Job Type: Full Time - ONSITE
Location: Chicago, IL - Hyde Park
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Overview
Portal Innovations, LLC, is seeking a highly motivated and organized Site Director to lead and launch the new UChicago Science Incubator, Powered by Portal Innovations and the University of Chicago's Polsky Center (the “Incubator”). This partnership between the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University Chicago (the “University”) and Portal Innovations (“Portal”) will support innovative science-based companies in the areas of life sciences, clean technology, quantum, and more. The Site Director will play a key role in the buildout, launch and operations of the Incubator, ensuring that it provides a robust environment for entrepreneur and companies to thrive. This position requires strong project management skills, a background in science, startup-mindset, and a passion for fostering innovation.
Description
Key Responsibilities:
Incubator Buildout and Launch
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to define the vision and strategic goals for the Incubator;
- Assist in the planning and buildout of Incubator facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of the companies that will operate in the space; and
- Coordinate logistics for the successful launch of the Incubator, including programming and events, marketing strategies, membership and stakeholder engagement.
Stakeholder and Membership Engagement
- Drive and execute on marketing and sales strategy (including collateral, outreach, and events) to build membership pipeline
- Proactively solicit and manage incoming leads – schedule meetings, meet with prospective entrepreneurs and companies to determine space and equipment need and fit and to share membership agreement terms, actively follow up to provide requested information and keep leads warm, make recommendations on members to accept into the incubator, negotiate membership agreements/equipment purchases within parameters set by the University, and track pipeline;
- Manage membership pipeline, determine the best location for incoming members' lab benches and desks, and execute agreements with prospective entrepreneurs and companies seeking to operate out of the incubator;
- Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, companies, mentors, industry experts, and academic institutions to convey the Incubator's offerings.
- Build and maintain relationships with vendors to secure sponsorships and discounts for the incubator and its members
- Work closely with the University to leverage both academic and external resources and create partnerships that benefit the Incubator.
- Represent the Incubator at community and industry events and networking functions to promote its mission and attract potential participants.
- Create and/or update membership agreement template as needed
- Continuously seek opportunities for improvement based on feedback from key stakeholders
Operational Oversight
- Work closely with the broader Portal team and leverage resources to execute on the Portal playbook and apply it in a new environment to drive utilization, productivity, operational efficiencies and successful outcomes at the UChicago Science Incubator
- Manage day-to-day operations of the Incubator including the Incubator staff, vendor contracts, and special events, ensuring efficient processes and resource allocation.
- Develop and maintain program documentation, including marketing materials, budgets, timelines, and performance metrics.
- Coordinate with various teams and external partners to ensure the smooth execution of programs and events.
- Set up and manage Incubator services and hire and train staff prior to Incubator opening.
- Develop and guide a high performing and diverse team focused on operational excellence. Manage the lab operation team; prioritizing needs and assigning work.
- Management and oversight of site budget, encompassing cost optimization, budget re-forecasting, and related activities.
Performance Tracking and Reporting
- Establish metrics to evaluate the success of Incubator programs and startups, utilizing data to inform strategic decisions.
- Prepare requested reports for the Incubator on operations and overall impact; update key stakeholders on a regular cadence.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Science, Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum 7 years of experience in program management preferred, preferably within an incubator, accelerator, or startup environment, with a focus on deep-tech sectors and early stage startups.- Understanding of life sciences, clean technology, and/or quantum computing.
- Experience with sales.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and networking skills.
- Proficient in project management tools and software.
- Detail-oriented
- Willingness to get in the weeds and roll up their sleeves
What we offer:
Full-time Benefits:
- Dental Insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Unlimited PTO
- Parental Leave
- 401K
Compensation:
Portal Innovations offers a competitive salary and benefits package based on experience
Schedule:
Monday - Friday, with frequent evenings, some weekends if/when there is an event
Work Location:
ONSITE - In person and on site at the Incubator in Hyde Park
Work Authorization/Security-Clearance Requirements:
Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Portal is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.