UI LABS is actively recruiting candidates for the position of University Relations Manager, based in our Chicago headquarters.  The UR Manager works across academic boundaries with faculty, deans, professors and university staff to coordinate, plan and implement strategic approaches to university engagement with UI LABS.  

Key Responsibilities:

The UR Manager will be responsible for designing, implementing and managing a comprehensive and proactive strategic university program, focused on enhanced engagement with partners.  The UR manager will serve as a key interface with universities to assure maximum leverage of their participation in applied R&D projects, and will be responsible for strategic programs designed to attract talent on loan, visiting professors, graduate fellows, students and graduates.

• Build relationships with key personnel – professors, faculty and deans, corporate relations leads, professional associations, academic department staff, student organizations, technology transfer offices, entrepreneurial programs, campus incubators/accelerators, and career center staff  
• Manage the portfolio of UI LABS university relationships, and proactively identify opportunities for increased engagement in line with the UI LABS mission 
  • Support development of new business models that maximize the ability of industry and academics to work together
• Develop and execute a strategic plan to increase the volume of faculty, post-doc and graduate student fellows resident at UI LABS and develop a sponsored internship program 
• Serve as key interface in managing university participation in applied R&D opportunities with UI LABS 
• Manage university recruitment activities, including on-campus events, job postings, and employment branding.  Manage academic year and summer intern programs.

 REQUIRED SKILLS 

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Masters preferred
• Experience in building relationships between universities and industry,
  • Experience building a university relations program that includes developing relationships with key schools, and defining programs that drive successful partnerships and positive return on investment.
  • Possess a deep and broad network of relationships with universities, professors, research institutes, technology transfer offices, university entrepreneurship programs, and corporate relations offices
  • Track record of success within a fast-paced, high growth environment.

• Excellent project management skills including successful leadership of projects from planning phase through completion.
• Strong leadership skills including communication, delivery of results, consultative skills, partnership skills and team building.