University of Illinois System
Discovery Partners Institute
Relationship Manager, R&D Industry Program
Chicago

The Discovery Partners Institute provides a platform for people to jumpstart their tech careers or companies in Chicago. Led by the University of Illinois System in partnership with local and global research universities, DPI does three things: train people for high-demand tech jobs, conduct applied R&D, and build businesses to grow Chicago’s tech ecosystem. With state investment and a new urban innovation district in development just south of the Chicago Loop, DPI has the resources to attract, develop and leverage the most ambitious people and companies the region has to offer — and keep them here.

The System Office seeks a(n) Relationship Manager. The Relationship Manager, R&D Industry Program will be a key member of the DPI R&D Industry team and is responsible for analyzing, cultivating, and managing select relationships with emerging industry partners. The R&D Team is comprised of the DPI Research Director, R&D Scientists and Science Team Directors, Sector Leaders, and the R&D Industry Team. This position requires interacting with all these colleagues to connect DPI research efforts with industry needs.

The overarching goal of the R&D Industry Program is to create new and equitable economic impact for Chicago, the state of Illinois, and beyond by building enduring connections between industry and DPI/University of Illinois System researchers and scientists. In doing so, we will become a national R&D magnet and research engine for industry (Fortune 500, local small/medium size businesses, and entrepreneurs) with an aim of generating $100M annually in industry-sponsored research over the next seven years.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Conduct market research and analyze strategic business and R&D trends in an existing or potential new industry partner.
• Conduct market and business intelligence research on select industry sectors working with and supporting efforts of Sector Lead(s).
• Build and maintain relationships with industry partner(s). Serve as the focal point for DPI-related R&D activities with an industry partner. Serve as the industry's concierge to resources at DPI and UI as needed
• Assist with defining a translation path for research work, identify and develop key industry relationships, and interact with industry and/or external partners as needed to develop and execute translation plan.
• Work with DPI academic partners to leverage expertise and support proposals.
• Plan and host Workshops and Roundtables
• Work with DPI Talent programs on industry-sponsored student research and classes, and/or joint education/research industry sponsorships.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects

Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a DPI science team area or closely related area; a minimum of 3-7 years of industry experience preferably in bringing R&D efforts to market viability.

Other qualification include:

• Strong business research analyst skills
• Strong project management skills
• Proven account management skills
• Experience with technology commercialization strongly preferred
• Familiarity with academic research strongly preferred, and ability to bridge industry/academic R&D desired
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills
• Experience working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, across institutions and disciplines
• Familiar with the Chicago tech industry network preferred

This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position. For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by June 1, 2022 at https://uajobs.hr.uillinois.edu/.

The System Office conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.

System Human Resource Services
(312) 996-5130
erhr@uillinois.edu

The System Office is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity and diversity. The System Offices welcome applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, sexual minority groups and other candidates who will lead and contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.