Vice President, Strategy and Operations (Biohub Chicago)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (https://www.czbiohub.org/chi) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at CZ Biohub Chicago facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

The Opportunity

 The Vice President, Strategy and Operations will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of CZ Biohub Chicago, the hub leading the charge on one of our Grand Challenges to instrument tissues in order to better understand and ultimately treat inflammation-driven diseases.  This leader will oversee a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at driving collaboration and fostering innovation within our organization.

Key areas of focus include managing our academic partnerships, including the extramural funding program, leading government and industry relations, and fostering collaboration and developing strategies to secure philanthropic support for scientific research projects. Additionally, the role entails overseeing intellectual property management for CZ Biohub Chicago and site management to optimize organizational performance and drive a culture of excellence..

This multifaceted role requires a visionary scientific leader with a strong understanding of academic, governmental, and industry landscapes, and a passion for driving organizational growth and scientific innovation.

What You'll Do

• Work with the President in the leadership of the organization and the development and implementation of the strategic vision of the Chicago Biohub Grand Challenge.
• Serve as a day-to-day resource for the Chicago Biohub and help to develop and foster a culture of excellence at the site and the vision of the Chicago Biohub Grand Challenge within the organization.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of professionals, providing guidance and support to drive performance and collaboration with functional leaders across the organization (e.g., CFO, SVP HR, COO) to optimize operational, managerial, and administrative procedures and efficiency.
• Lead efforts to engage with government entities, industry stakeholders, and philanthropic organizations to advance our scientific initiatives and secure funding opportunities to advance our scientific mission
• Maintain relationships with partnering academic institutions to foster collaboration and enhance our extramural funding programs
• Develop and execute programs for scientific and business development, including industry affiliates and academic affiliates programs
• Effectively communicate and foster a positive dynamic among the leadership team across the Chicago site and across the organization.
• In partnership with the CFO and Finance team, manage the Chicago Biohub and Grand Challenge budget planning and management.
• Organize and prepare board of directors meeting materials, financial reports, board books, and coordinate board agendas.

You have 

Essential -

General

• Bachelor's, Masters or Ph.D. (preferred) in science or relevant field 
• 10 years of demonstrated experience in strategy, operations, and team leadership in life sciences, biotechnology, or chemistry research organizations
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams
• Strategic thinker with the ability to