The Senior Manager of the Global Innovation Center (GIC) manages the Programs, Operations, Marketing and Communications Team. This position will determine and execute internal and external communications around cutting edge technologies. This individual will provide program management and communication expertise in the implementation and initiatives within the VSP Global Innovation Center and across the entire enterprise as a connection point to innovation. The Senior Manager of Programs and Marketing will play a key role in establishing credibility and visibility of a new and growing innovation team.

Must be adept at creating and maintaining cross-departmental relationships, preparing information for a diverse and executive-level audience, and functioning in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment

Identify, develop, and launch a handful of robust "flagship" thought leadership content that drive GIC engagement internally and externally

Develop the brand and content strategy that drives a compelling and resonant presence for the GIC inside and outside VSP

Organize and facilitate on-going GIC programs. Includes ecosystem programs and outreach, such interactive exchanges between start-ups, potential corporate partners, and academics in collaboration with innovation project teams and VSP stakeholders

Support management of budget for formal partnerships, ecosystem marketing events and related activities

Manage planning and execution of internal engagement programs to ensure the innovation team has a presence and visibility across the organization. Includes "Know our Business" presentations and curated innovation insights sessions with VSP leadership, business units, sales teams, and doctor network

Contribute to planning and prioritization discussions by providing insight into our emerging ecosystem community knowledge

Understand and develop forward-looking analysis and insights on behalf of the GIC

Manage all marketing and communication responsibilities for the GIC

Provide project coordination and management, data analysis, communications support, and presentation preparation

Develop appropriate metrics with which to manage the GIC's impact (i.e., input and output metrics for programs)

Plan and direct operational budgets to ensure programs and projects are supported

Support structuring and negotiating business agreements with program and ecosystem partners to advance innovations and GIC's presence in the innovation community

Oversee GIC's utilization of internal and external communication channels and manage cross-functional group of stakeholders, supporting innovation messaging across various VSP channels

Develop integrated marketing and communication campaigns, utilizing a range of mediums and formats. Analyze data and insights to inform content development

Typically has the following skills or abilities:

Bachelor's degree in related field, business or communication degree. Master's degree strongly preferred

Minimum of 8 years of management experience with responsibilities for hiring, training, assigning work and managing performance of direct reports

Experience in corporate innovation, startup leadership, institutional venture capital, startup accelerator, or incubator settings; experience with the startup ecosystem

Broad-based business and technology expertise with a track record of driving successful programs, projects, and communication plans

Exemplary verbal, presentation, and written communication skills, plus strong facilitation skills with an ability to balance conversation in mixed groups and manage cross-organizational dynamics

Experience managing teams in cross-entity collaborative work and/or partner management

Experience structuring and implementing partnership and sponsorship agreements

Track record as an incubation driver in the startup/ecosystem world

Experience developing programs and thought leadership focused on emerging tech (IoT, Voice, AR/VR, AI/ML, etc.) AI, XR/AR and wearable tech

Ability to create and develop strong relationships with academics, senior leaders at start-ups, accelerators, and venture capital firms within an ecosystem

Has a "swiss army knife" approach to problems. Creative problem solving

Knowledge in interpreting complex concepts and research to develop impactful insights-driven storytelling

Experience operating independently and executing both the strategic and operational level

Proven experience building partnerships and working collaboratively across a wide variety of functions to drive effective outcomes

Passionate about innovation, willing to take risks, brings creative approaches, be a change agent

The working environment is generally favorable, lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.