Executive Director, Innovation Center

Position Summary The Executive Director of the UIC Innovation Center provides strategic leadership for the university's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research, the role advances initiatives that strengthen industry collaboration, innovation, and experiential learning through entrepreneurship programs. The Executive Director leads the growth of the Innovation Center as a hub connecting research, students, faculty, and industry partners. Working with campus and external stakeholders, they develop programs and partnerships that turn research into real-world solutions and create career pathways for students. This role also builds industry partnerships, expands entrepreneurial programming, and aligns academic strengths with industry needs, helping prepare UIC students for future careers. Duties & Responsibilities • Strategic Leadership and Ecosystem Development • Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Innovation Center in alignment with institutional priorities and the research education mission of University of Illinois Chicago. • Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the university by supporting faculty, students and industry partners in advancing new ideas, ventures and collaborations. • Identify emerging opportunities at the intersection of research, entrepreneurship and industry partnerships that expand the university’s external impact and visibility. • Industry Partnerships and External Engagement • Develop and expand strategic partnerships with corporations, startups, investors, foundations and community organizations to support innovation initiatives and collaborative research education opportunities. • Design and implement partnership models that provide mutual value for the university and external partners while generating new revenue streams to support programmatic opportunities. • Serve as a key ambassador for the Innovation Center, representing the university with local and national industry leaders, investors and innovation networks. • Academic Collaboration and Student Engagement • Collaborate with deans, department heads and faculty leaders across all colleges to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities into their academic programs. • Develop experiential learning initiatives that connect students with industry through internships, applied research projects, mentorship, innovation challenges and project-based collaborations. • Establish pathways that connect students to employment opportunities with corporate partners, startups and emerging innovation sectors. • Entrepreneurship Program Development • Build upon and scale existing innovation programs while developing new initiatives that strengthen the university’s innovation ecosystem. • Identify and implement best practices, tools and approaches that distinguish the university as a leader in innovation and experiential education. • Resource Development and Financial Sustainability • Secure and manage philanthropic gifts, grants and contracts, and sponsorships that support the growth and long-term sustainability of Innovation Center programs and initiatives. • Partner with institutional advancement and research development teams to identify funding opportunities from corporate, foundation and government sources. • Develop and steward relationships with donors, sponsors and advisory board members in support of the Center’s strategic priorities. • Operational and Administrative Leadership • Provide overall operational leadership a machine shop for the Innovation Center, including the management of personnel, programs and day-to-day operations. • Recruit, supervise and develop Innovation Center staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. • Oversee the management, programming and strategic utilization of Innovation Center facilities and space to support collaborat