CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (April 21, 2026) — The University of Illinois Research Park is accepting applications for Associate Director of Community and Industry Partnerships, a role focused on deepening the park’s relationships with corporations, startups, and regional stakeholders.
The Associate Director will lead business development efforts, contribute to real estate strategy, and serve as a primary connector between Research Park’s tenant community and the broader Champaign-Urbana region. The position comes as Research Park continues to grow as a hub for technology and innovation in central Illinois, home to more than 120 companies and 2,000 employees.
“The Associate Director will be central to advancing Research Park’s mission of fostering innovation, supporting technology-focused businesses, and strengthening the economic vitality of the Champaign-Urbana region,” said Laura Appenzeller, Executive Director, University of Illinois Research Park.
The Associate Director will work alongside Research Park’s existing tenant community and programming to connect companies with investors, industry leaders, and the University of Illinois ecosystem. Building and expanding those relationships across emerging startups and established corporations alike will be at the heart of the role
Applications are due by 6 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026. Interested candidates can apply at go.illinois.edu/AssocDirCommunityIndustryPartnerships.
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About Research Park at the University of Illinois
Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a technology hub for startup companies and corporate research and development operations. Within Research Park there are 120 companies employing students and full-time technology professionals. More information at researchpark.illinois.edu.