Visiting Project Manager - Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Chicago, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is hiring up to two Visiting Program Managers who, under limited supervision, lead and manage strategic projects, operational initiatives, and cross-functional programs for the IQMP. The role serves as a key project management and operational lead responsible for driving execution across multiple stakeholders, supporting organizational strategy, and improving business processes and operational effectiveness. This position supports IQMP leadership with key initiatives, including but not limited to stakeholder engagement, project planning and execution, financial modeling and analysis, operational reporting, process improvement, and development of executive-level briefings and recommendations. The position partners with internal and external stakeholders to deliver complex projects on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic priorities. This position is based in Chicago.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a major in finance, business or a related field.
Five (5) years of professional experience.
Knowledge of financial and operational management principles, including budget tracking, cost analysis, financial reporting, and administrative processes.
Proficiency with business and financial software applications, including Microsoft Excel and enterprise management systems.
Strong analytical, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and professional correspondence.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and work effectively in collaborative, fast-paced environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications with strong administrative, documentation, and data management capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Economic Development, or a related field preferred.
Demonstrated experience supporting strategic planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration in a professional or higher education environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage strategic projects and operational initiatives.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives involving leadership, corporate partners, government agencies, startups, researchers, consultants, and external stakeholders.
Develop and maintain project plans, implementation timelines, workstreams, status reporting, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure the successful delivery of complex initiatives.
Monitor project progress, identify operational challenges, and drive resolution of issues impacting timelines, deliverables, or stakeholder alignment.
Facilitate project governance activities including stakeholder meetings, executive briefings, action-item tracking, and strategic communications.
Prepare presentations, reports, and briefing materials for executive leadership, board members, public-sector partners, and external stakeholders.
Support organizational strategic planning efforts by conducting research, operational analysis, benchmarking, and program assessments.
Coordinate multiple concurrent projects and priorities in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
Serve as a primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders associated with IQMP strategic initiatives.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships across academic units, industry partners, economic development organizations, government entities, and startup companies.
Coordinate stakeholder communications, facilitate working groups, and ensure alignment between project objectives, operational priorities, and organizational goals.
Track and manage follow-up actions, deliverables, and key milestones across multiple stakeholder groups.
Support partnership development activities, ecosystem engagement initiatives, and collaborative programming opportunities that advance innovation, research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and economic development objectives.
Assist with the development and coordination of special projects, strategic initiatives, and cross-organizational collaborations.
Support the planning, coordination, and execution of IQMP strategic initiatives by collaborating with internal and external partners across academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and economic development sectors.
Develop and maintain systems for tracking project performance, operational outcomes, key deliverables, and organizational priorities to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
Prepare reports, presentations, dashboards, and analytical summaries to communicate progress, opportunities, and strategic recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives, working groups, and collaborative projects to ensure alignment with organizational goals, timelines, and operational objectives.
Conduct research, analyze trends, and identify opportunities that support innovation, program growth, partnership development, and ecosystem engagement.
Assist with the implementation of special projects and strategic initiatives that advance IQMP’s mission and long-term organizational objectives.