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https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12698280 Department
SING Polsky Operations – Administration
About the Department
The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the
University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education,
resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries,
partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center
runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New
Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called
the Polsky Exchange; and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that
invests in early-stage ventures. Finally, the Polsky Center houses the
University of Chicago’s technology transfer unit, which manages all
University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research
and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Technology Ventures, with
a secondary reporting line to the Associate Vice President and Managing
Director of Polsky, the Senior Director of Accelerators and Investments
will lead the Polsky Center’s Accelerators and Investments team. In
this role, the Senior Director will set and execute upon strategies to
drive the success of Polsky’s accelerators and investment programs, in
addition to serving as a critical liaison to build and expand
relationships across the innovation ecosystem.
This role manages multiple related teams of managers and professional
staff responsible for the development and implementation of University
objectives and long-range and strategic plans. Achieves the financial
objectives of their department. Identifies new external partners to
advance strategic priorities. Communicates and collaborates with
internal and external community members and leadership to achieve
strategic priorities.
Responsibilities
– Provides leadership and management for a team of 3 direct reports.
– Oversees the Polsky Center’s accelerator programs, which currently
include Duality (quantum), Resurgence (cleantech), and Transform
(data science and AI); this includes setting and executing upon
strategy for branding, recruitment, selection, programming, external
partnerships, accelerator alumni engagement, data tracking,
participant success, and more.
– Sets and executes upon the overall University of Chicago strategy
for its accelerators, including the design and launch of new
accelerator offerings such as in the life sciences space.
– Oversees the Polsky Center’s investment programs, such as the
George Shulz Innovation Fund, which includes overseeing program
management, data collection and tracking, and ongoing strategy and
program design.
– Liaise with other investment funds associated with the University,
including ongoing coordination and relationship building to support
strategic alignment.
– Sets and executes upon strategic priorities and goals for the
Accelerators and Investments team, in collaboration with the
Assistant Vice President, Associate Vice President and other Polsky
leadership.
– Builds out new strategic capabilities and programs, and strengthens
processes and procedures as needed to meet priorities.
– Manages the budget for the Accelerators and Investments team, in
conjunction with the Assistant Vice President of Technology Ventures
and other leadership.
– Collaborates across the Technology Ventures team as well as across
the Polsky Center.
– Builds relationships with faculty members across the University
engaged in the areas of accelerator focus.
– Identifies and engages external partners to advance Polsky’s
mission and the goals of the accelerator and investments program .
– Establishes and cultivates strong relationships with Polsky Center
colleagues and University colleagues to advance Polsky’s mission.
– Acts as thought leader internally and externally, in particular on
the accelerator focus areas, venture acceleration, and investments.
– Manages and is accountable for financial objectives of the
department.
– Identifies new external partners to advance strategic priorities.
Ensures the communication and collaboration with internal and
external community members and leadership to achieve strategic
priorities.
– Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related
field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+
years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
—
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
– Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, chemistry, materials
science, physics, computer science, engineering, or related
discipline.
Experience:
Knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of relevant work
experience in technology commercialization, ventur