Lab East Admin - Client Engagement Associate

Client Engagement Associate (CEA)
Reports to: Director of Client Engagement
Primary Assignment: Rady Children’s Healthcare (formerly CHOC)

Job Summary

The Client Engagement Associate (CEA) serves as a frontline catalyst for Innovation Lab’s mission to support and sustain a culture of innovation and transform healthcare through collaboration. Assigned to (CHOC) Rady Children’s Health, the CEA is responsible for building trusted relationships with clinical and administrative stakeholders, surfacing high-value ideas, and helping move innovation opportunities forward. The role includes research, engagement programming, pipeline oversight, and collaboration with internal Innovation Lab teams. The CEA works in close partnership with the Client Engagement Executives and reports to the Director of Client Engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary innovation liaison to Rady Children’s Health, representing Innovation Lab and its mission to identify, advance, and commercialize impactful healthcare innovations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Rady Children’s Health stakeholders (clinical, operational, and executive) to foster a culture of innovation and continuous engagement.
• Screen and evaluate idea submissions for clinical relevance, market potential, and strategic fit; ensure alignment with the Lab’s goals and criteria.
• Lead and support structured brainstorming sessions, brainstorming efforts, and innovation workshops to identify unmet needs and catalyze product concept development.
• Support and mentor early-stage innovators at Rady Children’s Health, providing coaching on idea articulation, submission development, and early vetting processes.
• Drive awareness and participation in innovation strategies/initiatives, programs, and opportunities such as Shark Tank events, hackathons, and innovation challenges.
• Oversee and report on the innovation pipeline for Rady Children’s Health, tracking progress and identifying opportunities.
• Conduct background research on novel ideas, including clinical need, market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies.
• Coordinate with internal Lab teams including the Client Engagement, Product Management & Commercialization, and Product Development teams to move ideas through the innovation process.
• Contribute system-wide initiatives and collaborate across member health systems when appropriate.
• Support the Director of Client Engagement& Project Manager by preparing materials, coordinating meetings, and contributing to strategic plans.
• Lead or assist in executing other projects as assigned by the Director of Client Engagement.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders from bedside to boardroom.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or facilitate ideation sessions, innovation programming, or community-building efforts.
• Experience or strong interest in healthcare, innovation, entrepreneurship, or early-stage product development.
• Research and analytical skills to support opportunity evaluation and grant funding research.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and developing structure around new initiatives.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently.
• Passionate about transforming healthcare through new ideas, technologies, and ventures.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Technical proficiency in digital tools and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, etc.).
• Experience working in or with healthcare systems preferred.


Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (healthcare, business, science, public health, etc.).
• 1+ years of experience in healthcare, innovation, research, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience in innovation ecosystems, startups, product development, or commercialization a plus.