Student Innovation Programs Coordinator
University of Illinois

Job Info

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Student Innovation Programs Coordinator
Technology Entrepreneur Center
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Empower Tomorrow's Innovators at the Grainger College of Engineering!

Do you have a passion for empowering students to think creatively? As the Student Innovation Programs Coordinator at the Technology Entrepreneur Center (TEC) within the Grainger College of Engineering , you'll play a key role in helping students transform their ideas into real-world impact.

In this exciting position, you'll lead the execution of dynamic programs that spark curiosity and fuel innovation. From hands-on workshops to pitch competitions and networking events, you'll create a thriving environment where students can collaborate, explore new ideas, and bring their entrepreneurial visions to life. Your efforts will be instrumental in providing the tools, mentorship, and community support that foster an entrepreneurial mindset and help students launch successful ventures.

At TEC, you'll be part of a vibrant ecosystem that thrives on innovation, creativity, and collaboration. If you're skilled in event logistics and ready to inspire the next generation of innovators, we want to hear from you!

Join us in building a community where students become fearless leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Primary Position Function:

The primary function of this position is to manage opportunities that promote entrepreneurship among college students, fostering an environment that encourages them to explore and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. This role aims to enhance the University's vibrant entrepreneurial community, provide valuable resources, and help students and faculty turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Development

• Innovate and Lead: Collaborate with the TEC team to spearhead the development and enhancement of both new and existing programs aimed at fostering new venture creation.

• Showcase Excellence: Partner with other universities to design and implement programs that highlight top teams from our entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Engage and Recruit: Attract and recruit students for venture creation programs, including the AI Commercialization Certificate, with a focus on forming multidisciplinary teams and supporting traditionally underrepresented groups.

• Tailor and Adapt: Identify the unique needs and interests of student entrepreneurs to create relevant event content. Collaborate with existing TEC teams to ensure new programs align with their requirements. Continuously monitor and evaluate program impact, providing insightful feedback and recommendations for improvement.

• Stay Ahead: Keep abreast of the latest trends and emerging best practices in startup development and entrepreneurship education through regular research.

• Coordinate Seamlessly: Manage logistics efficiently, including venue selection, catering, audio-visual setup, transportation, and accommodations, all within time and budget constraints.

• Promote Creatively: Work with the Grainger Marketing and Communications team to develop compelling promotional materials, such as flyers, social media posts, and email campaigns.

Partnerships and Community Building

• Forge Strong Connections: Cultivate and sustain relationships with external partners, including alumni, industry experts, investors, and mentors, to provide valuable resources and opportunities for student ventures.

• Manage Relationships: Collaborate with the TEC team to maintain a comprehensive database of contacts and track interactions for effective relationship management.

• Collaborate for Success: Partner with stakeholders to identify and leverage mutually beneficial opportunities that support startups based on their areas of expertise.

• Engage and Inform: Actively involve mentors, speakers, and panelists, ensuring they are well-informed and have a positive experience.

• Stay Connected: Develop and implement strategies to keep the network connected, informed, and engaged.

• Immerse in the Ecosystem: Dedicate at least 20% of your time to engaging with the Chicago startup ecosystem, building connections within the local tech community.

Assessment

• Continuous Improvement: Gather and analyze feedback from event participants to refine and enhance program offerings.

• Monitor Engagement: Collect and track participation and venture data to ensure students and faculty are fully leveraging ecosystem resources to accelerate their ideas.

Other duties as assigned.

• Adapt and contribute to various tasks and projects as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to support the team's goals and objectives.

• Attend and manage events on-site, including some evenings, weekends, and travel to Chicago.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• A total of two (2) years (24 months) of work experience in event/program creation and/or management.
• Experience building successful programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an entrepreneurial capacity, in a higher education community, or with undergraduate/graduate students.

• One (1) year of relevant experience with event management and/or program development.

• Experience with entrepreneurship and a strong understanding of the startup ecosystem.

• Professional experience working with students or in an educational setting.

• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Excel.

• Experience with the Chicago startup community and local resources.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skilled in successfully planning, coordinating, and executing a variety of events while meeting deadlines.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to engage and inspire students.

• Ability to work outside the typical hours of the standard workday is required, including evenings and occasional weekends.

• Ability to travel as needed.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions Comments

• Work outside the typical hours of the standard workday may be required for special events, including evenings and occasional weekends and occasional travel may be required.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Project Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $60,000 to $70,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 21, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Dawn Creath at dcreath@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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 .

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 through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1026612
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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