation

Executive Director, Eshelman Innovation

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Department SOP-Eshelman Innovation-450300 Career Area Academic Administration Posting Open Date 06/25/2026 Application Deadline 07/27/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Executive Director, Eshelman Innovation Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20059996 Vacancy ID NF0009854 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on Qualifications Proposed Start Date 09/01/2026
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health, Social Work, and Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School's Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).
Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world's most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary
The Executive Director leads the Institute charged to create and sustain an innovation engine at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. The Executive Director will lead the Institute team in the effort to make the Eshelman Institute for Innovation (EII) a premier institution nationally and internationally where ideas are seeded, nurtured, and translated into transformative societal outcomes through innovation in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences education, research, and health care.
The Executive Director will be responsible to manage and grow the assets of EII in the form of reputation, revenue, intellectual property, projects and programs with embedded intellectual property and knowhow. The Executive Director will work to develop and foster strategic collaborations and partnerships, attract gifts and investments, and monetize intellectual property assets to sustain the Institute.
The Executive Director will oversee the Institute staff, operations including budget/finance, and the existing programs (e.g. funding innovative ideas, manage the EII-funded large programs, etc.), as well as the creation of new programs.
The Executive Director will be responsible for excellent internal and external communication of the activities and impact of the Institute, and for creating and sustaining a strong brand. By aligning the mission and goals of the Institute with those of the School and the University, the Executive Director will enable the Institute to positively impact the School and University through the development of a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Executive Director will critically evaluate and refine the Institute strategy periodically with the input and advice of the EII Steering Board. The Director will work closely with the Steering Board and develop/manage a process by which new Board members will be added and current members will be rotated out. The position reports to the Dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* Master's in professional degree required, with a minimum of 10-15 years experience
* Strategic Planning and Implementation experience required
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
PhD preferred
 Ability to work effectively across complex organizations
* Knowledge of academic policies and processes preferred
* Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to work cross-functionally, manage crisis, and align interests of multiple parties
* Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
* Experience in Business Development and Client Relationship Management
* Experience engaging with corporate partners, high level donors and senior management in corporations, building strategic partnerships and alliances
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/321453
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Victoria Fleming, Associate Director of HR and Engagement Department Contact Telephone or Email parnellv@email.unc.edu Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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