What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Innovate Springfield position at University of Illinois Springfield?
Posting Category: E
About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu .
Application deadline: 5/4/2025
Application procedure: Please submit an application via the "Apply Now" button uploading a resume/CV and contact information for three professional references.
Proposed Annual Salary: $80,000
Summary:
The Associate Director of Innovate Springfield is responsible for supporting the Director in the management of day-to-day operations of Innovate Springfield (iSPI). The Associate Director leads the high school entrepreneurship program and assists with business incubation programming, member development, fundraising efforts, and community relations. The Associate Director helps implement operational policies and procedures, manages facility operations, coordinates programs, and serves as an iSPI ambassador on campus and in the community.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Strong organizational and program management abilities
Passion for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and education
Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders using strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and inclusivity
Ability to develop and deliver educational content effectively
Understanding of entrepreneurship, business incubation, and economic development principles
Proficiency with technology and general technical savvy
Ability to organize, multi-task, and function well under deadlines
Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Employment Policies and other information:
UIS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive campus community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility .
The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current or former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .
Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.
About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu .
Application deadline: 5/4/2025
Application procedure: Please submit an application via the "Apply Now" button uploading a resume/CV and contact information for three professional references.
Proposed Annual Salary: $80,000
Summary:
The Associate Director of Innovate Springfield is responsible for supporting the Director in the management of day-to-day operations of Innovate Springfield (iSPI). The Associate Director leads the high school entrepreneurship program and assists with business incubation programming, member development, fundraising efforts, and community relations. The Associate Director helps implement operational policies and procedures, manages facility operations, coordinates programs, and serves as an iSPI ambassador on campus and in the community.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- High School Entrepreneurship Program Leadership: Design, implement, and lead Sangamon CEO. Develop hands-on learning opportunities, mentor relationships, and experiential projects. Track program outcomes and make data-driven improvements. Build relationships with high schools, educators, and student entrepreneurs.
- Operations and Facility Management : Support the Director in daily operations including facility management and program coordination. Implement operational policies and procedures. Ensure that the facility meets members' needs and maintains a collaborative and innovative environment. Coordinate schedules, resources, and space utilization. Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions. Assist in developing and maintaining systems that promote efficiency and member satisfaction.
- Fundraising and Development: Assist with donor relations and event planning to support iSPI's financial sustainability. Help identify potential funding sources, prepare materials for fundraising efforts, and coordinate fundraising events. Support grant applications and reporting requirements. Cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors. Track fundraising activities and outcomes. Work with the Director to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
- Business Incubation Programming Support: Assist the Director in designing and implementing business incubation programs, including workshops, events, and mentorship initiatives. Coordinate program logistics, recruit speakers and mentors, and ensure quality program delivery. Help evaluate program effectiveness and suggest improvements. Support member development through tailored programming and resources that address the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and the local community.
- Strategic Support and Community Relations: Work with the Director to advance iSPI's strategic priorities and university connections. Represent iSPI at community events and with stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships with university faculty, staff, and students to encourage participation in iSPI programs. Help connect iSPI initiatives to those of other hubs in the Illinois Innovation Network.
- Other duties as assigned. These duties include staffing responsibilities during iSPI’s events, including, but not limited to, the annual New Venture Challenge, Monthly member events, workshops, and public outreach events.
- Bachelor's Degree
- At least 7 years of corporate experience in business, innovation, or entrepreneurship
- Experience in education, curriculum development, or teaching
- Demonstrated experience in program coordination and management
- Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders including students, entrepreneurs, and community partners
- Experience in business incubation, entrepreneurship education, or startup support
- Experience with fundraising, donor relations, and event planning
- Experience working in a university setting
- At least 10 years of corporate experience
Strong organizational and program management abilities
Passion for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and education
Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders using strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and inclusivity
Ability to develop and deliver educational content effectively
Understanding of entrepreneurship, business incubation, and economic development principles
Proficiency with technology and general technical savvy
Ability to organize, multi-task, and function well under deadlines
Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Employment Policies and other information:
UIS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive campus community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility .
The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current or former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .
Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.
- You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
- Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
- Social Security benefit and
- Social Security benefit as a spouse
Salary : $80,000
