SENIOR EXECUTIVE, 518 COLLECTIVE

Salary: $82,130.00 - $96,290.00 Annually Location : Galesburg, IL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: FY202000297 Department: Foundation Opening Date: 02/12/2026 Purpose/Position Code/Classification/Level/Work Relationships/LocationProvide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the 518 Collective, a technology-focused agricultural incubator, overseeing programs, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement to drive innovation, workforce development, and regional economic growth while ensuring mission success and national impact. COFFOU32610 Confidential, Level VI Non-exempt, non- bargaining unit Reports to: Vice President of Advancement Principal working relationships: vice president of advancement, vice president of business and finance-chief financial officer, dean of career technical education, dean of transfer, director of workforce development and community education, executive director of marketing and public relations, director of accreditation, director of facility services, faculty, staff, students, and community members. Primary ResponsibilitiesSet the vision, mission, and long-term strategy for the 518 Collective in collaboration with institutional and community stakeholders. Lead fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including cultivating major gifts and corporate partnerships to secure funding. Collaborate with granting agencies to identify, pursue, and secure state, federal, and private foundation funding. Oversee budgeting and financial management, including management of 518 grant funds, in collaboration with the Foundation team, and other institutional colleagues. Cultivate and maintain relationships with investors, community partners, government agencies, and academic institutions. Coordinate sponsorships, advertising, and external partnerships. Design and implement incubator programs, workshops, mentorships, and entrepreneur support services. Lead and manage staff, federal work-study students, interns, and volunteers. Represent the 518 Collective publicly at conferences, media events, and community meetings. Lead strategic branding initiatives and maintain a strong digital presence to position the 518 Collective as a regional hub for ag tech innovation. Oversee capital projects, renovations, and equipment procurement through coordinated efforts with the director of facility services, vice president of business and finance-chief financial officer, and other institutional colleagues. Recruit startups and incubator members aligned with program focus areas Support incubator members with investment readiness, intellectual property strategy, commercialization pathways, and business growth. Monitor incubator outcomes, including startup success, funding acquisition, and job creation in collaboration with colleagues from the workforce development and community education, Foundation and other institutional partners. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Sandburg regulations. Facilitate mentorship programs and advisory sessions. Coordinate with workforce and economic boards to align incubator activities with district-wide priorities Collaborate with academic and industry partners to design talent pipelines, entrepreneurship training programs, and address skills gaps in ag tech careers. Evaluate program effectiveness and identify continuous improvement opportunities. Develop, track, and report performance metrics related to incubator success, economic impact, and workforce outcomes. Lead public speaking engagements, presentations, donor events, and community outreach to engage alumni, donors, and stakeholders. Perform other duties as assigned, including but not limited to adapting to evolving priorities and developing innovative solutions. Assist with: Preparing for and attending College Foundation Board meetings, College Board of Trustees meetings, and quarterly Foundation Board meetings. Preparing of the annual Foundation budget and analysis of program revenues and expenses. Supporting strategic goal setting aligned with the College and Foundation mission, vision, and strategic plan. Risk-management and loss-prevention activities Maintain a working knowledge of the college's emergency procedures and actively participate in the college risk-management program. Monitor conditions, events and circumstances that present risk to the college community. Intervene and/or report as specified in the college's risk-management plan. Minimum Necessary Skills, Experience, and Educational BackgroundMaster's degree preferred. Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of eight (8) years of experience leading entrepreneurial initiatives, incubator programs, or in a comparable leadership role. Strong financial management and grant-writing management. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Excellent spelling, grammar, and proofreading skills are required. strong public speaking and presentation skills across diverse professional settings. Exhibit working knowledge of computer systems, including but not limited to Microsoft services and programs including Word and Excel, Adobe Creative Suite programs, Raiser's Edge NXT, Canva, and other online media, publishing, fundraising/gift entry software preferred. Exceptional Leadership and strategic thinking abilities with strong problem-solving skills. Ability to build partnerships across public, private, and academic sectors. Knowledge of technology commercialization. A valid driver's license is required. Spanish or French proficiency preferred. Physical Requirements to Perform Job FunctionBasic dexterity skills (computer work, telephoning, and other office equipment). General physical effort required includes sitting, bending, reaching, and some lifting (20 lbs. or less) and the ability to place a work order for anything over that limit. Full-Time Staff Positions Carl Sandburg College Benefit Package Medical Insurance Vision Insurance Dental Insurance Life Insurance Payroll Direct Deposit Bookstore Discount Tuition Waiver for Credit Courses SURS (State Universities Retirement System) Sick Days Paternity or Maternity Leave PTO Days Volunteer Days Floating Holidays

Apply Now