The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has launched a new initiative that will propel women and underrepresented groups into higher education and careers in tech through curriculum innovation, career access and community development. This initiative is part of a broader multi-year national effort, Break Through Tech, with UIC serving as the academic partner and liaison to Chicago’s tech ecosystem. Seeking a mission-oriented Associate Director to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in tech, with an emphasis on establishing company allies and partnerships.

This position directs, plans and implements the career development functions for female and female identifying undergraduate students in tech disciplines at UIC by expanding UIC’s presence with local, regional and national employers. Strategic partnerships with employers and/or workforce development organizations will be evaluated and pursued. Leads the career preparation of current and prospective undergraduate students by utilizing best practices and developing strategies and programs.

This is a full-time position based in Chicago with significant industry exposure and ability to exercise leadership skills. Prior experience in securing corporate partners, fund raising, and/or comparable sales/business development role in support of business or program objectives required. Regular travel is not expected but will occur occasionally mostly around scheduled events in the Chicagoland area.

For fullest consideration, please submit your application by April 23, 2021 at jobs.uic.edu.

Company Outreach and Relationships

• Identify and cultivate employer relationships for the purpose of hiring target UIC students for internships, Sprinternships, networking events, summer guilds and full-time positions.

• Explore partnerships with local Chicago and national workforce development organizations with aligned interests.

• Promote and generate visibility of UIC women pursuing tech disciplines in the College of Engineering and other UIC colleges to identify with tech related regional and national employers, non-profits, and the federal government who seek to diversify their talent pool.

• Participate as part of a team in university careers fairs including collaboration with the Engineering Career Center and other applicable UIC college career centers, and other employer facing programs.

Break Through Tech Program Evaluation

• Monitor, analyze program and UIC data, success metrics and implement improvements.

• Ensure alignment of objectives with Break Through Tech National and other critical stakeholders.

Student Career Readiness Programming

• Develop and execute a plan for undergraduate students to become career ready and seamlessly transition from academic to workplace settings.

• Develop an alumni support network, particularly women alumni in tech careers, accessible to current students.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience leading, executing and/or developing programs. 8+ years of experience preferred

• Require prior experience in securing corporate partners, fund raising, and/or comparable sales/business development role in support of business or program objectives

• Analytical, creative thinker with strong organizational and process skills

• Comfortable being a public spokesperson for the program when communicating with all stakeholders

• Proficient at using tools to develop communication aids and to perform analysis

• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a positive rapport with students, professors, and corporate leaders; strong interpersonal skills

• Committed to working with diverse student and community populations

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899