Director of Industry Partnerships

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park is seeking a Director of Industry Partnerships to drive business attraction, realize commercial partnerships, and position IQMP as a global leader for quantum and microelectronics.

Reporting to the CEO, this role will negotiate high-value deals and collaborate with government and private sector partners to deliver a bold market engagement plan for IQMP in Chicago.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, engineering, public policy, or related field.
• Minimum ten (10) years in economic development, business attraction, investment strategy, or semiconductor leadership.
• Experience leading large-scale industry initiatives, supply chain expansion, and public-private partnerships.
• Experience in state government or economic development agencies.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement strategic vision for market engagement and revenue growth in quantum/microelectronics.
• Structure partnership agreements with industry partners and coordinate with ILEDC/DCEO.
• Lead negotiations with investors, firms, and government agencies to secure high-value projects.
• Manage relationships with IQMP tenants and partners, coordinating with senior IQMP leaders.

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, economics, engineering, public policy, or a related field

Masters degree

Job description

Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park

This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement but will require regular presence in Chicago.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is a first-of-its-kind park for quantum scale-up and related quantum and advanced microelectronics research and development. Minutes away from downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, this site will: 1) build on a track record of historic investment by the State in quantum information science and technology, and 2) further establish Illinois as a global hub for quantum. The park is designed to support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users and other partners working to facilitate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, including the world's first fault-tolerant computers. For more information, visit our website.

Job Summary

The Director of Industry Partnerships is a senior leader responsible for business attraction, realizing commercial partnerships, and positioning IQMP as a global leader for the quantum and microelectronics industries. Reporting to the CEO, this role will drive strategic growth initiatives, forge high-level partnerships, and negotiate business attraction deals. The Director of Industry Partnerships will work closely with government and private sector partners to develop and deliver on a bold market engagement vision for IQMP. This is a high- visibility leadership role that requires a proven track record in business development, industry attraction, and economic strategy execution.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Define and implement strategic vision for quantum and microelectronics market engagement and revenue growth, including investment attraction, industry expansion, and retention. Build and strengthen the quantum and microelectronic supply chain ecosystem, working with industry leaders to expand and diversify the supplier base within Chicago.
• Structure partnership agreements with quantum and microelectronic company partners, in coordination with Illinois Economic Development Corporation (ILEDC) and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
• Act as the lead negotiator in discussions with potential investors, quantum and microelectronics firms, and government agencies to secure high-value projects.
• Manage relationships with existing IQMP tenants and industry partners. Work closely with IQMP leadership, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer. Work closely with industry executives and federal partners to shape initiatives that drive sector growth.
• Collaborate with IL EDC, DCEO, P33, and other external partners to promote IQMP as the top destination for quantum and microelectronics companies.
• Represent IQMP at local, national and global industry events, trade missions and high-level forums.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in business, economics, engineering, public policy, or a related field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in economic development, business attraction, investment strategy, or semiconductor industry leadership.
• Extensive experience leading large-scale industry initiatives, supply chain expansion, and public-private partnerships.
• Experience working within state government, economic development agencies, or similar public sector institutions.
• Experience in technology, quantum, microelectronics or semiconductor industries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of quantum and/or microelectronics manufacturing, supply chains, and industry trends.
• Deep understanding of Illinois quantum and innovation ecosystem, including companies, higher education institutions, innovation partnerships, government incentives, and supply chain partners.
• Exceptional ability to engage and influence C-level executives, policymakers, and industry leaders.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to close high-stakes investment deals and advocate for policy and legislative priorities.
• Communicates complex ideas, anticipates potential objections and persuades others, often at senior levels, to adopt a different point of view.
• The ideal candidate is an influential leader with a deep understanding of the quantum and microelectronics industry, a strong network, and the ability to execute complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $165,000 to $185,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

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 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. 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .