Logo
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL

IL FAST Center Manager - EnterpriseWorks - UI Research Park

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, Urbana, Illinois, United States, 61801


IL FAST Center Manager - EnterpriseWorks - UI Research Park

EnterpriseWorks/UI Research Park

The Research Park at the University of Illinois is a leading innovation hub for technology commercialization with a unique environment that cultivates startups and increases capabilities for established companies. The mixed-use composition promotes creative collisions and interdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening the bridge between campus and community. Located on campus, Research Park has more than 120 companies and growing, employing over 2,100 people in high-technology careers. At any given time more than 800 student interns are gaining valuable experiential learning and work experience while making real contributions to internal corporate R&D and product development programs.

As home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), and technology leaders and start-ups alike, the place and time for developing disruptive technology is in Champaign, Illinois:

Superb education, quality health care, and affordable housing

World-class arts and entertainment, and vast sporting and recreational opportunities

Affordable living

Easy commuting

For a look at why Champaign-Urbana is one of the fastest-growing cities in Illinois, visit YoureWelcomeCU.com

Job Summary

The FAST Center Manager will assist entrepreneurs with award applications and provide curated referrals to other complimentary mentoring resources to support their commercialization and company formation plans. The role includes arranging and managing training events, online SBIR/STTR technical assistance sessions/webinars, and coordinating individual meetings to provide technical assistance and mentoring. The FAST Center Manager will develop program metrics, track services provided, create reports for internal and external audiences, and evaluate program success through specific metrics.

This is a full-time grant-funded contingent upon availability of funds awarded by the US Small Business Administration (five-year term anticipated). Candidates may not have equity or paid employment with small business clients served through this program in the State of Illinois. This position may be considered for hybrid work.

Duties & Responsibilities

* TRAINING AND SEMINARS - 65%* Hosting weekly office hours with entrepreneurs, small businesses, seeking SBIR or STTR funding or assistance with current awards. The IL FAST Manager should be seen as a national expert in this type of funding and be able to assist CEOs, founders, and leading researchers in developing their strategy for SBIR/STTR funding.* Hosting training sessions to qualify potential applicants to the SBIR and STTR program.* Hosting targeted "sprint" sessions with other incubators or university partners across Illinois to help cohorts of entrepreneurs develop proposals.* Hosting specialized federal agency or technology areas of expertise with federal program managers or other experts in areas such as medical technology, agriculture, defense applications, and energy technology.* PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT - 30%* Providing direct technical assistance to small businesses and principal investigators on their proposal development. This includes leveraging and managing contractors of the IL FAST Center to provide these services.* Tracking metrics of clients assisted with the IL FAST program, including how many applicants applied for SBIR or STTR awards, success in receiving awards, demographics of participants.* Aiding existing SBIR and STTR existing awardees in the Illinois with improving successful transitions from Phase I awards to Phase II awards.* PROFESSIONAL REFERRALS - 5%* Providing referrals to entrepreneurs for other entrepreneurial services to improve their commercialization and business development.* Coordination with the EnterpriseWorks events team on workshops, promotion, marketing.

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree. A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. (Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)* Demonstrated experience with technology commercialization based on innovative research, and/or experience working with technology entrepreneurs and scientific startup companies.* Demonstrated experience with SBIR/STTR funding: grant submissions, award applications at the Phase I and Phase II level, budget preparation, coordination with federal agencies.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience with government grant administration and reporting.* Two years of experience in higher education administration and/or work with economic development government programs.* Experience with entrepreneurship ecosystems, business incubators, and/or small business mentoring.* Experience working with government liaisons.* Experience working with higher education partners.* Salesforce or other CRM software experience.* Strong communications skills for partner relationship development.* Data management and reporting, Excel and database management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Computer proficiency in Windows environment appropriate to position; proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook and other related software.* Strong presentation, interpersonal communication and documentation skills.* Excellent project management skills.* Excellent writing skills.* Resourcefulness, creativity, detail-orientation, and ability to work independently.* Able to conduct public presentations and facilitate training sessions.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after closing date. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The previously determined salary range for this

position was $70,000 to $90,000.

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 September 2, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. 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. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information, please contact Erica Hanson, OVCRI Human Resources, elhanson@illinois.edu. Interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date; however, a hiring decision will not be made until after the closing date. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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: 1026237

Job Category: Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu