University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · 4 hours ago
Specialized Faculty (Open Rank, Non-Tenure Track) - Department of Finance - Venture Capital
Urbana, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$150K/yr - $150K/yrThe University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an experienced professional to co-lead the launch of a student-run venture capital fund. The role involves teaching, mentoring students in venture capital fundamentals, and overseeing the fund's operations while cultivating relationships within the venture capital industry.
Higher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Co-instructor for a prerequisite course to provide students with the underlying concepts and tools of venture capital fund management
Educate students on the principal topics relevant to the venture capital industry – including fund formation, deal sourcing and evaluation, term sheets and valuation, portfolio management, exit strategies
Provide insight around the current trends shaping the VC landscape, accomplished through exposure to guest speakers that are part of the Illini venture capital ecosystem (alumni, others in the field)
Deliver a hands-on experience of thinking and acting like a venture capitalist
Faculty Co-leader of Orange & Blue Ventures
Provide strategic, academic, and operational guidance to a student investment team that manages the fund
Ensure educational rigor, sound investment practices, and alignment with Gies’s mission while empowering students to make real-world investment decisions
Design and lead the academic framework that supports the fund, including coursework, workshops, seminars, and experiential learning activities
Mentor students in venture capital fundamentals, including deal sourcing, due diligence, investment analysis, portfolio management, and responsible investing
Provide structured feedback on student work and support professional skill development
Ensure the fund operates within university policies, legal guidelines, and fiduciary responsibilities
Serve as the primary liaison between the fund, university administration, and external stakeholders
Support the student investment committee while preserving the student-led nature of decision-making
Oversee risk management practices and ensure transparency in fund operations and reporting
Cultivate relationships with venture capital firms, angel investors, accelerators, and alumni to enrich opportunities for deal flow, advising, and networking
Facilitate guest speakers, practitioner panels, pitch events, and workshops
Represent the fund at university events, conferences, and industry convenings
Work with other Gies College units to promote research and teaching on the science and practice of entrepreneurship
Guide annual student recruitment, selection, and training processes
Advise student leadership on roles, responsibilities, fund structure, and team management
Support student-led initiatives such as the activities of the Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship or ad hoc events that Orange & Blue Ventures organize
Collaborate with administrative staff from the Finance Department and the Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship to manage budget, reporting, compliance, and long-term strategic planning
Help steward donor relationships and support fundraising for the fund’s future expansion
Maintain documentation, playbooks, and institutional memory for continuity between student cohorts
Qualification
Required
Senior leadership experience in venture capital, private equity, entrepreneurship, or startup advisory roles
Demonstrated teaching, mentoring, or academic leadership experience desired, not required
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, administrators, and industry partners
Commitment to experiential learning and fostering an accessible and welcoming entrepreneurial ecosystem
Able to be on campus several times per month
Preferred
Advanced degree in business, finance, entrepreneurship, or a related field (MBA or PhD preferred)
Living in the Champaign-Urbana area
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
A Retirement Plan
Paid time Off
Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
Company
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is dedicated to building upon its tradition of excellence in education, research, public engagement and economic development.
Founded in 1915
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Robert Whitmore
Co-Founder | Evolution & Impact of Societies in Africa | *EISA*
Shelley Giordano
Co-Founder Academy for Home Equity in Financial Planning University of Illinois
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