Executive Director, Innovation Center

Executive Director, Innovation Center

Hiring Department: OVCR Innovation Center

Location:  Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1041066

Posting Close Date: Friday, May 29, 2026

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $190,000 -$250,000. The final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

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 Chicago (UIC), a leading public R1 research university, invites applications for the position of Executive Director of the Innovation Center within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR).

UIC seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to shape and expand the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at a pivotal moment of institutional growth and industry engagement. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research and serving as a key member of the university’s research leadership team, the Executive Director will drive strategic initiatives that connect research, education, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration to advance UIC’s impact locally, nationally, and globally.

The Executive Director will lead the Innovation Center as a dynamic hub where faculty innovators, students, researchers, startups, corporate partners and community stakeholders converge to transform ideas into real-world solutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to build high-impact partnerships, create transformative experiential learning opportunities, and position UIC students and researchers at the forefront of innovation-driven industries.

Opportunity and Impact

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership for a growing innovation ecosystem that advances discovery, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and industry engagement across the university. Working closely with deans, faculty leaders, and external partners, the Executive Director will cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations and create new models for innovation education, venture development, and applied research engagement.

The successful candidate will help elevate UIC’s national profile as a destination for innovation and experiential learning while expanding pathways that prepare students for leadership roles across emerging industries and entrepreneurial ventures

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $190,000 -$250,000. The final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Ecosystem Development

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Innovation Center in alignment with institutional priorities and the research education mission of University of Illinois Chicago.
• Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the university by supporting faculty, students and industry partners in advancing new ideas, ventures and colla