ART Innovation Programs Manager

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development is seeking an ART Innovation Programs Manager.

This position will play a key role in transforming promising research and scientific discoveries into scalable, market-oriented solutions that create meaningful impact. The ART Innovation Programs Manager will lead the development, coordination, and execution of grant-funded programs and initiatives designed to expand Auburn’s capacity for research translation, innovation, and commercialization. A key focus of the role will be managing Auburn’s Accelerating Research Translation (ART) programs, including the continued development and expansion of the ART Ambassadors network. The position will lead outreach, stakeholder engagement, and program development efforts while building strong partnerships with faculty, campus collaborators, and external organizations. The successful candidate will manage multiple strategic projects, support grant and financial compliance activities, identify new funding and partnership opportunities, and develop strategies that promote the long-term sustainability, growth, and impact of ART initiatives.

• Manages grant-funded ART projects and initiatives to ensure achievement of program objectives, milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements in accordance with sponsor and university guidelines. Monitors project progress and coordinates activities necessary to support successful implementation of the ART initiative.
• Develops and expands the ART Ambassadors program across Auburn University, including recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and ongoing program development. Builds a campus-wide network of faculty and other stakeholders who promote research translation and innovation within their respective colleges and academic areas.
• Leads outreach, and stakeholder engagement activities that increase awareness and participation in ART programs. Assists with the development and delivery of training and program resources, establishes relationships with faculty across the university, and communicates ART opportunities and objectives to diverse campus audiences.
• Oversees the planning, prioritization, and execution of multiple concurrent projects and programs, facilitating collaboration among principal investigators, faculty, university stakeholders, and external partners. Coordinates operational planning and logistics for ART Ambassadors, Venture Studio, LAUNCH, workshops, events, and other innovation-focused activities.
• Cultivates strategic partnerships across Auburn University and with external organizations, including collaboration with the University of Georgia, to support program development, share resources and expertise, and strengthen a connected and sustainable research translation and innovation ecosystem.
• Supports financial and administrative oversight of grant-funded activities, including budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, preparation of grant-related reports, and coordination of documentation necessary to meet sponsor and university requirements.
• Identifies funding, partnership, and program-development opportunities and develops strategies that support the long-term sustainability, expansion, and impact of ART programs. Evaluates opportunities to grow successful initiatives and strengthen Auburn’s institutional capacity for translating academic research into practical and market-oriented solutions.

• Bachelor's degree- no specific discipline.
• 4 years of experience in project management or accounting services involving post-award and sponsored research activities.
• U.S. Citizen required upon hire

Desired Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) 

• Knowledge of financial management principles and practices
• Knowledge of business operations, project controls, and performance management methodologies
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial, operational, and project performance data
• Skill in developing collaborative relationships and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, budgets, and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and attention to detail
• Ability to identify operational challenges and independently develop, recommend, and implement solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen performance, and support organizational objectives

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!