The FAST Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is led by EnterpriseWorks and provides free resources, support, and expertise necessary to submit a highly competitive proposal to help startups and companies bridge the gap between research and commercialization. The center helps companies acquire millions of dollars in federal SBIR/STTR funding – at no cost to them.

The Research Park at the University of Illinois is a leading innovation hub for technology commercialization with a unique environment that cultivates startups and increases capabilities for established companies. The mixed-use composition promotes creative collisions and interdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening the bridge between campus and community. Located on campus, Research Park has more than 120 companies and growing, employing over 2,100 people in high-technology careers. At any given time more than 800 student interns are gaining valuable experiential learning and work experience while making real contributions to internal corporate R&D and product development programs.

About the Role

Job Description

The FAST Center provides startups and companies with resources, support, and expertise necessary to submit a highly competitive proposal bridge the gap between research and commercialization. The FAST Center Associate Director manages the implementation of the U.S. Small Business Administration Federal And State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program in Illinois. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, often referred to as “America’s Seed Fund,” are an excellent source of undiluted funding for small businesses and startups. The goal of the FAST Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, led by EnterpriseWorks, is to increase the number of SBIR and STTR awards and funding coming into the state.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Host office hours with entrepreneurs/small businesses seeking SBIR or STTR funding or assistance with current awards.
• Host training sessions and curate speakers both internally and externally to the FAST Center team
• Host targeted “sprint” sessions with other incubators or university partners across Illinois to help cohorts of entrepreneurs develop proposals
• Track metrics of clients assisted with the FAST Center, including how many applicants applied for SBIR or STTR awards, success in receiving awards, demographics of participants
• Provide referrals to the subject matter experts who are contractors of the IL FAST Center.
• Provide referrals to entrepreneurs for other entrepreneurial services to improve their commercialization and business development
• Coordinate with the EnterpriseWorks events team on workshops, promotion, marketing

In addition to the above duties for the assistant director, associate directors will also be responsible for:

• Assist CEOs, founders, and leading researchers in developing their strategy for SBIR/STTR funding
• Provide direct technical assistance to small businesses and principal investigators on proposal development
• Manage the subject matter expert contractors who work with FAST Center clients

Qualifications

• Specialty FactorsBachelor’s degree A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of partner relationship development. Demonstrated experience in data management and/or reporting. Demonstrated experience in government grant administration.

• Preferred QualificationsExperience in higher education administration and/or work with economic development government programs Experience working with federal and/or state government agencies Salesforce or other CRM software experience

In addition to the above qualifications for the assistant director, associate directors should have:

• Specialty FactorsDemonstrated experience with technology commercialization based on innovative research, and/or experience working with technology entrepreneurs and scientific startup companies Demonstrated experience with entrepreneurship ecosystems, business incubators, and/or small business mentoring

• Preferred QualificationsExperience working with entrepreneurs/small businesses/startups

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Computer proficiency in Windows environment appropriate to position; proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook and other related software
• Strong presentation, interpersonal communication and documentation skills.
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Resourcefulness, creativity, detail-orientation, and ability to work independently.
• Able to conduct public presentations and facilitate training sessions

In addition to the above abilities, candidates for the associate director position should have strong communications skills for partner relationship development.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 – Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience. The salary range for Assistant Director is $75,000 to $85,000 per year. The salary range for Associate Director is $100,000 to $110,000 per year. The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits which can be found on the University of Illinois System Human Resource Services website.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 14, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. 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. Interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date; however, a hiring decision will not be made until after the closing date. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information, please contact Erica Hanson, OVCRI Human Resources, elhanson@illinois.edu.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.