This position requires in-person work on campus.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Job Summary

The Associate Director will build and expand strategic partnerships with corporations, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) units, startups, and community stakeholders. This position also supports the growth and operations of the Research Park through business development, real estate strategy, community building, and team leadership and is central to advancing the Research Park’s mission of fostering innovation, supporting technology=-focused businesses and strengthening the economic vitality of the Champaign-Urbana region.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Corporate Business Development & Relationship Management

  • Cultivate and strengthen relationships with established corporations operating within the Research Park.

  • Support companies in talent strategy, technology and innovation initiatives, and alignment of business operations with their parent organizations’ expectations.

  • Assist with corporate business attraction to the Research Park, including site visits, onboarding, and integration into the Park’s ecosystem.

  • Work closely with company leadership to help them meet key performance indicators and strategic goals.

• University Engagement & Cross-Campus Connectivity

  • Serve as a primary liaison for Research Park companies to connect with faculty, research centers, colleges, and administrative units across UIUC.

  • Facilitate access to student talent pipelines, including recruiting programs, experiential learning opportunities, and collaborations with student organizations.

  • Identify and coordinate opportunities for research partnerships and applied innovation projects with campus partners.

• Support for Regional Economic Development

  • Partner with local governments, economic development organizations, and civic institutions to promote business attraction, job creation, and corporate retention within the Research Park.

  • Contribute to community-centered initiatives that strengthen Champaign-Urbana’s technology ecosystem.

  • Assist in planning and implementing new development projects that support the Research Park’s continued expansion.

• Industry Networking & Peer Community Building

  • Build and maintain cross-industry relationships among Research Park companies to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation.

  • Identify shared areas of technological interest or business operations to encourage peer-to-peer engagement.

  • Support forums, roundtables, and collaborative events that bring companies together across sectors.

• Corporate–Startup Connectivity & Innovation Ecosystem Support

  • Create pathways that connect global corporations in the Research Park with emerging startups in the EnterpriseWorks incubator.

  • Facilitate collaboration opportunities between companies and UIUC-affiliated founders (faculty, students, alumni).

  • Promote innovation partnerships, pilot opportunities, and technology commercialization activities.

• Strategic Growth & Real Estate Development

  • Contribute to long-term planning and strategy related to Research Park real estate development.

  • Collaborate with University leadership and external partners to support infrastructure, amenities, and community assets that strengthen the Research Park’s innovation environment.

  • Provide input on facility planning, tenant needs, space utilization, and development priorities.

• Team Management & Operational Leadership

  • Lead a team of professional staff in communications, recruiting, data analytics, and student talent development.

  • Supervise full-time employees and University of Illinois student interns, supporting their professional growth and overall team effectiveness.

  • Ensure operational excellence in programming, reporting, communications, and talent engagement efforts.

  • Provide reporting and accountability to the University of Illinois Research Park, LLC Board of Managers for guidance and management oversight of the Research Park.

  • Provide strategic direction and oversight for communications and marketing initiatives, including branding, messaging, and content development for the Research Park and EnterpriseWorks.

  • Supervise and guide communications and marketing staff, ensuring alignment of digital, print, and social media strategies with organizational goals.

  • Oversee development and execution of marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and storytelling that highlight Research Park programs, companies, and impact.

• Community Events & Program Engagement

  • Actively participate in Research Park programs, workshops, and community events to support strong engagement with companies, entrepreneurs, students, and regional partners.

  • Assist in planning, promotion, and execution of events that strengthen the Park’s innovation community.

  • Serve as an ambassador for the Research Park at internal and external functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, engineering, or a related field.

• Experience in corporate relations, economic development, business development, that demonstrates working with industry in technology or research fields.

• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with various stakeholders.

• Leadership experience managing professional staff.

• Demonstrated experience using technology skills including work with tools such as AI platforms, CRM systems, visualization and/or data analytics tools, marketing & digital communication platforms and/or presentation & proposal development tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or related master’s degree in relevant field.

• Experience in research park management, university-industry relations, real estate development, or technology commercialization.

• Experience working with both corporate and startup environments.

• Experience working with higher education in role(s) that support its economic development mission.

• Experience overseeing communications, marketing, or brand strategy, including digital and social media initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required: Familiarity with innovation ecosystems and talent strategy. Strong communication skills.

• Preferred: Proficiency with University of Illinois technology platforms.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 to $110,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, May 11, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. 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. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.