Director - iOS Design Lab at TTU DFW
Position Description Directs, plans, coordinates and supervises the operations and activities of a specialized unit or small department; develops and implements policies and procedures, administers the budget, organizes tasks and sets priorities. Serves as liaison with university personnel and community at large. Works under general supervision with broad latitude for initiative and independent judgement.
About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world. About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.
About the Department and/or College TTU DFW is a dynamic hub of innovation and academic excellence, serving students, faculty, and partners across North Texas and beyond. As part of the team, you'll help shape a vibrant, tech-enabled learning environment that supports in-person and online education, community engagement, and professional development. This position will manage a 27,000 sq ft site in Irving, ensuring every classroom, event, and workspace operates seamlessly and safely. Our work empowers customers by creating spaces where ideas thrive and connections grow.
The iOS Design Lab is located at Texas Tech University DFW in Irving, a regional hub for education, community engagement, and workforce development. We empower students, educators, and professionals to build real-world skills in coding, AI, and entrepreneurship through immersive experiences like Swift coding courses, design sprints, and professional development workshops. Our mission is to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and connect education with industry, transforming learners into tech-ready leaders. If you are passionate about building community and shaping the future of education and innovation, this is where your impact begins.
Major/Essential Functions As the Director of the iOS Design Lab, you will lead the launch and growth of a dynamic innovation hub that connects education with entrepreneurship. You will spend time interacting with the community, meeting with school leaders, startup founders, and business executives to build partnerships and promote the Lab's mission. You will also curate programming with expert instructors, facilitate engaging experiences like design sprints, and oversee the Lab's operations and strategy. If you are energized by building community, shaping future talent, and driving innovation, this is your opportunity to lead a movement, not just a lab.
- Serve as the primary facilitator and ambassador of the iOS Design Lab, representing its mission and programming to external partners and the broader community.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with school districts, tech startups, corporations, and nonprofit organizations to expand the Lab's reach and impact.
- Curate and coordinate programming with subject matter experts (SMEs) in coding, AI, and entrepreneurship, ensuring alignment with the Lab's goals and audience needs.
- Facilitate engaging, entrepreneurship-focused experiences such as design sprints, startup workshops, and incubator sessions for learners ranging from K-12 students to professionals.
- Collaborate with TTU K-12 staff and SMEs to develop and deliver youth-focused programming, including summer camps, hackathons, mobile labs, and teacher professional development.
- Lead operational planning for the Lab, including scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and performance tracking to support sustainable growth.
- Develop and implement a revenue-generating business model and a reporting system to track engagement, partnerships, program outcomes, and community impact.
- Stay informed on trends and best practices in coding education, design thinking, AI, and workforce development to ensure the Lab remains relevant and forward-thinking.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships across education, business, and nonprofit sectors.
- Experience in program development, facilitation, and event coordination.
- Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
- Familiarity with iOS development tools (Swift, Xcode) sufficient to oversee curriculum and SMEs.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in entrepreneurial or innovation-focused environments.
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in related area required plus five years progressively responsible management experience. Additional education may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three years of experience in business development, program leadership, or strategic partnership cultivation.
- Experience managing projects or programs with measurable outcomes.
- Familiarity with technology education or innovation programming.
- Master's degree in a related field.
- Certified teacher in CTE or Business Education, especially with experience integrating technology and entrepreneurship into classroom instruction.
- Experience in education, corporate training, or nonprofit program leadership.
- Fluent in coding languages, especially those found in the iOS developer environment (i.e., Swift, SwiftUI, Xcode)
- Experience working with K-12 school systems or in regional workforce development initiatives.
- Familiarity with the Business Model Canvas and startup ecosystems, especially in the context of innovation, entrepreneurship, or incubator programming.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of design thinking, coding education, and emerging technologies such as AI.
- Experience working in K-12 education, higher education, or workforce development.
- Ability to design and lead immersive learning experiences like design sprints, hackathons, and incubator workshops.
- Understanding of community engagement strategies and ecosystem building.
- Comfort with public speaking, storytelling, and representing a program at external events.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Able to take initiative, drive projects forward, and adapt quickly to changing needs.
Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Does this position work in a research laboratory? No
Required Attachments Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV
Job Family Community Engagement
Job Sub Family Outreach Programs
Annualized Pay Range $65,200 - $84,800 - $104,300
Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.
Schedule Details M-F 8:00-5:00; occasional evening, Saturday, Sunday
EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.
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