Chief Operating Officer - IQMP

Chief Operating Officer - IQMP

This position is 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 first‑of‑its‑kind park for quantum scale‑up and related quantum and advanced microelectronics research and development. Minutes away 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.

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as a senior executive responsible for 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. 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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 $250,000. 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 Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting 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.

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