Manager, Third Coast Foundry at The University of Chicago

Job description

Department SIP Polsky Operations - Administration About the Department Third Coast Foundry is a new physical space in San Francisco for partner university-founded startups and teams traveling to the Bay Area. Designed to improve access to venture capital and networks on the West Coast without requiring startups to relocate, it provides opportunities for investors, alumni, and other partners to engage through meetings, events, and programming. At its core, Third Coast Foundry is a bridge between Midwest innovation and coastal capital. The Third Coast Foundry partner institutions include Carnegie Mellon University, Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, Purdue University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Polsky Center’s mission is to advance innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early-stage ventures. Finally, the Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago’s technology transfer unit, which manages all University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors. Job Summary The Third Coast Foundry Manager is a full-time, San Francisco–based staff member responsible for ensuring that Third Coast Foundry operates smoothly and serves as a welcoming, high-functioning hub for Midwest innovation in the Bay Area. This role is primarily focused on day-to-day operations, facilities, technology, scheduling, and event execution, while also serving as an ambassador for the space, executing strategic vision, and building programming and community engagement that enhance the Third Coast Foundry. The position manages academic, research, clinical or administrative programs. The Manager will work closely with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, as well as other UChicago stakeholders such as the Data Science Institute, in addition to the other University partners of the Third Coast Foundry and their stakeholders. The Manager oversees the daily experience of the space, including user access, room reservations, vendor and building coordination, space readiness, and basic operational support for meetings and events. In addition, the Manager plays an important outward-facing role by helping lead programming, supporting partnerships and stakeholder engagement, and serving as an on-the-ground representative of Third Coast Foundry. This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, service-oriented, and comfortable balancing hands-on operational management with relationship-building and program support. The Manager will work closely with University and ecosystem partners to ensure that Third Coast Foundry is both well-run and meaningfully connected to the innovation communities it serves. Responsibilities Serves as an on-the-ground ambassador for Third Coast Foundry in San Francisco, representing the University of Chicago and partner institutions to founders, investors, alumni, and other stakeholders. Translates strategic guidance from University leadership and the Third Coast Foundry team into practical operating plans, user-facing processes, and communications. Manages daily operations ensuring the space is welcoming, professional, and ready for use by startups, faculty, students, alumni, investors, and other visitors. Oversees day-to-day operations and facilities, including coordination with building management and security on maintenance, cleani