Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Champaign, IL

Student Innovation and Entrepreneur Program Coordinator

Landuyt Center for Entrepreneurship

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Help Shape the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The Landuyt Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a dynamic Student Innovation and Entrepreneur Program Coordinator to help advance one of the nation\'s leading university entrepreneurship ecosystems.

This role offers the opportunity to lead high-impact entrepreneurship programs, competitions, and events while collaborating with ambitious students, faculty, alumni, investors, and industry partners. The coordinator will manage projects from concept to execution, build meaningful cross-campus relationships, leverage AI and technology to improve operations, and create exceptional experiences that inspire innovation and startup creation.

More than a traditional program coordination role, this position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, bringing people together, and seeing the direct impact of their work. Every program delivered, every partnership cultivated, and every student supported contributes to helping innovators transform bold ideas into successful ventures.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a professionalwho is passionate about entrepreneurship, project management, relationship-building, and making a lasting impact at one of the world\'s premier public research universities.

What we’re looking for:

• A builder\'s mindset. A bachelor\'s degree and at least 12 months of experience in event planning, programs, or projects - ideally in entrepreneurship or innovation.
• A passion for making things happen. Exceptional organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and create memorable experiences.
• An innovative spirit. Curiosity about entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and AI tools, with a desire to continuously improve programs and processes.
• A flexible, team-first attitude. Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends during major events and travel as needed to support programming.
• Competitive compensation. Salary range of $65,000–$75,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus the opportunity to help shape the future of innovation at one of the nation\'s top public universities.

Specific duties and responsibilities of the Student Innovation and Entrepreneur Program Coordinator are as follows:

• Program Operations and Project Management

• Coordinate customer-service-oriented programs and events for the Landuyt Center by assisting with logistics, communications, timelines, vendors, and operational details to support seamless, high-impact experiences from concept through completion for some of the top student innovators and entrepreneurs in the world.
• Develop and maintain the efficient processes, systems, budgets, and documentation that support operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across the Center’s initiatives.
• Coordinate multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while consistently delivering high-quality work and exceptional service.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Support strategic partnerships with stakeholders who share the Landuyt Center\'s vision, advance strong, lasting relationships with participants, partners, and vendors to support our student and faculty innovators.
• Represent the Landuyt Center in professional settings, and assist with outreach activities that support program goals.
• Coordinate communications, outreach, and engagement across internal and external audiences to support program delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Assessment and Administrative Efforts

• Utilize technology and AI-powered tools to support administrative processes, streamline workflows, generate reports, assist with communications and program operations, elevating both operational efficiency and the participant experience.
• Track and evaluate program and event outcomes, using data and participant feedback to surface actionable insights and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and operational systems while supporting special projects and strategic initiatives, assisting with events and programs as needed, including occasional travel and evening or weekend work.

• Travel and Miscellaneous

• Some travel may be required.
• Non-traditional work hours are required as some events take place in the evening and weekends.

• Perform additional, appropriate related innovation and entrepreneurship duties to further the mission of the Landuyt Center.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Ability to move items weighing up to 35 pounds.

• Ability to transport a moderate to large number of event-related items from one location to another.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations:

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support program and event operations.

• Travel will include, but not be limited to, Chicago for meetings, collaboration events, other universities for entrepreneurship networking, Silicon Valley, and other venture-development regions in the U.S.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in event planning, program coordination, project management, operations, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training and/or work experience in event planning, program coordination, project management, operations, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience planning and executing complex events, programs, or initiatives.

• Experience working with entrepreneurs and/or innovation programs.

• Experience coordinating large-scale events, experiential learning programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, or multi-faceted projects involving diverse stakeholder groups.

• Experience utilizing CRM, project management, event management, survey, collaboration, reporting, or AI-enabled productivity platforms.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong project management, organization, and event execution skills.

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Proactive problem-solver with strong critical thinking abilities.

• Excellent relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated customer service orientation.

• Demonstrated proficiency leveraging AI tools to improve productivity, communication, reporting, and operational efficiency.

• Proven ability to manage simultaneous priorities in a fast-paced environment.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service 5002-Program Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000.Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy . This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on September 10, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dawn Creath and dcreath@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state\u2019s flagship public university and one of the world\u2019s leading research institutions —every staff member helps shape what\u2019s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you\u2019re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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 accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu .

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