Director - Innovation

How to Apply: Send your updated resume and letter of application (ONLY) quoting “Director - Innovation” on the subject line to recruitment@strathmore.edu by 8th September 2026.

Show Strategic Innovation Leadership on Paper

This is a senior role steering the university's innovation agenda. Hiring panels will look for evidence you can translate research into commercial value and lead cross-functional teams.

1. Lead with your innovation wins: On your CV, highlight specific initiatives you led that resulted in new products, patents, or partnerships. Quantify outcomes where possible, like number of patents filed or revenue generated from commercialization.

2. Prove your management depth: Since 4 years in management is required, detail your team leadership experience: size of teams, budgets managed, and how you developed your people. Use concrete examples of mentoring junior researchers or staff.

3. Align with the university's mission: In your cover letter, show you understand how innovation serves the university's academic and societal goals. Mention how you'd foster collaboration across faculties and with external partners.

4. Prepare for behavioral questions: Expect questions like 'Tell me about a time you turned a research idea into a product.' Use the STAR method to structure your answers, focusing on your role and the impact.

5. Show stakeholder savvy: This role involves faculty, students, industry partners, and funders. Give examples of how you've managed diverse stakeholders and built consensus for innovation projects.

6. Understand IP and commercialization: Be ready to discuss how you've protected intellectual property and navigated licensing or spin-offs. If you lack direct experience, show your knowledge of the processes and your ability to learn quickly.

7. Communicate your vision: You'll likely be asked where you see university innovation in five years. Have a clear, realistic vision that balances academic freedom with commercial viability.

8. Ask sharp questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the university's current innovation portfolio, funding models, and how success is measured. This shows you're already thinking like their next Director.