Visiting Director of Innovate Springfield

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Visiting Director of Innovate Springfield

Posting Category: E

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at


Application deadline: 6/5/2026


Annual Salary: $90,000


Summary:
The Director of Innovate Springfield is responsible for providing the strategic leadership and management of the day-to-day operation of Innovate Springfield. Duties include the development, delivery and support of all business incubation programing, cultivating external and internal stakeholder partnerships, community relations, and member development. The Director is also responsible for development and implementation of operational policies and procedures, day-to-day oversight of all operations, and serving as Innovate Springfield ambassador on campus and in the community.


Duties & Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Partnerships and Funding: Work with the Chancellor to develop strategic vision, mission, goals and objectives for Innovate Springfield that are aligned with University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN). Lead and staff advisory board. Work with UI System and campus leaders to attract system resources and deliver joint programing. Set strategic objectives, establish performance metrics, and monitor and report on organizational progress. Build and maintain strong relationships with both external stakeholders (e.g., industry, government and community leaders) and UIS faculty, staff and students. Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships, collaborations and funding opportunities to support programing and incubator operations. Develop and maintain financial and intellectual resources for members.

• Operations and Management: Oversee day-to-day operations of business incubator, including budget; financial management, resource allocation, operational policies and procedures. Recruit, hire, supervise, support and evaluate staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that nurtures high performing teams and ensures individuals from diverse populations feel welcome, valued, and empowered to drive innovation and social impact. Work with Chancellor to develop policies and procedures for day-to-day operations, including programing, member services, marketing, and communications. Implement and manage such policies and procedures.

• Business Incubation Programming: Design and implement business incubation programs, including workshops, events, and mentor programs that address the needs of a diverse population of entrepreneurs and the local community. Develop and lead the Sangamon CEO Program, tech X, and other related high school programs. Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness and impact of programs, making data-driven decisions for continuous improvement. Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to ensure active members remain at the forefront of innovation.

• Member Recruitment, Support and Retention: Effectuate programs and services that retain recruit, and support members. Work with staff to ensure all members are sufficiently supported with iSPI and network resources. Create opportunities for university faculty, staff and students to participate in iSPI programs and services.

• Carry out Strategic Priorities: Based on priorities set by Chancellor, develop and carry out activities to advance the iCenter and university's strategic priorities. Work to connect iSPI business incubation program initiatives to those of other hubs in the IIN. Other duties as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Master's Degree in business or related field
2. At least five years of leadership in developing and executing startup business and/or innovation programs with budget and funding responsibilities
3. At least five years of experience in operations and supervising employees in a related field.
4. Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, preferably in innovation-focused or startup environment
5. Proven ability to develop and maintain partnerships with various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and community organizations

Preferred Qualifications:
1. Prior experience leading university business incubation programs or entrepreneurship activity
2. Experience sourcing funds from government and private grants and industry partnerships
3. Experience starting a business and successfully working in a startup business

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
Passion for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact
Extensive experience collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders using strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and inclusivity in reaching collective objectives
Financial acumen and experience in budgeting and financial management
Strong understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, and economic development.
Ability to organize, multi-task, and function well under a tight deadline
Ability to work effectively and efficiently on their own


Employment Policies and other information:


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement


The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.


The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.


As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.


This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.


Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.


UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

• You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:

1. Social Security benefit and
2. Social Security benefit as a spouse

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.


***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***