Executive Director

Company: University Enterprise Laboratories (UEL)
Location: Saint Paul
Posted on: April 5, 2025

Job Description:

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISE LABORATORIES (UEL)



Cincinnatus is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader who wants to play a pivotal role in shaping Minnesota's life science entrepreneurial ecosystem. University Enterprise Laboratories (UEL) is seeking an experienced leader to oversee all aspects of its operations. In this position, you will be in a place where every day is a learning experience. You will be surrounded by creative, innovative people and can help them turn great ideas into forces for good in the community and beyond. You will have the opportunity to take UEL to the next stage and, in the process, influence the economic development of the region.


ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

UEL was formed in response to a growing number of early-stage life-science companies and academic research groups that were struggling to commercialize their technologies due to a lack of available and affordable laboratory space. Life-science companies, unlike many other start-up companies, often require access to costly equipment and lab space to conduct complex R&D activities. Outfitting a wet lab can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. By providing the type of space that early-stage bioscience companies require, UEL creatively addresses this unmet need in the region.

In addition to providing wet lab, dry lab, and office space to early-stage life science companies, UEL promotes advances in biotechnology, medical device and other life sciences, and creates high quality jobs in Minnesota.

UEL was organized as a nonprofit, public-private partnership between the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences, the Carlson School of Management, the University of Minnesota Foundation, the City of St. Paul, and corporate partners such as Xcel Energy, 3M, and Allina.

UEL is financially sound and ready to continue to innovate and grow.


PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Reporting to the UEL Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees all aspects of UEL. This includes but is not limited to overseeing management of real estate and other assets; developing and nurturing strategic partnerships within the broader community; and fostering support for the UEL tenant community. The Executive Director will:

In collaboration with the Board of Directors, execute upon strategic goals and annual budgets that enhance financial sustainability and growth, and advance the mission of UEL. Develop and maintain key performance indicators to assess performance.
Understand tenant's organizations and their needs. Seek opportunities to support their growth and that of the UEL community.
Work closely and collaboratively with the building's property management and other vendors to ensure that UEL's facilities are maintained, leased, and responsive to tenants' needs.
Represent UEL locally and beyond, serving as its chief spokesperson. Identify and secure new sources of funding for the stability, health, and expansion of UEL's facilities and programs.
Communicate effectively and frequently with the Board to ensure it can make informed decisions as it fulfills its policy role.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES:

An ideal candidate is curious and resourceful, a self-starter with a passion for the mission and the experience to lead and grow Minnesota's leading life science incubator. Desired experience and education include:

Minimum five years of prior experience as a CEO, executive director or related executive-level position at an organization with an annual budget and assets comparable to UEL's.
Master's Degree or equivalent experience.
Visionary Leader: Strategic and focused, with a proven ability to execute organizational growth.
Credibility and Gravitas: Can engender respect within the life sciences, government, research institutions and entrepreneurial communities.
Authentic Communicator: Able to communicate well up and down, with tenants, the Board, funders, venture capitalists, strategic partners and those who support entrepreneurs.
Nimble and Resourceful: Has a successful track record of juggling and wearing several hats (budgeting, real estate, conflict resolution, engagement with younger tenants, etc.).
Entrepreneurial: Familiar with the stages of entrepreneurship, with the willingness and capacity to learn how to best leverage UEL's assets to serve the tenants and the mission.
Mission Affinity: An appreciation for life sciences is essential. An understanding of the Twin Cities life sciences entrepreneurship ecosystem is a plus.


COMPENSATION:

The compensation is $160,000 to $175,000 annually, plus a managerial bonus opportunity, and benefits package.


TO APPLY:

UEL will begin reviewing applications on May 23, 2025.

Cincinnatus invites interested candidates to submit a PDF letter of introduction and PDF resume to our online portal at: https://www.cincinnatus.com/uel-ed.html



For more information about UEL, please visit their website: https://www.uelmn.org

Keywords: University Enterprise Laboratories (UEL), St. Paul , Executive Director, Executive , Saint Paul, Minnesota