Job Description:

• Provides leadership and management for a team of 3 direct reports.
• Oversees the Polsky Centerâ™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 Centerâ™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 Polskyâ™s mission and the goals of the accelerator and investments programs.
• Establishes and cultivates strong relationships with Polsky Center colleagues and University colleagues to advance Polskyâ™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.

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, venture creation and acceleration, and/or investments.
• Background launching or managing startup accelerators.
• Seasoned in quantum, clean tech, data science and AI, and/or life science.

Preferred Competencies

• Effectively communicate and collaborate on scientific inventions and technologies.
• Familiarity with science startup venture needs and landscape, and advise early-stage startups.
• Build rapport and credibility with faculty members, researchers, and their labs.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications.
• Comfort with ambiguity and organizational change in an area that is continually evolving.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Develop and lead strategy to develop new functions and capabilities to grow impact.

Working Conditions

• Opportunity for hybrid work schedule.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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