University of Illinois System
Discovery Partners Institute
Technical Lead for Immersion Programs
Chicago - Hybrid

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The Discovery Partners Institute empowers people to jumpstart their tech careers or companies in Chicago. Led by the University of Illinois System in partnership with top research universities, it does three things: train people for high-demand tech jobs; conduct applied R&D; and build tech businesses. With state investment and a new innovation district in development, DPI has the resources to attract, develop, and leverage the most ambitious people and companies the region has to offer — and keep them here.

DPI invites nominations and applications for the position of Technical Lead, Immersion Programs. As part of the Pritzker Tech Talent Lab programs focused on growing a diverse tech workforce, the DPI Immersion team is developing a program to provide students with an immersive learning experience in data and computing, while retaining students in the state of Illinois after graduation. As with all of DPI’s programs, Diversity Equity and Inclusion is an important aspect of these objectives and will remain an area of focus in staffing and executing the program as it grows.

The program consists of project-based internships for teams of students working on a technical project for employers across a range of project types that may include Data Analytics, Web Development and Applications, and Cloud-based Process Automation. More project types may be added as the program matures and company interest suggests. This position will be instrumental in attracting project submissions from companies and other organizations that would benefit from project deliverables and student engagement, scoping appropriate projects to ensure exceptional outcomes, and managing the company and student experience to build the reputation of the program and facilitate program growth.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Creating structured technical work plans for the range of projects (software development, data science, etc.) options being offered. These workplans should follow the following good practices: a)writing detailed project requirements; b) guiding testing strategy and execution; c) guiding software design and architecture.

• Collaborating with the DPI Immersion and External Relations teams to solicit projects from companies and other potential employers ("sponsoring organizations") that fall within our project offerings and gather company feedback for program design modifications.

• Scoping the technical needs for projects in conjunction with the sponsoring organization by gaining an understanding of the systems involved in the project, how the systems operate in the current configuration, the business need(s) for the work to be completed, the data to be shared, and how closely the project conforms to our standard project types.

• Creating the project proposal, including the detailed workplan that will be delivered to companies. Reviewing the proposal with the sponsoring organization to align on the approach, workplan, deliverables, resources, and timing. Securing buy-in from sponsoring organization.

• Collaborating with DPI External Relations to finalize the contract with the sponsoring organization.

• Collaborating with the Immersion team on the following elements of the program: a) designing or procuring an assessment process to determine the training needs of students preparing to be staffed on projects; b) developing or procuring training materials, workshops, or platforms, to facilitate student preparation for the projects; c) delivering or overseeing student training as needed.

• Matching students with the appropriate skills to the project team.

• Supervising the student team via on-site visits and virtual check-ins relative to project execution to ensure successful project delivery. Assessing roadblocks that may arise. Working with the sponsoring organization's engagement manager to address concerns and elevate issues that need higher level action. Managing scope creep.

• Facilitating project delivery by the contracted deadline, securing sign-off by sponsoring organization, and securing subsequent project engagements.

• Owning and ensuring the successful completion of the project(s).

• Soliciting project feedback on completed projects and incorporating feedback into program design revisions.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field with a minimum of 5 years' experience in executing technical projects for customers in one or more of the following areas: Data Analytics, Data Science, Web Development, Web App Development, Cloud Development and Migration, Digital Transformation, or similar.

Other requirements include:

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in managing technical project execution and delivery.
• A history of developing skills assessment and training programs.
• Experience working within higher education system to execute programs.
• Experience selling projects and managing customer expectations.

This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position. For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by June 21, 2022 at https://uajobs.hr.uillinois.edu/.

The System Office conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.

System Human Resource Services
(312) 996-5130
erhr@uillinois.edu

The System Office is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity and diversity. The System Offices welcome applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, sexual minority groups and other candidates who will lead and contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.