Department SING Polsky Operations - Administration About the Department The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early-stage ventures. Finally, the Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago’s technology transfer unit, which manages all University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors. Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Technology Ventures, with a secondary reporting line to the Associate Vice President and Managing Director of Polsky, the Senior Director of Accelerators and Investments will lead the Polsky Center’s Accelerators and Investments team. In this role, the Senior Director will set and execute upon strategies to drive the success of Polsky’s accelerators and investment programs, in addition to serving as a critical liaison to build and expand relationships across the innovation ecosystem. This role manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for the development and implementation of University objectives and long-range and strategic plans. Achieves the financial objectives of their department. Identifies new external partners to advance strategic priorities. Communicates and collaborates with internal and external community members and leadership to achieve strategic priorities. Responsibilities Provides leadership and management for a team of 3 direct reports. Oversees the Polsky Center’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 Center’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 Polsky’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 Polsky’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. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- 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) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Administration & Management Role Impact People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $150,000.00 - $195,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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 Applicant Inquiry Form. We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/
