POSITION AVAILABLE: Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) Associate Director for the Student Immersion Program position open!

Discovery Partners Institute
Associate Director for the Student Immersion Program
University of Illinois System - Chicago

The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) is a collaborative institute pioneering a new model for research and education. DPI will catalyze innovation, transform the Illinois economy, and build social equity, by providing a one-stop workforce solution for new economy talent; expanding the diversity of the new economy talent pipeline; and connecting industry seamlessly with tailored, best-in-class R&D expertise. DPI is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Associate Director for the Immersion Program.

In close collaboration with the DPI Director of Academic Affairs, the Associate Director of the Immersion Program is responsible for directing and overseeing all aspects of program management for the diverse portfolio of all credit and non-credit bearing immersion program courses. This individual will continually initiate, manage, and enhance offerings and processes, protocols and procedures for all students to help DPI achieve its goals and support students to complete the program. This includes management and oversight of the extensive experiential component which is the heart of this program.

Additional responsibilities include:

Program Management

• -Responsible for site supervision of student life and work place adjustment Issues for students enrolled in the immersion program.
• -Manage assistant director (once hired), coordinator (once hired), and AV/IT support personnel located at the DPI.
• -In partnership with academic departments within DPI, ensure program success through student recruitment and immersion experience alignment based on immersion opportunities and academic programming, including development of the application process, selection of candidates, and coordination of immersion experience matching and class offerings.
• -Coordinate academic offerings with DPI partner departments/faculty and classroom assignments at the DPI.
• -Oversee all student services activities in collaboration with DPI Director of Academic Affairs and university partners including program enrollment, student housing matters, and course related issues.
• -Communicate with key stakeholders at DPI partners to resolve student issues, compliance and reporting, and other related matters.
• -Conduct program assessments and obtain qualitative feedback with students and corporate and civic partners through electronic communications, direct mail, telecommunications, as well as classroom and company visits.
• -Prepare for and participate in debriefing of activities and events with DPI Director of Academic Affairs to evaluate goals and effectiveness and identify issues and implement appropriate changes.
• -Work outside of typical hours as required for special events, including nights and occasional weekends.

Relationship Development/Corporate, Civic and University Outreach

• -Build and maintain working relationships with employers and organizations to develop immersion opportunities for students at DPI.
• -Facilitate ongoing interaction with employers, organizations, faculty, and other stakeholders to insure the success and sustainability of the immersion program.
• -Engage with corporate and civic partners and outside vendors by hosting and attending meetings, participating in professional association activities and events in support of DPI initiatives in Chicago.
• -Expand relationships with DPI university partners, University of Illinois System administration and faculty in support of DPI
• -Interact with Chicago-based employers to cultivate and sustain relations, as well as further expand student opportunities and promote out-of-the-classroom experiences and learning activities for the immersion program.
• -Identify civic and other Chicago based opportunities that enhance the program.

Experiential Immersion Program Development (students, university, corporate and civic partners):

• -Design, implement, and maintain promotional materials for the immersion program.
• -Promote the immersion program to the Chicago-area business and civic communities and prospective student participants.
• -Collaborate with DPI partner academic departments/student services to effectively develop, implement, and expand the immersion program.
• -Develop and oversee communications to the immersion candidate pipeline and corporate and civic partners.
• -Create, acquire, and disseminate information about strategies for connecting students with immersion opportunities.
• -Identify civic and other Chicago based opportunities that enhance the program.
• -Represent DPI on various committees and initiatives in Chicago

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree and experience relevant to this position (Preferred: Master's degree and experience relevant to this position) with at least five years of professional work experience in program development, corporate relations, marketing, student career services/affairs, corporate recruiting, or a related area (Preferred: At least three years demonstrated experience working with business and/or civic leadership and effective management of programs and staff.) Other required qualifications include: high degree of professionalism and comfort interacting with all levels of corporate and civic leadership and representatives; ability to plan, implement, direct, and evaluate programs/events and projects as well as handle multiple work priorities; excellent communications and leadership skills, with an emphasis on customer relations and public relations, and an ability to work effectively in a team environment. Preferred qualifications include: familiarity with engineering, technology, and/or entrepreneurship disciplines or corporate relations in these areas; familiarity or experience working within a university setting.

This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position. For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by March 10, 2020 at https://uajobs.hr.uillinois.edu/.

The System Office conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

System Human Resource Services
(312) 996-5130
erhr@uillinois.edu

The System Office is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity and diversity. The System Offices welcome applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, sexual minority groups and other candidates who will lead and contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives.