Coordinator, Student Innovation and Entrepreneur Programs - Technology Entrepreneur Center
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Coordinator, Student Innovation and Entrepreneur Programs
Technology Entrepreneur Center
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Technology Entrepreneur Center (TEC) at The Grainger College of Engineering is looking for a driven Coordinator for Student Innovation and Entrepreneur Programs to create and lead entrepreneurship programs, manage impactful events, and forge connections across the University of Illinois campus and the Midwest innovation ecosystem. This role works with the team to boosts student engagement by managing educational tools and platforms that enhance the TEC experience and support scalable participation. It’s a fantastic chance to help shape the future of innovation and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs!
Primary Position Function:
This position is responsible for building and executing programs that support entrepreneurs in The Grainger College of Engineering, the University of Illinois, and Midwest region. Also, this role will be responsible for building connections with partners in the campus entrepreneur ecosystem, the NSF I-Corps program broader university-based Midwest Entrepreneur Ecosystem.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Events and Programs
- Collaborate with the TEC team to lead and support the development, coordination, and execution of entrepreneurship-focused programs.
- Manage event production from beginning to end, including communication with participants, sponsors, speakers, vendors, staff and other keyholders; develop execution strategy and the resources to support it; coordinate logistics and operations such as location, catering, AV needs, budget, and cleanup; develop and process paperwork as needed.
Technology Commercialization
- Coordinate the NSF Innovation-Corps Hub programming at Illinois that provides entrepreneurial education, mentoring, and funding to accelerate the translation of research into emerging products and services.
- Meet with NSF I-Corps teams to assist with customer discovery efforts, distribute available funding, and promote additional NSF I-Corps programs.
Student Support
- Support student engagement by managing educational tools and platforms that enhance the TEC program experience and enable scalable participation.
- Advise and mentor students on navigating campus entrepreneurial resources, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, and maximizing involvement in TEC programs.
Collaborations, Partnerships, and Network Development
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with faculty, administrators, and cross-campus collaborators to develop new initiatives and enhance alignment between TEC programs and broader institutional priorities.
Strategic Initiatives
- Collect and analyze program data to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, and inform strategic improvements, outreach, and retention efforts.
- Develop and implement data-driven strategies to expand access to TEC programs, enhance participant diversity, and improve student retention and engagement.
Travel, Administrative, and Miscellaneous
- Some travel may be required.
- Non-traditional work hours are required as some events take place in the evening and on weekends.
- Assume additional, appropriate related innovation and entrepreneurship duties to further the mission of the TEC.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree.
- A total of two (2) years (24 months) experience in organizing events and/or managing programs.
- Experience in developing programming for higher education students or experience developing/delivering innovation-focused programming.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated proficiency with advanced functions in Microsoft Excel.
- Understanding of entrepreneurship and/or experience supporting the creation and development of new ventures.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to take initiative.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Capacity to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial office environment and flexibility in job assignments when required.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a full-time Civil Service 5002 – Program Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS website at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on August 15, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. 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. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dawn Creath at dcreath@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
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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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
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Requisition ID: 1030335
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu