Executive Director

Position Summary The Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM) seeks an experienced executive leader to serve as Interim Executive Director, providing strategic leadership and external engagement to advance the institute's mission, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and accelerate implementation of its growth strategy. Working closely with IEM leadership, faculty, the Medical School, the College of Science and Engineering, and external partners, this individual will help position IEM as the leading convener of Minnesota's MedTech ecosystem. The Interim Executive Director will provide executive leadership during a period of strategic growth, advancing IEM's research, workforce development, and partnership priorities while building organizational capacity for long-term success. Location: Twin Cities Duties/Responsibilities 50%: Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development Provide executive leadership and strategic direction to advance IEM's mission, vision, and long-term priorities. Advise and collaborate with IEM leadership on organizational positioning, strategic initiatives, and growth opportunities. Strengthen and articulate IEM's value proposition across its research centers, programs, and external partnerships. Lead efforts to enhance governance structures, partnership strategies, and stakeholder engagement models. Strengthen the effectiveness of advisory councils and boards, including industry engagement, governance practices, and recruitment of external leaders. Facilitate strategic planning and organizational alignment across institutional leadership and key stakeholders. 50%: External Partnerships & Ecosystem Development Expand and strengthen strategic partnerships across industry, healthcare systems, academia, government, and economic development organizations. Represent IEM with external stakeholders and serve as a senior ambassador for the institute within Minnesota's MedTech ecosystem. Provide executive leadership on industry engagement, membership strategies, and collaborative partnership models. Identify opportunities to expand collaborative research, innovation initiatives, and translational partnerships. Advance workforce development initiatives, including the Clinical Immersion Program and industry-focused educational offerings. Strengthen engagement with faculty, clinicians, researchers, students, and industry partners to increase participation and long-term value creation. Establish measures to evaluate stakeholder engagement, program effectiveness, and ecosystem impact. Key Outcomes A 3-5 year strategic positioning and growth roadmap for IEM. Recommendations to strengthen governance, advisory board engagement, and organizational effectiveness. A MedTech ecosystem partnership and industry engagement strategy. A stakeholder value proposition and membership framework. Strategic recommendations for workforce development, Clinical Immersion, and industry-aligned educational programs. Metrics and evaluation approaches to assess organizational impact and long-term success. Qualifications Required Qualifications: BA/BS degree plus at least 10 years of experience. Executive leadership experience within the MedTech, healthcare, life sciences, higher education, or innovation ecosystem. Experience leading organizational strategy, governance, or innovation initiatives. Proven ability to build consensus, influence senior leaders, and lead cross-sector collaborations. Excellent relationship-building, facilitation, and executive communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) with 10 years of executive leadership experience. Demonstrated success developing strategic partnerships across academia, industry, healthcare, and economic development organizations. Strong understanding of research, workforce development, talent pipelines, and industry engagement. Experience working with research institutions or higher education organizations is preferred. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $100-250 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, experience. Work Location: Hybrid. Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans. How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr