The University of Illinois System is excited to recruit a new executive director who will lead and accelerate Discovery Partners Institute’s growth and success. Leading DPI presents an extraordinary and unparalleled opportunity in academia for a visionary leader who can harness the boundless potential of DPI to achieve impactful contributions to our universities, our region, and internationally.

The University of Illinois System is driven to achieve excellence at scale. Combined, the three universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield bring resources, capabilities, and drive that are greater than the sum of their parts – it is altogether extraordinary. In addition to our three main campuses, the U of I System has regional campuses, the UI Health hospital and clinics, research facilities, and Extension offices throughout the state. Our innovative, diverse, globally engaged citizens and leaders enrich our culture and society, create prosperity, and serve the public good. New breakthroughs from our universities foster economic growth and solve society's biggest challenges.

The U of I System also leads the development of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), an interdisciplinary research institute, the System’s hub for the Illinois Innovation Network, and a driver of inclusive economic development at scale.

DPI’s mission and vision is to create unparalleled economic prosperity for all Illinois citizens. DPI’s mission is to establish and grow collaborative partnerships that address grand challenges through applied research, entrepreneurship, and talent development for the next-generation workforce. Core to that success is DPI’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that its transformative power is woven throughout its programs. Further, DPI partners with academia, industry, and governmental and community organizations locally, regionally, and globally to build programs with impact. DPI’s goal is to create a global center of innovation so capable and inclusive it becomes a model for the world.

The executive director of Discovery Partners Institute oversees all aspects of the institute including articulation and communication of the DPI vision and strategy as well as the development of the operations necessary to achieve that vision including staff hiring; budget development, fundraising, and philanthropy; facility planning, acquisition, construction, and operations; the development of corporate and academic partnerships; and inclusive economic development. This position partners with the vice president for economic development and innovation in developing and coordinating other hubs in the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN). DPI operates as an executive office of the president within the University of Illinois System and a hub within the IIN.

The executive director reports to system president, Timothy Killeen, and works closely with the system vice presidents as well as the chancellors, provosts, vice chancellors, deans, and research and innovation leaders of all three universities (UIUC, UIC, and UIS). This role manages over 120 personnel and affiliates, and an increasing number of local, regional, and global partners. The executive director communicates the value proposition of DPI to university faculty and community and corporate leaders to achieve engagement by and enhancement of all involved with DPI.

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter, detailing how you fulfill the position profile to Perrett Laver’s Vacancies page quoting reference 7286. Applications should be received by Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 6:00pm CT for full consideration. Nominations and confidential inquiries should be directed to Corey Paquette at Corey.Paquette@perrettlaver.com. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected.

This position will be based in Chicago and can be a hybrid schedule if desired. The salary range for this position starts at $390,000 and is commensurate with experience and education. Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. Master’s degree, equivalent, or higher preferred.

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. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.

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