JOB TITLE: Innovation Specialist
REPORTS TO: Director of Workforce Innovation
DEPARTMENT: Workforce Development
EXEMPT: Yes
VICE PRESIDENT: VP of Workforce Development
GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE FUNCTION
All Hinds Community College employees must commit to the Caring Campus approach to student engagement and daily apply these general behavioral objectives: listen to student questions and concerns with a positive attitude and make meaningful connections with students.
Under the direction of the Director of Workforce Innovation the Innovative Specialist will be responsible for the oversight of the overall operation of the Innovation Labs/training and the development of policies procedures and programs for a variety of special interest groups.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Associate Degree and/or similar job experience in engineering or other STEM related field with three (3) years of recent professional experience providing support services in a directly related unit or discipline
- Demonstrated proficiency with a variety of software packages especially design software to utilized in the field of XR AI 3D Printing Laser Engraving AutoCAD or 3D Modeling and the understanding of the need to constantly work to update software skills in a variety of disciplines.
- Must be able to produce documentation of various projects assigned and be able to deliver and communicate material in an effective manner
- Experience leading small group training working with young people or delivering technical concepts is required
- Experience working in a team environment
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
- Proficiency in major platforms such asOculus ViveGear VR and/orPS4
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word Excel PowerPoint
- Proficiency in Generative AI and AI Models
- Experience working in or using virtual and augmented reality technology and equipment
- Proficient in common desktop applications (web browsing Microsoft Office Suite image editing)
- Computer skills in the development of spreadsheets formula assignment database structure and report generation
- Experience with video-conference training and presentations
- Attention to detail and accuracy in report generation
- Experience of teaching and/or demonstrating techniques related to 3D Printing Laser Engraving AutoCAD or 3D Modeling.
- Experience of working in Windows TinkerCAD AutoCAD Maya or Blender.
OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to understand written or oral instructions; read analyze and interpret complex documents instruction manuals policies and procedures is essential
- Excellent communication skills are required to effectively present information in a one-on-one and small group setting
- Strong interpersonal skills are essential to maintain effective working relationships with others
- The ability to work effectively and efficiently under stressful conditions to ensure deadlines are met is essential
- Must have demonstrated through prior work experience the ability to identify and resolve in a courteous and professional manner complex issues and problems whilst adhering to an appropriate policy and procedure
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Develop and lead innovation curriculum and training in the field of AI XR Data analytics and 3D Fabrication. As well as custom curriculum identified by local partners
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Innovation Labs and the equipment
- Collaborates with the Director of Workforce Innovation to promote the labs and technology in the community
- Works in collaboration with the Center for Teaching and Learning to train faculty how to adopt new technology and embed these lessons within the instructors Canvas course shells
- Serves as a champion for the Workforce Innovation by promoting the opportunities available through various venues in the area and maintaining partnerships with external organizations such as business and industry
- Works with the college IT department to establish protocols for safe and effective use of the labs and digital library; monitors and maintains optimal safety conditions within the labs and digital library.
- Maintains the equipment manages supply inventory makes recommendations on upgrades of both hardware and software
- Schedules and provides supervision of the labs
- Works with the Center for Teaching and Learning to assist administrators instructors students and community members by providing professional development opportunities in the area of innovative technology
- Responsible for the development of training materials procedures project guides etc. for use in Innovation Labs
- Responsible for the development of all Innovation camps and workshops from development to documentation instruction and follow-up reporting
- Responsible for the development of and adherence to policies and procedures in the Innovation Labs
- Provides support and guidance in the use of virtual reality augmented reality mixed/merged reality motion capture environments development tools AI data analytics and 3D Fabrication.
- Provides feedback regarding service levels and student requirements and actively contributes to improving student experiences in the Innovation Labs technical areas
- To contribute as a member of the Workforce Innovation team to the development of technical resources and knowledge in the Innovation Labs including assisting curriculum planning research and commercial activities
- Contributes and collaborates with technical team members as required to ensure the key priorities and levels of service are met successfully
- To liaise internally and externally with professionals and recognized practitioners and artists attend conferences and exhibitions to share and develop ideas knowledge and expertise that can be translated to support for learning and research activities
- To be involved with the design production and development of appropriate teaching and learning materials to suit stakeholder courses by identifying developing areas of interest or need in specific relevant technologies amongst staff and students and working to revise existing workshops or write new ones as needed
- Responsible for the completion and submission of quarterly reports and other relevant data as required by grant funders Office of Sponsored Grants and Compliance and college administrators
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use hand to finger handle or feel objects tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand walk sit taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit.
The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop kneel crouch or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the employee is occasionally required to perform job responsibilities in the outdoors and off site.
We promote a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects individual strengths ideas and capabilities. We believe that our differences enable us to make better decisions drive innovation and deliver better results.
Mission
Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose passion and profession.
Vision
Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Values
Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS:
- Integrity
- Diversity
- Excellence
- Accountability
- Leadership
- Stewardship
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin religion sex age disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity equity and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn work and serve our communities.
The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies:
EEOC Compliance: The Office of Human Resources Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: or Email:
Title IX: Associate Vice President Student Services Title IX Coordinator
Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: or Email: .