PT Product Innovation Specialist

• Support and guide active product development cycles as a core component of educational and strategic prototyping work.
• Assist in the rapid prototyping, testing, and iterative development of educational innovation projects.
• Provide product development consulting and innovation-focused training to internal VCU groups
• Translate user insights and workshop outcomes into actionable product concepts, wireframes, or testable prototypes.
• Research, identify, and evaluate potential new product revenue stream opportunities for VCU.

• Integrate real-world product lifecycle frameworks into workshop materials, learning modules, and design sprints.

• Guide multidisciplinary teams through the end-to-end front end innovation process from empathy and problem framing to prototyping and testing.

• Degree or certification in Product Innovation, Product Design, Product Management, Industrial Design, User Experience or other related discipline or equivalent of education and experience.
• Professional background in design thinking, front end innovation, and product management principles.
• Demonstrated experience with Design Thinking methodologies and rapid prototyping frameworks.
• Familiarity with iterative product development cycles and taking projects from concept to prototype.

• Practical experience managing or contributing to cross-functional product development cycles - including both physical and digital products and services.
• Demonstrated experience in group facilitation and collaborative workshop moderation.
• Prior experience in instructional design, training, or curriculum development.
• Demonstrated interest and active engagement in Product Innovation.
• A portfolio showcasing UX, product development, or product engineering work. 
• Ability and willingness to travel locally as program needs dictate.

• Appointment Term: This position is temporary and will require an initial, six-month commitment with the option to renew
  • Renewal: Eligible for renewal upon conclusion of the initial 6-month term subject to business needs and funding. 
• Application Materials: To be considered for this role, please submit your resume/CV, a brief cover letter outlining your alignment with the role, and a link or attachment to your portfolio.

Priority Consideration Date: For priority consideration, please submit your application by November 20th, 2026

Salary Range: $25.00 - $30.00 hourly, commensurate with experience

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

• FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
  
  Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours per weed

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Makayla Donigan
Contact Email: doniganmb@vcu.edu

Advertised: 10 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 20 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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