Director of Industry Partnerships

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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 partners.
Exceptional ability to engage and influence C-level executives, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Strong negotiation skills with the ability to close high-stakes investment deals and advocate for policy and legislative priorities.
Communicates complex ideas, anticipates potential objections and persuades others, often at senior levels, to adopt a different point of view.
The ideal candidate is an influential leader with a deep understanding of the quantum and microelectronics industry, a strong network, and the ability to execute complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Responsibilities

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.