Executive Director – University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee – Milwaukee, WI

As the most diverse institution in the University of Wisconsin System and designated as a R1 research institute, we’re a learning destination for nearly 26,000 students. First-generation college students arrive here straight from high school or years later – after starting families, changing careers, or serving in the military. We make learning accessible at every age, stage of life, and location. At UWM, we share motivation to learn and to excel. We value unique perspectives and possess talent and desire to nurture ideas that make global impact. The comforts and connections of a major metropolitan city meet the resources and expertise of a world-class research institution at UW-Milwaukee.

Founded over 60 years ago in the belief that Milwaukee would need a great public university to become a great city, UWM has a dual research and access mission aimed at serving the diverse needs of Wisconsin’s largest metropolitan area by furthering opportunities at all levels for students who may be financially or educationally disadvantaged. More than one-third of its students are the first in their families to attend college, and 30 percent are students of color. In all, the university educates more than 27,000 students on its three campuses. It is the largest educator of veterans in Wisconsin, with more than 1,000 enrolled each year under the federal G.I. bill. The Princeton Review named UWM a 2018 Best Midwestern university based on overall academic excellence and student reviews. The UWM is committed to the full inclusion of LGBT+ campus constituents. In 2018, Campus Pride Index named UWM as one of the Best of the Best Top 30 LGBTQ-friendly postsecondary institutions in the United States. UWM was the first university in the nation to implement an inclusive housing policy.

The Connected Systems Institute (CSI) is a cutting-edge institute to provide education, conduct applied research and offer programs to develop talent, expertise, and solutions to lead companies to greater productivity through Industry 4.0 technologies and applications. CSI is a collaboration among UWM, Rockwell Automation, Microsoft, WEDC, and other industry and academic leaders with a focus on advancing knowledge and innovation in Industry 4.0 technologies. With a strong research mission, CSI benefits participating members in many ways, including conducting advanced research in the areas of industrial IoT and digital manufacturing, developing the talent pipeline for manufacturers, and creating an ecosystem of member companies that facilitates partnerships between large, medium, and small businesses.

The CSI Executive Director reports to the Chief Partnership Officer. The Executive Director will provide leadership, vision, policy direction, and management oversight for the CSI. The Executive Director will be deeply involved in the CSI and its on-going operations, including fostering industry partnerships, developing educational programming for UWM students and industry partners, supporting sponsored research programs with state and federal funding agencies as well as industry partners, facilitating participation by faculty with expertise in related disciplines, and leading efforts to expand CSI equipment and facilities.

The Executive Director must be a skilled collaborator with executive and technical leadership of member companies as well as with faculty, students, and academic partners. He or she will work closely with the Office of Sponsored Research and the Office of Development to secure external funding to advance the CSI’s mission. The Executive Director will be a part of the CSI Leadership Team, which includes an Academic Program Director, and multiple program staff. As the CSI is a flagship University Partnership, the Chancellor and Provost are directly involved and invested in the success of the Executive Director.

The CSI Executive Director must also successfully communicate to executive and technical leadership of potential member companies the economic benefits of Industry 4.0 as realized through CSI and the advantages of CSI membership. Budget management, staff and student leadership, revenue generation, and facilitation of faculty participation and cooperation are also key responsibilities of this role.

Completed application materials must include a letter of application addressing educational and professional level work experience and knowledge as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications as listed above; A professional resume; and A document listing the names and contact information for three professional references.

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether he/she meets any of the qualifications, he/she will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

The initial screening of applicants will begin on July 9, 2022, and continue until a qualified candidate is hired. Applications received after July 8, 2022 may not receive consideration.