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)
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