Now Hiring: Distillery Labs Executive Director
Introduction
Distillery Labs is a 40,000 square foot non-profit entrepreneur and technology innovation center in downtown Peoria, Illinois slated to open in mid-2024. Funded through a public-private partnership consisting of a $10 million State of Illinois grant, a $2 million federal grant, and other public and private institutional support, Distillery Labs is part of a broader Illinois Innovation Network and Discovery Partners Institute initiative across Illinois.
This project includes every aspect of growing a world-class organization with the mission of connecting people, ideas, and resources to launch and grow new companies in Greater Peoria. Further, Distillery Labs is expected to galvanize the Peoria technology, startup and corporate innovation community and help set Peoria on a path to becoming a sought-after destination for entrepreneurs.
Distillery Labs is seeking a growth phase Executive Director, a leader for whom a national search will be conducted. As the zero-to-one foundational building blocks are in progress, this executive will oversee the growth and acceleration of Distillery Labs programs, community and corporate engagement, and the building of a broad thriving and supportive community for entrepreneurs and corporate innovators.
Role and Responsibilities
The Executive Director will have three primary areas of responsibility:
Oversight of the final phases of Distillery Labs construction
Managing budget and draws from funding sources; interfacing with construction managers and architects; managing equipment and furniture orders; and ensuring the facility is on schedule for grand opening.
Ongoing operation of Distillery Labs
Hiring the team; overseeing the operating budget and financial forecast; seeking and securing both corporate sponsorships and appropriate grants; filling the space with paid members and tenants; executing programs that advance the mission and support entrepreneurs; handling day-to-day facility administration and oversight; and managing and growing an engaged board of directors.
Leadership role in the Peoria technology and entrepreneurship community
Communications and external relations; representing the Lab at public events; regularly reporting success to key stakeholders; keeping fingers on the pulse of key needs in the established business and startup community; building relationships; and advancing the interests of Distillery Labs in Peoria, all of Illinois through participation in the Illinois Innovation Network, and globally as a respected and spotlighted center of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities and characteristics:
Strong leadership and operational skills
We are looking for someone who is a proven leader and a “roll-up-the-sleeves operator” who has experience growing and leading teams, can manage budgets and fundraising, and can organize the operations of a complex organization.
Savvy community builder across diverse stakeholder and organizational interests and initiatives
As we are building a community as much as we are building a physical space, it is critical that the candidate is comfortable speaking publicly, has a thoughtful assertive approach to communications and external relations, and can deftly navigate political landscapes and align diverse stakeholders. This community builder can also recruit, energize, and align a diverse base of volunteers, mentors, and resource providers.
Personal tie to and passion for the Greater Peoria community
We are looking for a candidate who has a strong personal tie or passionate interest in Greater Peoria’s wellbeing. We want a candidate who feels a personal call to action and can leverage this passion to navigate obstacles and break down barriers to create more opportunity for all Peorians.
Non-profit fundraising and business development acumen
A big part of leading Distillery Labs will be around ensuring that the financial resources are in place for a successful endeavor for years to come. As such, we are looking for a candidate with experience and comfort with non-profit fundraising, donor and sponsorship program development and management, and grant seeking/grant writing.
Experience and knowledge in the innovation, technology and/or entrepreneurship space
We are looking for a candidate with a strong and broad knowledge of the technology, innovation and/or entrepreneurship space; someone who is focused on continuing education and who understands the importance of a startup community to a thriving economy.
Focus on diversity and inclusion
Creating an inclusive, diverse, and vibrant community is essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in this space and a nuanced understanding of the actions, policies, and structures that help sustain and grow such a community.
Specific Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred).
Minimum of 10 years of proven leadership experience.
Strong understanding and passion for Peoria’s history, its business community and the experience facing residents in the area.
Experience in technology, innovation or as an entrepreneur, and an understanding of the prevalent technologies and the ways that technology is evolving, changing, and shaping the business community.
Excellent written communication and presentation skills.
Application Process
To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter to careers@distillerylabs.org. We will be conducting a thorough and organized search process, and all applications will be considered appropriately. We will be conducting the search until we find the right candidate. Distillery Labs is an equal opportunity employer.
Conclusion
We believe there is growing engagement and momentum bubbling across the Greater Peoria community behind Distillery Labs and its bold mission. The right leader can build not only a world-class center of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, but spur a diverse Peoria community to greater and more exciting heights than ever before.