Innovation Associate Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Director, Nebraska Innovation Studio
Department
Nebraska Innovation Studio-13281
Requisition Number
S_260481
Posting Open Date
06/19/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
06/29/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The Director of Nebraska Innovation Studio (NIS) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and vision for the multidisciplinary makerspace located on Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC). This position is responsible for advancing the NIS's mission of fostering educational opportunities, community building, and business development through innovative programming, strong partnerships, fiscal stewardship, and the cultivation of a collaborative and inclusive culture. This position also oversees Frontier Tech Lab (FTL), a design and prototyping service center operated and managed by NIS, ensuring alignment between prototyping requests, hands-on learning for students, and the broader goals of NIS. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for NIS and FTL that advance awareness, revenue, membership, and experiential learning.
This position directly supervises NIS permanent staff, interns, and grant-funded staff. This position oversees all NIS and FTL daily operations, including general oversight and upkeep of the facility and equipment; budgeting and accounting; receiving membership and material payments; purchasing materials; annual inventory count; scheduling curriculum and instructing trainings, workshops and classes; coordinating NIS classroom schedules with university departments and faculty users; organizing and facilitating events and outreach; managing NU Foundation funds; and creating and implementing safety policies and procedures. This position is also responsible for promoting NIS and FTL through outreach, events, and strategic communications; seeking out fundraising and grant opportunities; writing and submitting grant proposals; tracking and reporting required grant data; and working with the NU Foundation on funding opportunities.
This position develops relationships with, and represents Nebraska Innovation Studio in, university, industry, and community partnerships. This position also works in partnership with the Nebraska Innovation Campus Development Corporation team to create and implement programming, amenities, and services to NIC Partners, the university, and the community. Some evenings and weekends will be required.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and collaborative workforce. UNL is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success where every person and every interaction matters. The University is proud to be one of Nebraska's preferred and largest employers where individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See: http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination
Minimum Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in STEAM field, education, business, industrial design or other making-related field plus seven (7) years of experience working in a makerspace setting or equivalent multidisciplinary environment such as a lab, studio, or similar setting OR Bachelor's degree in field as stated above plus (5) years of relevant experience as stated above. OR Master's degree in field as stated above plus (3) years of relevant experience as stated above; OR PhD in field as stated above plus (1) year of relevant experience as stated above
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership and operational oversight, with responsibility for setting direction and advancing programs or services in a multidisciplinary environment such as a makerspace, lab, studio, or similar setting.
• Demonstrated experience managing and supervising staff, interns, and/or volunteers, including responsibility for customer service delivery and user support in a service-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and delivering curriculum and instructional programs, including safety training and equipment operation instruction, as well as creating and implementing operational policies and procedures.
• Prior experience with equipment purchasing and maintenance
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in general facility and equipment use and maintenance
• Prior experience with equipment purchasing and maintenance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree a STEAM field, education, business, industrial design or other making-related field.
• Experience working or collaborating with various stakeholder groups, such as university departments, faculty, staff, and students, as well as donors, prospective donors, and vendors.
• Experience with grant funding processes, including grant writing, tracking, and reporting.
• Familiarity with maintaining and operating equipment used in metal working, wood working, ceramics, rapid prototyping, robotics, automation, embedded systems, textiles, and art studios.
• Experience using design, fabrication, and multimedia software such as Autodesk Fusion, Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Cura, Adobe Creative Cloud, Blender, or VCarve.

Ideal Candidate Statement
The ideal candidate possesses strategic leadership skills, strong operational oversight experience, and a clear vision for a multidisciplinary makerspace. They are self-motivated and demonstrate the ability to motivate, supervise, and support others in a dynamic, service-oriented environment. They possess strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. The ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with university departments, faculty, staff, and students, as well as current and prospective donors and vendors, is essential to success in this role.
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
No
Physical Required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
No
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
$95,000/yr. minimum
How to Apply
Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Ember Welsch, Human Resources Specialist Lead
Office of Research and Innovation
ewelsch2@unl.edu
Job Category (old)
Managerial/Professional
Job Type
Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Some evenings and weekends will be required
Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date