Director of Industry Partnerships

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Masters degree.

• 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…