Department: Provost's Office/CBC
Salary/Grade: EXS/18

Job Summary:

The mission of the Chicago Biomedical Consortium (CBC) is to stimulate collaboration among scientists at Northwestern University, The University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, to accelerate discovery within Chicago to transform biomedical research, and to improve the health of humankind.

The CBC will:

• Stimulate research and education that bridge institutional boundaries,
• Enable collaborative and interdisciplinary research that is beyond the range of a single institution,
• Mentor and develop a strong cadre of biomedical leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Chicago,
• Enhance and promote the development of the biomedical ecosystem in Chicago,
• Facilitate development of therapeutics that will, over the long term, improve the health of citizens of Chicago and beyond.
• Explore the possibility of transitioning the CBC into a 501(c)(3) devoted to the above aims

Currently, we have a career opportunity as an Executive Director, Chicago Biomedical Consortium (administration of position based on the Northwestern University Evanston Campus).

The Chicago Biomedical Consortium (CBC) Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for advancing the principle mission of the CBC as outlined above with the opportunity to explore whether the CBC should transition into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  The ED will build on the CBC’s foundation of success in stimulating and supporting collaborative research and to lead its efforts to strengthen the Chicago biotech community and foster the translation of university research into the marketplace.

As currently structured, the CBC ED will work closely with the CBC Scientific Directors from Northwestern University, The University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Chicago for programmatic aspects of the CBC. The ED will provide administrative and managerial leadership to the CBC with a reporting structure to an Executive Oversight Board that includes the Senior Research Officers of the CBC Institutions, and philanthropic and biotech/pharma representatives.  The CBC ED will also engage an active Scientific Advisory Board.
 
The ED will be responsible for maintaining the current programs to reflect the CBC’s emphasis on basic biomedical research, translational research, commercialization, and mentoring the next generation of translational entrepreneurs.  The ED will strengthen and establish new partnerships with leaders of the local and national pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, and maintain close ties to the CBC’s diverse stakeholders and contacts, including scientists and administrative officers at the member universities, current and potential donors, and leaders of regional/national scientific organizations.

Specific Responsibilities:

Outreach:

• Continuing to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships between the CBC and partner universities
• Build strong, mutually-beneficial relationships between CBC and the biotech industry (both local and national).
• Build and maintain relationships with entities in the local biotech community (e.g. iBIO, MATTER).
• Identify and recruit members of oversight, review, and advisory boards, especially participants from industry.
• Build an expanded communications and public relations plan.

Program Development and Management:

• Work with universities, community leaders, and CBC staff to further develop and refine new programs focused on translational science and commercialization/entrepreneurship.
• Supervise the review process for CBC awards.
• Administration of CBC award funding.
• Supervising the organization of the annual CBC Symposium and other workshops.
• Supervising and mentoring the work and career advancements of CBC Entrepreneurial Fellows.

Fundraising and Finances:

• Develop and implement a fund-raising effort, either in concert with university development offices, or as an independent organization.
• Actively explore the option of transforming into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
• Monitor CBC’s financial affairs.

Administration:

• Maintain CBC’s strong record of effective administration and collaborative interactions with the participating universities.
• Maintain close ties with scientists and administrators at member universities.
• Advise and supervise CBC staff at three or more locations.
• Submit regular updates and reports of CBC performance to governing boards, and arrange for regular meetings of governing boards.

Miscellaneous:

• Additional responsibilities as required

Minimum Qualifications:

• An advanced degree M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., or equivalent.
• A strong background with 7-10 years of relevant experience running a science-based research program in academia, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, and/or a biomedical non-profit organization.
• Strong ties to the biotechnology, venture capital, and pharmaceutical communities
• Familiarity with at least one of the CBC universities.
• Significant management experience with expertise in dealing with diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated experience in fund raising and development.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Interpersonal skills to lead a complex organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Team building and leadership
• Excellent collaborative skills

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.