Innovation Officer

Role Summary

The Innovation Officer is responsible for running the day-to-day execution of LAU Engine’s innovation (powered by FMIC) under the direction of the Director. This role involves recruiting and supporting student and alumni entrepreneurs, overseeing startups on the ground, managing sessions, bootcamp activities, mentor/trainer logistics, and handling outreach, follow-up, and reporting.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes and coordinates the execution of LAU Engine’s innovation programs, including scheduling, logistics, soliciting mentors, trainers and guest speakers, facilitating class/training/workshops delivery, and follow up on deliverables
• Serves as the primary point of contact for startups/founders in active cohorts, providing day-to-day support, facilitating access to mentors and resources, and following up on deliverables and milestones
• Coordinates and runs training sessions, workshops, bootcamp activities, and mentor engagements, including scheduling trainers/mentors, logistics, and attendance tracking
• Tracks program and startup progress against gates/milestones and flags issues or risks to the Director in a timely manner
• Sources, onboards, and maintains day-to-day relationships with mentors, trainers, guest speakers, and industry partners under the Director’s direction
• Plans and executes outreach and recruitment activities (info sessions, class visits, pitching sessions, campus events) to build the LAU Engine’s pipeline of applicants for programs
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date program records and trackers (e.g., Airtable), including participant data, attendance, deliverables, and reporting
• Collects participant feedback, compiles program performance data, and prepares regular status reports for the Director
• Supports the planning and on-the-ground execution of Center events (ceremonies, demo days, hackathons), including materials, vendor coordination, and logistics
• Assists in the development and implementation of new programs and initiatives to support entrepreneurs
• Tracks program expenses and processes payments/invoices within budget parameters set by the Director
• Coordinates and delegate tasks to interns, work-study students, or program support staff as assigned
• Supports grant and proposal writing/reporting as requested
• Stays up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to ensure programs’ competitiveness and relevance
• Acts as backup support for office staff as needed to ensure continuity of operations
• Performs other duties pertinent to this job as assigned by the direct supervisor

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, entrepreneurship, management, or a related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in program coordination, operations, or project management, preferably within an entrepreneurial or startup ecosystem
• Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly responsive, detail-oriented, and comfortable executing under direction with minimal need for oversight
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including students, founders, mentors, and partners
• Proficiency with project management and database tools (e.g., Airtable, Asana, Trello)
• Passion for entrepreneurship and innovation

Work Schedule

The standard work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, with possible/ occasional attendance after hours and/or during weekends/holidays to ensure business continuity and/or attend events and activities.

Interested candidates should email their CVs with a letter of interest outlining the applicant’s relevant experience to vacancy2@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line. 

CVs should include the exact month and year while listing the candidate’s professional experience and educational background.

Closing date for accepting applications is Friday, August 14, 2026.

No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

The Lebanese American University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.