Director of Incubator Operations & Workforce Initiatives (Extended Deadline)

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, IL

Full-time - Director

Carbondale, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Incubator Operations & Workforce Initiatives is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the iFERM research facility, providing business development direction to support regional business incubators, and leading various workforce initiatives. This role involves managing facility operations, marketing incubator programs, developing workforce development initiatives, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements while fostering relationships with clients and partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the iFERM research facility.
• Provide leadership and direction for business development for clients in the iFERM Hub.
• Manage the iFERM Hub facilities, including space usage and coordination with staff.
• Work with the leadership team to ensure a safe and secure facility.
• Market and promote Incubator programs to cultivate new clients and manage the client pipeline.
• Recruit and screen qualified applicants for the iFERM Hub.
• Develop and maintain lease and MOA records for tenants/clients.
• Provide on-site business coaching and development to clients as needed.
• Direct the development of new techniques and courses for workforce development initiatives.
• Assess funding needs and support new funding through research and grant development.
• Plan and organize events and workshops hosted by various units within the iFERM Hub.
• Coordinate activities with collaborative partners and local economic development organizations.
• Maintain daily communication and documentation with OIED staff regarding tenants and programs.
• Provide programmatic and fiscal status reports to sponsoring agencies.
• Coordinate billing for iFERM Hub facilities and programs.
• Manage inventory in compliance with University policies.
• Supervise staff providing on-site services to tenants and clients.
• Serve on the OIED leadership team, providing strategic input.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, workforce development, or related field.
• Ten years of combined experience in small business development consulting, entrepreneurship education, business ownership/management, workforce development, and/or enterprise development.
• Two years of experience developing, writing, and editing business plans.
• One year of director-level responsibilities and administration.
• Strong project management, writing, and presentation skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in business administration, workforce development, or related field.
• Experience related to business incubation programs, technology entrepreneurship, and/or business facilities management.
• Experience working with clean energy or value-added agriculture.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities