The Program Coordinator for Social Innovation works in the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt University’s Innovation Center. The ideal candidate embodies a demonstrated commitment to, and interest in, social and/or environmental change and innovation. The Program Coordinator for Social Innovation will help lead the coordination and facilitation of core programming, event planning, and communication with Social Innovation program participants and key partners, with a focused emphasis on programs including Map the System, Social Venture Think Tank, Climate Innovation Accelerator, and workshops. Reporting directly to the Director of Social Innovation, the Program Coordinator will also help develop and coordinate partnerships and collaborations with other on- and off-campus partners, and they will help manage the recruitment, onboarding, and evaluation of partner organizations and student participants involved with the Wond’ry’s Social Innovation programming.   The Wond’ry is the university’s center for innovation and design. We are an outwardly facing, customer service-oriented unit that serves the entire Vanderbilt community of faculty, staff, and students from all colleges and schools, while also working to build up the innovation ecosystem in Nashville and beyond. We provide a variety of programming, resources, and funding opportunities to help our constituents express and test their ideas, to develop design and systems thinking skills and an innovation mindset, as well as facilitate interdisciplinary and immersive learning experiences. Because we assist with the development of innovations and collaborations across all disciplines, we look for dynamic, curious individuals with a variety of background experiences they can leverage to help people along their innovation journey.   Duties and Responsibilities Lead the facilitation and coordination of programming for the Social Innovation Practice Area at the Wond’ry, with an emphasis on Map the System, Climate Innovation Accelerator, Social Venture Think Tank, and workshops. Assist with the integration of equity-centered design, and social innovation and systems thinking curricula into Social Innovation programs and for-credit course integrations with on-campus partners. Assist in the coordination of future collaborations in the practice area that involve on- and off-campus organizations, community partners, and mentors. Support and co-promote events and activities hosted by the team and with current and future partner organizations. Coordinate and manage the design and production of promotional materials on an as-needed basis. Assist with the co-creation of practice area training materials or website content as needed. Ensure that activities in these areas are aligned with the mission of both the Wond’ry and Vanderbilt University. Work with University partners and Wond’ry colleagues to develop articles, blog posts, etc. to promote the Wond’ry and the creative projects its participants undertake. Assist in the creation, on-boarding, and training of an inclusive network of mentors who help advance the mission of Social Innovation programming. Assist in the identification and recruitment of strategic on- and off-campus partners and students for our programming. Oversee Wond’ry-related events and events held at the Wond’ry by third parties as needed, including but not limited to, speaker series, seminars, workshops, and competitions. Assist in the identification of grant opportunities that could support core Wond’ry areas and related initiatives. Assist other team members and work on other projects on an as-needed basis. Collaborate with other core staff to turn strategic priorities into meaningful programming.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and two (2) years of experience or equivalent education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills be acquired is necessary. A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred. Familiarity with and experience in the nonprofit, social sector, and/or social innovation fields is strongly preferred. Experience with systems thinking, equity-centered design, and/or leading social innovation programming strongly preferred. Experience facilitating workshops and events is preferred. Familiarity with sustainable development, sustainable supply chains, and/or another global industry is preferred. Demonstrated interest in and commitment to service, social impact, and the common good. Demonstrated celebration of and commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Extremely well organized with excellent time management skills and the ability to successfully handle multiple programs at once. Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to interact fluidly with the many different individuals and organizations that will contact and work with the Center. Experience navigating university policies and procedures, and a desire to expand and deepen that knowledge and experience. Proficient in office software tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Airtable, Canva), and other software tools for communication, analysis, and office operations. Flexible with job expectations and schedule in an office that is on the cutting edge of innovation. Willing to jump in wherever needed. Positive, energetic, “can-do,” proactive entrepreneurial attitude with a passion for innovation and creativity.