Student Innovation Programs Coordinator - Technology Entrepreneur Center
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Student Innovation Programs Coordinator
Technology Entrepreneur Center
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ignite Innovation and Shape the Future of Entrepreneurship!
Interested in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and driving real impact in the startup ecosystem? At the Technology Entrepreneur Center (TEC), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, we are committed to transforming ideas into groundbreaking startups, and we’re looking for a visionary leader to join us on this exciting journey.
TEC is poised to grow our commercialization-focused programming, connecting the ingenuity of our university with the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of Chicago and beyond. We’re seeking a Student Innovation Programs Coordinator—a dynamic, creative individual ready to build and launch innovative programs that will help aspiring entrepreneurs within The Grainger College of Engineering, the University, and the broader Midwest region turn their ideas into reality.
In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of collaboration, connecting campus innovators with the vast Midwest entrepreneurial network. You’ll leverage your understanding of the startup world, networking abilities, and program development expertise to create opportunities that inspire students to launch and accelerate their startups. From workshops to pitch competitions, you’ll curate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters bold thinking and tangible success.
This is an opportunity to be part of something transformative. Based in Champaign-Urbana, you’ll not only help shape the future of innovation but also grow as a leader in a thriving community of dreamers and doers. If you’re ready to inspire, innovate, and make an impact, we want to hear from you!
Primary Position Function
The primary function of this position is to design, build, and launch new programs that support the formation of new startups from teams in The Grainger College of Engineering, the University of Illinois, and Midwest region. This role will be responsible for building connections with partners in the campus entrepreneur ecosystem and the broader Midwest Entrepreneur Ecosystem.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge Program Development
- Support the planning and execution of programming for the Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge to showcase top teams from the University of Illinois and other top universities, including identifying the needs and interests of student teams to ensure that the programming is relevant and meets their needs.
- Develop and implement plans to recruit teams to participate in the challenge.
- Regularly research and stay informed on the latest trends and emerging best practices in new venture competitions to ensure that our programming is relevant.
- Coordinate logistics, including venue selection, catering, audio-visual setup, transportation, and any necessary accommodations within time and budget constraints.
- Collaborate with Grainger Marketing and Communications team to create promotional materials, including flyers, social media posts, and email campaigns.
- Develop sponsorship opportunities and other key partnership opportunities for the Grainger Challenge.
- Build and maintain relationships with external partners, such as alumni, industry experts, investors, and mentors, who can provide resources and opportunities for student programs.
- Gather and analyze feedback from event participants to continuously improve program offerings.
Other TEC Programs and Community Building
- Assist with other related programs as needed throughout the semester. This would include the deep tech accelerator course, Silicon Valley Entrepreneurship Workshop, and Illinois Innovation Prize.
- Collaborate with the TEC team to maintain a database of contacts and track interactions to ensure effective relationship management between TEC programs.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training and/or work experience in education events/program creation and/or management.
Preferred Qualifications:
- One (1) year of relevant experience with event management and/or program development.
- Experience working in an entrepreneurial capacity, in a higher education community, or with undergraduate/graduate students.
- Experience with entrepreneurship and a strong understanding of the startup ecosystem.
- Professional experience working with students or in an educational setting.
- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Excel.
- Experience with the Chicago startup community and local resources.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across diverse networks.
- Comprehensive understanding of the startup landscape.
- Skilled in connecting and aligning stakeholders to cultivate a thriving and supportive startup community.
- Ability to foster entrepreneurial growth and advance educational initiatives.
- Skilled in successfully planning, coordinating, and executing a variety of events.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to anticipate future needs and proactively develop solutions.
- Effective in multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work outside the typical hours of the standard workday may be required, including evenings and occasional weekends.
- Travel is 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 $60,000 - $75,000. 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.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 15, 2026. 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.
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 must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
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.
Requisition ID: 1033933
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu