Peoria NEXT Innovation Center Executive Director Job Opening
Posted on April 28th, 2006

Peoria NEXT Innovation Center Executive Director

The Peoria NEXT Board of Directors seeks an experienced leader to manage the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center -a unique and innovative facility that will assist entrepreneurs in developing successful technology companies in Central Illinois. Extensive startup experience, management and strong interpersonal skills required.

About the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center:
Approximately $1 billion is invested each year in research and development in the Peoria area. However, a study by the Battelle Memorial Institute Technology Partnership Practice in 2001 revealed that the technologies and products of Central Illinois research and development have historically left the Peoria area for two reasons:

• the lack of places for these ventures to incubate
  
  
• the absence of a system to facilitate business development.

The Peoria NEXT Innovation Center is designed to stop the leakage of technology commercialization from Central Illinois.

The Innovation Center will be a place for technology-based businesses to grow. From a regional perspective, long term impacts will include the infusion of direct and indirect jobs that will begin once the Innovation Center is opened. This long term impact will continue as small firms grow, become stable companies, and take up permanent residence as graduates within the project area and the community. Most importantly, the $1 billion in research and development that takes place in Central Illinois each year will be leveraged as a mechanism for commercialization and job creation. Through the Innovation Center, Peoria NEXT is providing an urgently needed home for growing businesses and effectively stemming the loss of commercialization and entrepreneurial resources from Central Illinois.

The Innovation Center will be located on the 800 Block of West Main Street in the heart of Renaissance Park. The three-story Innovation Center will encompass approximately 50,000 square-feet on approximately three acres (1 city block), fronting West Main Street. Building construction is currently underway with grand opening targeted for spring 2007. Included in the Innovation Center will be individual tenant suites, wet and dry laboratories, shared-tenant conference rooms, shared common areas (business center, scientific equipment room, kitchen, etc.) and administrative/support office space. Peoria NEXT will own and operate the facility in cooperation with the Heartland Commerce and Economic Development Foundation, Caterpillar Inc., and Bradley University.

Executive Director Description:
The Executive Director will direct and manage the start-up and operation of the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center. Applicants should have significant experience in the incubation process for start-up companies. The successful candidate will also have abilities needed to build partnerships, manage operations, market the Innovation Center nationwide, advise and coach start-up businesses, and develop a network of resources and relationships that will benefit the Innovation Center and its client companies. The successful candidate must be a strong leader, have the ability to implement effectively, and be passionate about the mission of Peoria NEXT.

The Executive Director will report to the Peoria NEXT Board of Directors, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to technology commercialization in the Peoria area. The Executive Director will be assisted by a small staff. Principal Responsibilities for Executive Director:

Client Assistance

• Oversee the development and implementation of business support programs that assist start-up technology companies and maximize their growth and success, including: mentoring and client advising, events and programs, access to venture capital and angel funding, and assistance with strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
• Provide one-on-one coaching to client companies on business and technical issues.

Strategic Planning

• Develop the goals, milestones, and processes that will help to successfully launch the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
• Review and refine the mission, as needed.
• Establish an orderly process for assessing and reporting the effectiveness of Innovation Center programs and support services.

Networking and Marketing

• Establish a network of contacts and relationships for Peoria NEXT with technology corporations, entrepreneurs, universities, economic development professionals and the community, which will be of value to the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center and its client businesses.
• Establish marketing practices to promote the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center both locally and throughout the country.

Relationships with Partners and Sponsors

• Create formal partnerships with Peoria NEXT anchor organizations, large technology companies, and other entities that will benefit the Innovation Center.
• Raise funds from partners, sponsors, and other sources of funding in order to fulfill the mission of the Innovation Center and sustain its operations.
• Maintain positive and productive relationships with Peoria NEXT partners and sponsors, and issue such reports, plans, and assistance as requested by them.

Center Management - Oversee the day-to-day management and operations of the Innovation Center and its staff, including:

• Facilities fit-up, as needed
• Landlord relationships
• Budgeting and financial management
• Policies and procedures implementation
• Marketing for public awareness and for client attraction
• Program management.

Qualifications - Ideal candidates should have the following qualifications:

• A college degree in a relevant technology or business discipline. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Previous experience in business incubation for technology start-ups.
• Previous experience in the management of small-companies.
• Strong network within the business and technology community.
• Strong ability to work with diverse groups, including technology businesses, entrepreneurs, major corporations, and universities.
• Ability to work with and manage a small team.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• A passion for the mission and vision of Peoria NEXT.
  
  

Additional Information:
This is a full-time position in Peoria, Illinois. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please visit the following link for more details about Peoria NEXT and the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center.

Peoria NEXT: www.peorianext.org

Peoria NEXT Innovation Center: www.peorianext.org/pnic

For additional information please contact Project Manager Ryan Spain at (309) 495-5977 or rspain@h-p.org or Heartland Partnership President/CEO Jim McConoughey at (309) 495-5901.