Chief Operating Officer - IQMP

Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park

This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement but will require regular presence in Chicago.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been shaping the future since 1867. Our research enterprise drives student experiences and community engagement, powering innovation and positive change locally, nationally, and globally.

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is a transformative 128-acre redevelopment that will become the premier hub for quantum technologies, microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing. Backed by an anticipated multi-billion-dollar public–private investment over the next decade, the Park will host corporate R&D centers, startups, academic partnerships, and advanced laboratories—creating a thriving ecosystem at the frontier of science and technology. Located just minutes from downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, this site will 1) build on a track record of historic investment by the State in quantum information science and technology, and 2) further establish Illinois as a global hub for quantum. The Park is designed to support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users, and other partners working to facilitate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, including the world’s first fault-tolerant computers. For more information,visit our website.

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as the senior operational leader, responsible for building and managing the Park’s physical, financial, and organizational infrastructure while translating and implementing strategic vision into daily and long-term operations across IQMP’s high-tech infrastructure, tenant services, and partnership programs. The COO will collaborate closely with the CEO and the leadership team to define organizational goals, establish operational excellence, and foster a results-driven, inclusive culture. This individual will be a seasoned builder of large-scale projects and innovation ecosystems, equally comfortable negotiating complex development agreements and engaging with scientists, investors, and government leaders. The COO will work closely with the OVCRI and the broader University administrative structure (i.e., business, audits, legal counsel, HR, etc.) to ensure compliance and alignment with the sole member of the URO.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Execution & Organizational Planning
  • Collaborate with the CEO, IQMP leadership, to shape and drive the organizational vision, operational strategy, and hiring priorities.
  • Translate long- and short-term strategies into actionable steps for growth, including goal setting, performance management systems, and annual operational plans.
  • Lead strategic planning and day-to-day operational oversight for the Park, including infrastructure build-out, tenant onboarding, and phased development.
  • Implement business strategies that align with short- and long-term objectives, ensuring all functional areas are moving in alignment with IQMP’s mission, the expectations of the CEO and the Board of Managers, and the policies and practices of the University of Illinois.
  • Build scalable operational and financial systems to support long-term growth across multiple phases of development.
• Operations & Performance Management
  • Oversee daily operations across facilities, programs, and administrative functions, ensuring efficient and resilient infrastructure to support tenants that have expertise in quantum and microelectronics technologies.
  • Analyze internal operations, identify areas for improvement, and introduce enhancements to increase organizational efficiency and agility.
  • Lead all personnel management functions, including cohesive team development, hiring, performance evaluation, and organizational culture-building.
  • Monitor and assess performance metrics, initiate corrective actions as needed, and provide detailed updates and operational forecasts to executive leadership.
  • Ensure that operations and personnel are aligned with expectations and engagement of local nearby communities.
  • Manage capital deployment and financial oversight, including investment planning for a multi-year development pipeline.
  • Structure and oversee public–private partnerships, state/federal incentive programs, and tenant agreements to ensure financial sustainability and long-term value creation.
• Real Estate Development, Contracting, & Procurement
  • Oversee real estate development, construction management, and facilities operations to support the Park’s physical and programmatic growth.
  • Lead complex negotiations with contractors, vendors, and corporate tenants.
  • Oversee procurement strategies, construction risk management, and contract compliance to ensure high standards of quality, cost control, and safety.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Development
  • Build and maintain trusting, long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including the state government, industry partners, federal agencies (e.g., DoD, DOE, NSF), research institutions, community members, and economic development organizations.
  • Support business development and ecosystem growth through partner cultivation, tenant attraction, and government relations.
  • Collaborate with corporations, startups, universities, and national laboratories to position the Park as a premier global hub for quantum and microelectronics innovation.
  • Represent the organization with state and federal officials to align with policy priorities and funding opportunities.
  • Foster strong community, workforce, and labor relationships to ensure successful regional integration.
• Culture & Team Building
  • Foster a highly inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that allows staff at all levels to thrive.
  • Ensure that the organization creates opportunities for people of all backgrounds, and that the mission of the IQMP benefits from broad engagement of stakeholders, as reflected in hiring practices, team dynamics, and programmatic design.
  • Recruit, build, and mentor a world-class operational team across real estate, infrastructure, facilities, and tenant services.
  • Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence across all areas of the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business, or public administration or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of executive leadership experience in R&D-focused institutions, research parks, national labs, or tech-focused industrial environments.
• Demonstrated success in translating strategy into operational excellence and managing interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with facilities oversight, compliance, personnel leadership, and financial operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or doctoral degree in engineering, science, business, or public administration.
• Understanding of quantum information science and technology, microelectronics, or computational science.
• Prior experience working with or within federal agencies and national security innovation networks.
• Familiarity with public-private partnerships, municipal/state/federal economic development programs, technology transfer, real estate, capital development, or construction.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $185,000 to $310,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Thursday, October 30, 2025 (extended). Apply for this position at https://go.illinois.edu/ChiefOperatingOfficer-IQMP and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Sue Key at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1032576
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu