Department

Booth Polsky Center: Innovation Programs

About the Department

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.

Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.

Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
-an unmatched faculty.
-degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
-a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni.
-strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.

As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment.

For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Accelerators and Investments, the Associate Director of Accelerator Program Operations serves as a key member of the Polsky Center’s Accelerator and Investments team. Responsible for the day-to-day management and operational excellence of the University’s accelerator programs, the Associate Director plays a key part in ensuring the success of accelerator cohorts by providing logistical support, organizing events, and fostering connections across the broader innovation ecosystem. This role works closely with cohort companies to identify their needs and facilitate valuable relationships with mentors, investors, faculty, and industry experts.

Responsibilities

Oversees the day-to-day operations of accelerator and investment programs, including scheduling, logistics, and managing communications with cohort companies.Plans and executes events for accelerator and investment programs, such as workshops, networking sessions, and pitch days, ensuring seamless execution and impactful experiences for participants.Actsas the primary point of contact for accelerator cohort companies, working closely with them to understand their needs and provide tailored support throughout the program.Builds and expands the University’s ecosystem in focus areas by identifying relevant industry leaders, venture capitalists, and other external stakeholders.Connects cohort companies with mentors, faculty, investors, and other resources to accelerate their growth and success.Tracks and analyzes key performance metrics for accelerator and investment programs, preparing reports and presentations for stakeholders to evaluate program impact and outcomes.Supports senior director in tracking and managing program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources while adhering to financial guidelines and objectives.Maintains strong relationships with alumni of accelerator and investment programs, facilitating ongoing connections and engagement with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.Partners closely across internal teams, including technology development, business development, venture development, marketing, and science student programs, to align accelerator and investment program activities with Polsky goals and identify areas for collaboration.Identifies and implements improvements to processes, programming, and operations to enhance the effectiveness of accelerator programs.Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.Has a deep understanding when interacting with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

A minimum two years of work experience in technology commercialization, venture creation, and/or investments.Background with program management and operations and working with internal and external stakeholders to advance commercialization activities.Work with budgets and financial management.Proficient in event planning and coordination, with a track record of executing successful events.

Preferred Competencies

Familiarity with the startup and accelerator ecosystem, including the needs of early-stage companies.Strong program management, attention to details, and organizational skills, with experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and build relationships across diverse groups.Adapt quickly to changing priorities and maintain focus in a dynamic environment.Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges.Knowledge of key sectors such as life sciences, AI, quantum technology, or cleantech.

Working Conditions

This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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