Project Executive Jobs in Milan, IL (NOW HIRING)

Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute seek to hire a full-time Executive Director. The Executive Director will lead the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) and the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA), leading initiatives to support and grow the Rock Island Arsenal and Quad Cities defense & manufacturing industry. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong background in manufacturing, defense, and academic collaboration. This role supports both the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR QCMI:
Partnerships and Business Development:

• Lead efforts to expand QCMI’s partnerships with the United States Department of Defense (DoD), academic, industry, and government stakeholders to establish a leading advanced manufacturing and supply chain innovation ecosystem.
• Identify and engage with industry, academic, research institutions, government, and other key stakeholders to drive technological advancements and nurture a highly skilled workforce for the Quad Cities region and beyond.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to expand QCMI's reach and impact.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with government, DoD, and industry partners.
• Lead customer discovery efforts to understand and address the needs of potential and existing partners.
• Secure funding and resources from government agencies, DoD, and other sources, through grants, partnerships, and other revenue streams, to support QCMI's initiatives.

Leadership and Strategy:

• Represent QCMI at regional and national forums and with state and federal funding agencies and key customers.
• Identify and address key research and workforce development priorities to guide the development and modernization of the defense industrial base and to develop next-generation defense technologies and talent.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to advance QCMI's mission and objectives.
• Collaborate and coordinate with QCMI member institutions to design and implement research and workforce development projects.
• Provide leadership and create alignment for effective collaboration in both Illinois and Iowa.

Operational Management:

• Oversee the development and management of QCMI facilities, including but not limited to the new facility on Western Illinois University's riverfront campus in Moline and the future space at the Rock Island Arsenal. Coordinate with any other footprints that the QCMI member institutions have aggregated.
• Oversee QCMI's day-to-day operations, including budget management, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RIADA:

• Serves as lead point of contact to RIADA board members, including working with board chair to establish meeting dates, develop board agendas, and facilitate the meeting
• Establishes an annual RIADA work plan and budget for approval
• Conducts outreach to defense industry companies and RIA commands to understand key issues and growth opportunities
• Collaborates with Chamber team, including business & economic growth and government affairs, to support and advance RIADA’s priorities
• Synchronizes work with consultants (i.e. The Roosevelt Group) on a regular basis
  Prepares and communicates updates on RIADA priorities with stakeholders
  Creates and facilitates completion of an engagement strategy with Rock Island Arsenal and community leaders
• Builds and maintains relationships with strategic partners within the defense industry and Rock Island Arsenal to gain awareness of related issues and opportunities
• Acts as a liaison between Rock Island Arsenal and Quad Cities Chamber initiatives
• Perform other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, the individual in this position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skills and ability required.
Education/Experience:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration or related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership role within the manufacturing or defense sectors
• Experience in business development, marketing, public relations, or related area
• Proven track record of successful collaboration with DoD, academic institutions and industry partners
• Strong understanding of DoD requirements and strategic priorities.

Equipment and Software Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Must be able to operate standard office equipment, including telephone, calculator, computer, printer, typewriter, fax, and copier.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions

Compensation: Annual base salary of $75,000

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR RESUME: Please send your resume to the Human Resources Department at: hr@quadcititeschamber.com
This posting will close on July 6th, 2026.