Job Description

Job Title:

Operations Director: Clean Energy Incubator Program at Innovation DuPage 

(50% IL DCEO grant funded) 

Summary:   

The College of DuPage has secured a three-year grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to administer a robust incubation program focused on clean energy and growing startups. This initiative, funded through the Clean and Equitable Jobs Act, will run through April 2028. The program will be administered by Innovation DuPage, the region's pre-eminent business incubator focused on growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout DuPage County and beyond. 

General Job Description:

Innovation DuPage is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Director of Operations to oversee our operational functions, including financial management, facility coordination, payroll, and human resources. This is a full-time role that will serve as Operations Director for both Innovation DuPage and for the Clean Energy Incubator Program, ensuring efficient and smooth operations for both. The Director of Operations will report to both the Managing Director of Innovation DuPage and the Program Director of the Clean Energy Incubator Program and will work closely with the Innovation DuPage Board Treasurer to track expenses and run payroll.

Goals: 

• Ensure efficient and smooth operation of Innovation DuPage and the Clean Energy Incubator Program. 

• Maintain financial integrity and compliance. 

• Oversee facility coordination and payroll administration. 

• Support the achievement of program goals and objectives. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Financial Management: 

• Utilize QuickBooks to manage and maintain financial records, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and budget tracking. 

• Prepare comprehensive financial reports and analysis for senior management and the board of directors. 

• Ensure strict compliance with financial regulations and procedures. 

• Work closely with the Innovation DuPage Board Treasurer to track expenses and run payroll. 

Facility Coordination: 

• Coordinate facility maintenance and repairs, managing vendor relationships and overseeing facility improvement projects. 

• Proactively address and resolve any facility-related issues or concerns. 

Payroll Administration: 

• Process payroll accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. 

• Manage employee benefits administration, including enrollments, changes, and terminations. 

Human Resources: 

• Oversee human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations. 

• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures. 

Collaboration and Communication: 

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless operations. 

• Communicate operational status, issues, and resolutions to stakeholders in a clear and 

timely manner. 

• Support the Managing Director and Program Director in achieving program goals. 

Additional Duties: 

• Support and develop project and program plans and schedules. 

• Arrange meetings, appointments, and events; take notes as requested. 

• Manage and respond to inquiries. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred. 

Experience:

• Proven experience in operations management, with a focus on financial management, facility coordination, payroll administration, and human resources oversight. 

Skills and Abilities: 

• Proficiency in QuickBooks or similar accounting software. 

• Strong organizational and analytical skills. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:   

Innovation DuPage is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in 

the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 

race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, 

gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. 

About Innovation DuPage:

Innovation DuPage (ID) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic development by supporting startups and small businesses. As both a business incubator and accelerator, we connect entrepreneurs with the essential resources, expertise, and network connections needed for growth. Located in downtown Glen Ellyn, Innovation DuPage is a community built around the needs of startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Through our extensive network of partners, mentors, and investors, we have the resources and expertise needed for companies to build from the ground up. Signature programs are designed to quickly take businesses to the next level. Our work advances the entrepreneurial ecosystem, grows the regional economy, and is defined by the successes of those we serve. 

Affiliation with College of DuPage:   

ID was founded by the College of DuPage, in partnership with the Village of Glen Ellyn. ID grew out of more than 40 years of economic development work through the college’s Center for Entrepreneurship (now the Business Development Center), which hosts chapters of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Apex Business Accelerator (APEX), and International Trade Center (ITC). The College of DuPage supplies operational funding, resources, and in-kind support to ID, while the Village of Glen Ellyn supports ID with 8,500 square foot office and meeting space. 

About the Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA):

The Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), signed into law by Governor Pritzker on September 15, 

2021, is comprehensive energy legislation aimed at creating a cleaner and more sustainable future. 

It incentivizes renewable energy development, accelerates electric vehicle adoption, and expands 

charging station infrastructure. The Act also establishes statewide clean energy workforce training 

programs to prepare Illinoisans for jobs in the clean energy industry, prioritizing communities that 

have historically faced economic barriers and environmental damage. Opportunity to administer a robust incubation program focused on clean energy and growing startups. This initiative, funded through the Clean and Equitable Jobs Act, will run through April 2028. The program will be administered by Innovation DuPage, the region's pre-eminent business incubator focused on growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout DuPage County and beyond. 

Job Tags

Similar Jobs