Student Innovation Programs Coordinator - Technology Entrepreneur Center

Ignite Innovation and Shape the Future of Entrepreneurship!

Interested in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and driving real impact in the startup ecosystem? At the Technology Entrepreneur Center (TEC), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, we are committed to transforming ideas into groundbreaking startups, and we’re looking for a visionary leader to join us on this exciting journey.

TEC is poised to grow our commercialization-focused programming, connecting the ingenuity of our university with the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of Chicago and beyond. We’re seeking a Student Innovation Programs Coordinator
—a dynamic, creative individual ready to build and launch innovative programs that will help aspiring entrepreneurs within The Grainger College of Engineering
, the University, and the broader Midwest region turn their ideas into reality.

In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of collaboration, connecting campus innovators with the vast Midwest entrepreneurial network. You’ll leverage your understanding of the startup world, networking abilities, and program development expertise to create opportunities that inspire students to launch and accelerate their startups. From workshops to pitch competitions, you’ll curate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters bold thinking and tangible success.

This is an opportunity to be part of something transformative. Based in Champaign-Urbana, you’ll not only help shape the future of innovation but also grow as a leader in a thriving community of dreamers and doers. If you’re ready to inspire, innovate, and make an impact, we want to hear from you!

The primary function of this position is to design, build, and launch new programs that support the formation of new startups from teams in The Grainger College of Engineering, the University of Illinois, and Midwest region. This role will be responsible for building connections with partners in the campus entrepreneur ecosystem and the broader Midwest Entrepreneur Ecosystem.

Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge Program Development

• Support the planning and execution of programming for the Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge to showcase top teams from the University of Illinois and other top universities, including identifying the needs and interests of student teams to ensure that the programming is relevant and meets their needs.
• Develop and implement plans to recruit teams to participate in the challenge.
• Regularly research and stay informed on the latest trends and emerging best practices in new venture competitions to ensure that our programming is relevant.
• Coordinate logistics, including venue selection, catering, audio-visual setup, transportation, and any necessary accommodations within time and budget constraints.
• Collaborate with Grainger Marketing and Communications team to create promotional materials, including flyers, social media posts, and email campaigns.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities and other key partnership opportunities for the Grainger Challenge.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, such as alumni, industry experts, investors, and mentors, who can provide resources and opportunities for student programs.
• Gather and analyze feedback from event participants to continuously improve program offerings.

• Assist with other related programs as needed throughout the semester. This would include the deep tech accelerator course, Silicon Valley Entrepreneurship Workshop, and Illinois Innovation Prize.
• Collaborate with the TEC team to maintain a database of contacts and track interactions to ensure effective relationship management between TEC programs.

Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training and/or work experience in education events/program creation and/or management.

• One (1) year of relevant experience with event management and/or program development.
• Experience working in an entrepreneurial capacity, in a higher education community, or with…