Are you interested in working for a mission-driven organization that continues to grow and is dedicated to providing quality services to its residents? Do you want your next job to offer you the opportunity to serve while allowing you to grow personally and professionally? Explore careers with Charles E. Smith Life Communities!

OUR DIRECTOR, INNOVATION POSITION

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Director, Innovation develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates innovation strategies for Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC). This position is responsible and accountable for innovation strategic planning and relations, as well as development and implementation of an operational plan to deliver on the innovation strategy. Further, the position is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to build innovation capacity across the organization at the individual, team, and system levels. The Director, Innovation will also be responsible for designing and implementing processes related to the CESLC innovation project pipeline (e.g., selection, implementation, monitoring) and managing strategic innovation projects, as needed.

At CESLC innovation seeks to introduce new or improved processes, products, practices, programs, technologies, services, and/or delivery methods. These innovations must address a recognized or anticipated pain point or a future opportunity for improvement, with the goal of enhancing the well-being, quality of life, and experiences of CESLC residents, families, associates, volunteers, visitors, and the broader CESLC community. Importantly, every innovation must have a clearly defined and measurable outcome or benefit that contributes to the holistic advancement of the organization.

All associates are expected to work diligently to support the core principles (e.g., mission, vision, etc.) of Charles E. Smith Life Communities.

ABOUT CHARLES E. SMITH LIFE COMMUNITIES
Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) is a faith-based nonprofit senior services organization located in Rockville, Maryland, delivering quality care and meaningful life experiences to older adults with dignity and compassion rooted in Jewish values. Our team of over 1,000 members represent a very wide range of cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and faiths.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Our total rewards package includes competitive compensation, health benefits through CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield, a retirement plan, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, and proximity to public transportation.

LOCATION
This position is located at 6121 Montrose Road in Rockville, Maryland.

SHIFTS & STATUS
This is a Full Time, Exempt position with Monday through Friday schedule.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovation Strategy
1) Strategic Planning

• Supports the formation of a CESLC Innovation Governance Committee and serves as its chair. Works with the President/CEO and other senior leaders to identify and validate key innovation initiatives/objectives/goals, deliverables, and timelines for the organization
• Formalizes, implements, and monitors an innovation strategy and operational plan
• Ensures alignment and integration of CESLC’s innovation strategy and operational plan into CESLC’s overall strategic plan
• Fosters a culture of innovation throughout the organization by introducing diverse initiatives (e.g., corporate strategy and values, events, awards and recognitions, etc.)

2) Strategic Relations

• Identifies, fosters, and builds integrative relationships, opportunities (e.g., funding, trials, etc.), and collaborations with internal and external (new and existing public/private partners) stakeholders
• Represents CESLC at innovation conferences as requested (e.g., industry/trade, academic, government, etc.)
• Collaborates with relevant departments (e.g., business growth, communications and resource development, etc.) to support an effective communication strategy for the innovation strategy.
• Engages regularly, as needed, with the CESLC Board of Governors and its Boards of Directors to report on innovation activities

3. Innovation Accountability and Sustainability

• Oversees day-to-day operations for innovation initiatives (e.g., innovation funding solicitations, etc.) and activities (e.g., projects) throughout the organization
• Completes corporate performance reporting on the innovation strategy and activities, as requested
• Identifies and collaborates with colleagues to apply for potential funding opportunities for innovation support (e.g., government, grants, foundations, industry, etc.)
• Supports fundraising activities for innovation at CESLC

Innovation Capacity Building

• Identifies short, mid, and long-term innovation learning needs for diverse stakeholders throughout the organization
• Develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates innovation capacity initiatives (e.g., training programs, communities of practice) throughout the organization for diverse stakeholders (e.g., associates, residents, clients, families)
• Develops and implements an innovation resource and infrastructure plan to promote innovation sustainability throughout the organization
• Develops, implements, and drives adoption of innovation-focused processes, practices, tools, and policies across campus

Innovation Projects

• Develops and implements a process for identifying “pain points” throughout the organization, sourcing and procuring potential innovations (e.g., processes, products, practices), evaluating and selecting innovation opportunities to proceed or halt
• Supports the implementation and evaluation of interprofessional and innovation starter projects with different project teams

Market Awareness and Adaptability

• Assesses competition and maintains overall market awareness
• Responds to disruptions in the market by constantly innovating

Communication and Motivation

• Demonstrates excellent communication skills to engage various audiences
• Motivate and inspire associates and stakeholders

Big-Picture Thinking

• Possesses a strategic mindset that considers long-term impact and organizational goals
• Demonstrates ability to see beyond immediate challenges and envision innovative solutions

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in a health sciences (or related) discipline, with innovation, evaluation, and/or applied research required

Experience

• Minimum seven years of experience in a health and/or innovation environment, with responsibility for strategy development and implementation
• Experience and expertise in the innovation and evaluation process, including (but not limited to): identification of organizational pain points; sourcing and procuring innovations; working with diverse innovators and entrepreneurs; implementing innovation change management at various levels of an organization (e.g., processes, procedures, tools, policies); evaluating and monitoring of outcomes; budgeting and financial management/tracking; supporting training and capacity building at the organizational level
• Independent responsibility for project planning and execution
• Supervisory experience and personnel management
• Previous experience in a non-profit organization, particularly a complex health care organization (e.g., acute care hospital, rehabilitation hospital and/or skilled nursing facility) is an asset
• Strong proficiency in the Microsoft suite of software, including Word, Excel, Access, Visio, Teams and PowerPoint
• Good analytical and quantitative skills, statistically literate
• Communication skills
• Time Management skills

PREFERENCE:
Certification, Accreditation and Licensure

• Six Sigma Green Belt and above certification or equivalent is an asset
• Project Management certification or equivalent is an asset

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