Director/Manager of Innovation Initiatives

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION

has an immediate opening for a

Director/Manager of Innovation Initiatives

The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving organization of the University of Illinois. It works closely with alumni and friends, faculty and staff, corporations and foundations, as well as campus development professionals to create fundraising programs and opportunities that benefit the University.

The Director/Manager of Innovation Initiatives manages day-to-day operations and marketing of the Foundation’s advancement and philanthropy innovation programs, including curriculum development, logistical oversight of programs and teams, planning and production of events, and content curation and management for all Strategic Innovation initiatives. Assists with developing and building new innovation initiatives where possible.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manages daily operations of all innovation initiatives, including UIDEA and tech internship programs, team and advisor recruitment, idea generation, application process, onboarding, coaching, and related events.

2. Develops and manages marketing, digital strategy, and content creation for Strategic Innovation initiatives, as they are developed and post-implementation. Coordinates promotion of SI initiatives in existing publications and on partner platforms. Drafts remarks, proposals, plans, thought pieces, etc. on behalf of SI department or UIF leadership. Works closely with interns and students to coordinate curation and usage of content.

3. Creates event plans and manages logistics related to event production for all Strategic Innovation work, including UIDEA, Sparks of Genius, the Think Tank, and other growth initiatives, including event timelines, invitation and attendee management, vendor relationship coordination, print and digital content creation, attendee experience, and event follow-up. Investigates, proposes, and launches partnerships for modern and tech-savvy hybrid and in-person events. Collaborates and coordinates with campus and Foundation partners to build meaningful synergies and ensure value-add and.

4. Identifies educational opportunities and collaborates with key partners and AVP to generate robust digital and in-person curriculum and courses that expand the presence of innovation in philanthropy at UIF and beyond and can be cross promoted through marketing efforts.

5. Assists with growth programs and products offered or created by Strategic Innovation, which may include technical development and/or commercialization of products developed through related programs.

6. Responsible for researching, formulating, obtaining approval, introducing, and managing all systems, processes, practices, and policies in area of responsibility.

7. Serves as a resource for the UIF leadership team and participates in various committees, enterprise-wide projects, and external professional organizations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience;

· Minimum of two years’ related work experience;

· Successful record of identifying and launching innovative solutions to problems via business, technology, and data approaches;

· Exhibited experience of displaying natural curiosity and commitment to learning;

· Proven ability to build relationships in large or complex environments;

· Willingness to adapt and to coach/influence others to adapt with emerging trends;

· Deep commitment to customer, user, or audience experience;

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team;

· Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills;

· Proven ability to recognize and set priorities and coordinate work in order to meet deadlines;

· Exhibits values of integrity, civility, collaboration, innovation, and impact.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Previous experience with a startup or tech company;

· Experience with nonprofit organizations or university advancement programs;

Competitive benefit package and compensation commensurate with experience. Comprehensive background check including but not limited to a criminal conviction and credit check will be conducted.

Application Deadline: August 16, 2024

Application Process: For a full description of job duties and to create an application profile please visit https://jobs.uif.uillinois.edu. All candidates must complete an online application and include a cover letter and resume. For further information regarding application procedures, contact Foundation Human Resources at [email protected].

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION