Academic Director, Center for Social Innovation and Sustainability (Part-time)

Why IE University?

Every story begins with a purpose, and ours has always been about people. Founded in 1973, IE University has continuously raised the bar to drive positive change through education. We believe education is more than a path to professional success; it is a catalyst for personal transformation and meaningful impact. 

At IE University, we place people and their potential at the center of everything we do, empowering individuals to become extraordinary. We encourage bold thinking and foster a culture where innovation, curiosity, and courage lead to real-world impact. Together, we create an environment where talent thrives, and ideas shape the future. 

Our mission 

We support students in developing impact skills to live and lead with positive impact. This ignites a ripple effect: We transform people, who then transform others, systems, society, and, ultimately, our world.  

Our Purpose

To foster positive change.  

Values  

1. Cultivate the humanistic approach.  
2. Empower your entrepreneurial spirit 
3. Cherish the diversity of people, mind, and experience 
4. Drive innovation with a proactive mindset

• About the Center and the role

  The Center operates as a think and do tank within IE University. It works with companies, corporate foundations and international institutions on applied research, impact measurement, social innovation awards, learning programs and advisory projects. Its work is measured by the real impact it generates in society.

  The Center is led by its Director, and by an Executive Director.  The Academic Director will complete this leadership team. The role is responsible for the high-quality content and methodology of all Center outputs and serves as the Center’s link with IE faculty and external experts.

  The position requires a 50 percent dedication and at least two days per week on campus, with flexibility to be agreed. The Academic Director reports to the Director of the Center.

  Responsibilities

  • Content conceptualisation and supervision in execution. Lead the content of proposals across all project types, from applied research and impact measurement to programs, awards and learning initiatives: frame the problem, define the research question/social impact value proposition, build the theory of change and design deliverables that will have a real impact. Ensure methodological rigor and practical relevance throughout execution and provide final content review for outputs.
  • Intellectual representation and expert network. Act as the Center’s academic voice with partners, students and beneficiaries, and represent it in forums alongside or on behalf of the Director. Identify and engage IE faculty and external experts for each project in coordination with the Engagement Director or supported by other team members when necessary.
  • Centre’s capacity: Strengthen the centre’s methodological capabilities through continuous updating of knowledge, cutting-edge frameworks, templates, feedback and training.

• Requirements

  • PhD, or an equivalent (DBA) track record in applied research, in a field relevant to social innovation/impact or equivalent proven competence (author/leader of published white papers, reports or equivalent).
  • Professional-level proficiency, spoken and written, in both Spanish and English.
  • A demonstrable portfolio of social innovation/ impact work conceptualized for external organizations and used by them: white papers, advisory projects, program designs, impact frameworks or sectoral analyses.
  • Experience leading the intellectual work of others, whether in research teams, academic programs, executive education or advisory teams.
  • Credibility and presence to represent the Center before senior executives, funders and other senior audiences.
  • Proven ability to move from conceptual design to practical implementation, and to work effectively in a matrix structure.

  Profiles that do not fit this role

  • Academic profiles oriented primarily toward peer-reviewed journal publication rather than applied work.
  • Business development profiles without a content and methodology dimension.
  • Profiles centered only on environmental science or environmental management.

  What we offer

  The opportunity to shape the agenda of a leading business school center for social innovation and sustainability, working with companies and institutions on significant challenges, with the support of IE University’s faculty, brand and network.

  Why IE University?

  Every story begins with a purpose, and ours has always been about people. Founded in 1973, IE University has continuously raised the bar to drive positive change. We believe education is more than a path to professional success; it is a catalyst for personal transformation and meaningful impact. At IE University, we place people and their potential at the center of everything we do, empowering individuals to become extraordinary.