Senior Director

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Senior Director

Illinois Ventures
- Hybrid
Posting Category:

Lead investment activity of Illinois Ventures, which invests in startup and early-stage companies derived from advanced technologies originated or developed by faculty, staff, students and/or alumni of the University. Illinois Ventures manages pre-seed and venture capital funds on behalf of the University and outside investors, and an angel network made up of high-net-worth alumni of the University. The Senior Director will work alongside the CEO and other team members to manage and drive the success of these funds and programs. The Senior Director leads investment processes, including sourcing, evaluating, structuring, and managing investments, while providing valuation expertise in calculating valuations for Illinois Ventures portfolio companies. This position is hybrid, requiring four days in the office per week. Please note these requirements are subject to change based on business needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Investment Sourcing, Structuring and Negotiating:

1. Identify and evaluate investment opportunities consistent with each the Illinois Ventures fund objectives, leveraging Illinois Ventures' channels and your personal professional networks.
2. Conduct due diligence, including opportunity analysis, and lead negotiations including term sheet development and deal execution through the investment closing process.
3. Prepare financial models and write investment memos to support potential investment candidates.
4. Present investment opportunities to the team, and as appropriate, to the respective investment committees, offering recommendations on initial and/or follow-on funding.

Portfolio Management:

1. Oversee ongoing management of the investment portfolio, including taking board roles, managing liquidity transactions, and making decisions on selling or distributing investments.
2. Support portfolio companies as needed including product development, market entry strategies, scaling operations, and acquiring additional funding.
3. Track and report on the progress of investments, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the portfolio's performance and strategic direction.
4. Maintain detailed records of all investments for reporting and trend analysis.

Financial and Investing Operations:

1. Responsible for fund reporting, portfolio valuation and preparation of documentation such as valuation memos and quarterly reports.
2. Develop valuation models for the portfolio companies used for quarterly reporting and audited fair market values.
3. Organize and manage the fund's operations, valuations and finance including working with outside contractors & review legal documents and negotiate contracts.
4. Support the annual audit processes associated with Illinois Ventures and its funds.

Fundraising & Investor Relations

1. Support fundraising efforts for future funds, including developing investor materials, engaging with potential investors, and maintaining strong relationships with current Limited Partners.
2. Build relationships with investment capital sources, including angel investors, venture capitalists and investment bankers, to support University startup companies.

Strategic Connection to the University of Illinois

1. Identify and engage technology innovators within the University of Illinois System, with a particular focus on sectors of interest to the funds including, Ag Tech, Clean Tech, IT & AI, Life Sciences & Biotech, and Engineering & Quantum.
2. Provide support to University faculty and student companies, enhancing investor preparedness and supporting tenants in University incubator facilities.
3. Increase awareness of new venture creation and startup funding among University faculty, staff and students, and strengthen ties with industry.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Act as a mentor and leader within the firm, contributing to the development of junior team members and the broader venture capital ecosystem.
2. Travel as needed to meet with portfolio companies, attend event and engage with stakeholders.
3. Undertake other duties and responsibilities appropriate for a Senior Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

MBA or other relevant advanced degree in business, finance, law, economics, science, medicine, or engineering.

1. Willingness to participate in the venture funds including investment into the General Partnership to support potential for a carried interest allocation.
2. Meets the definition of an accredited investor as defined by the SEC.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of 5 years of experience in venture capital, corporate or strategic investing. In lieu of direct investing experience candidates with business, consulting, financial services or business development with venture capital related expertise will also be considered.
2. Excellent finance and analytical skills, including experience in developing complex financial, company, fund, and valuation models.
3. Passion for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, with a commitment to driving the success of early-stage ventures.
4. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships across a wide range of constituencies.
5. Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and an ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is .
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 11/18/2024.

System Human Resource Services

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

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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at , or by emailing .

Requisition ID:
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana
Looking for more University of Illinois positions?

We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois' Universities and the University of Illinois System Office. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations. Click the links below to search for other University of Illinois positions.

Requisition ID:
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana
Looking for more University of Illinois positions?

We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois' Universities and the University of Illinois System Office. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations. Click the links below to search for other University of Illinois positions.

University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Springfield
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Foundation

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