Executive Director, Innovation Center

Executive Director, Innovation Center

Hiring Department : OVCR Innovation Center

Location : Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID : 1041066

Posting Close Date : Friday, May 29, 2026

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $190,000 -$250,000. The final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

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.

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), a leading public R1 research university, invites applications for the position of Executive Director of the Innovation Center within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR).

UIC seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to shape and expand the university's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at a pivotal moment of institutional growth and industry engagement. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research and serving as a key member of the university's research leadership team, the Executive Director will drive strategic initiatives that connect research, education, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration to advance UIC's impact locally, nationally, and globally.

The Executive Director will lead the Innovation Center as a dynamic hub where faculty innovators, students, researchers, startups, corporate partners and community stakeholders converge to transform ideas into real-world solutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to build high-impact partnerships, create transformative experiential learning opportunities, and position UIC students and researchers at the forefront of innovation-driven industries.

Opportunity and Impact

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership for a growing innovation ecosystem that advances discovery, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and industry engagement across the university. Working closely with deans, faculty leaders, and external partners, the Executive Director will cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations and create new models for innovation education, venture development, and applied research engagement.

The successful candidate will help elevate UIC's national profile as a destination for innovation and experiential learning while expanding pathways that prepare students for leadership roles across emerging industries and entrepreneurial ventures

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $190,000 -$250,000. The final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

Job 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 collaborative, events, entrepreneurship programming and industry engagement.
• Lead cross-campus collaborations and interdisciplinary initiatives that support colleges in their innovation, workforce development and economic impact.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree required; doctoral degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience with demonstrated leadership at the intersection of higher education, innovation, entrepreneurship or industry collaboration.
• Demonstrated success developing partnerships between universities and external organizations, including corporate partners, startups, investors or foundations.
• Experience securing and managing gifts, grants, sponsorships or other external funding sources.
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with senior university leadership, deans, faculty, students and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, programs and complex initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with advisory boards, venture development, technology commercialization or innovation program leadership preferred.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by Friday, May 29, 2026 by 5pm CST. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references by the close date.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

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.