"Executive Director of Wisconsin Quantum Institute"

Job Summary

The inaugural Executive Director of the Wisconsin Quantum Institute (WQI) will lead the development and execution of an outward-looking strategy that enhances the overall impact of College quantum research, education and other engagements. In this position you will create and manage mutually beneficial partnerships with associations, private-sector companies, government entities, influential professionals and others within the external quantum technologies ecosystem. These comprehensive relationships will include, but are not limited to, research partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, philanthropy, executive education, talent development/acquisition, and technology transfer.

Additionally, the Executive Director will lead programming and initiatives to align, coordinate and grow quantum technologies research, education and opportunities on campus. This includes awareness of aligned research and expertise, development of educational opportunities, organization of events that foster collaboration opportunities, cross-functional grant applications, industry engagements and other aligned activities.

A successful Executive Director has a passion for technology, making an impact, education and innovation. You have a keen interest in advanced technology and a general understanding of quantum technologies and their potential impact on the world. You are a proven executive, entrepreneur, or technologist and are comfortable being the face of the institute to the external world, passionately driving the center forward.

This position works independently, with the Associate Director for Business Engagement (at CRISP), and will also regularly interact with SuccessWorks and other institutes, colleges, departments and external engagement roles on campus who will support your efforts. Success in this role will be measured through quantitative outcomes, such as revenue generation and the creation of new partnerships; and qualitative outcomes, such as internal and external partner satisfaction, in line with the role's overarching aim to create long-term, sustainable impactful partnerships for the College. After an extended onboarding period of 3-6 months, you will enjoy the greater workplace flexibility that comes with greater familiarity in the role. Lastly, the College of Letters and Science believes in the importance and value of fostering a welcoming and supportive climate in our working environment and across our campus and the community.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develops and audits administrative operating reports, budgets, policies, and procedures to comply with regulations, institution policies, and business objectives
• Works with the leadership of the College to identify alignments between ecosystem partner's interests and research, education and programming within the College
• Recommends, reviews, and directs personnel resource allocation to ensure appropriate utilization of resources
• Directs strategic planning pertaining to growth initiatives and establishes unit objectives in alignment with the strategic plan
• Organizes events, meetings and seminars that create new opportunities for collaborations and grows awareness and engagement with the quantum community
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit
• Supervises managerial, professional, and support staff of the unit or division and facilitates unit staff developmental opportunities
• Holds meetings and events with faculty, staff, and students to raise the awareness of opportunities and promote community collaboration
• Directs, implements, and monitors strategic planning initiatives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources

Department

College of Letters & Science, Administration

Compensation

The typical starting salary for this position is $115,000-$145,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurances and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in quantum sciences or related technologies, with increasing responsibility and the ability to represent the quantum team effectively
• Skilled in building and maintaining strong partnerships across academia and industry, including faculty, administrators, and private sector professionals.
• Demonstrated self-directed project planning and execution skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and comfort with speaking publicly in small-to-medium-sized forums
• Higher education experience and/or an understanding of differences between higher education and private-sector processes and governance
• A record of success as an innovative and curious thinker with a solution-based focus
• Proven ability to think strategically and drive results through collaboration, even without direct authority—supporting shared success across teams, institutions, and industries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships or strategic account relationships
• An educational or applied background in advanced technology
• Experience in and/or an understanding in public-private partnership (P3) models and cross-sector partnerships
• Demonstrated success in a business development, complex solution sales or technical sales role or equivalent

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Minimum)

Preferred Master's Degree or equivalent experience

How to Apply

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.

You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process. Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents in the attachment field.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.