Distillery Labs is a non-profit, public-private partnership that is working with the Illinois Innovation Network and Discovery Partners Institute to conceive, construct, build and launch a 50,000 square foot innovation space and build the surrounding community.

This project includes every aspect of creating, supporting, innovating, branding and energizing a community-focused institution which is expected to be a world-class organization and business destination. Further, Distillery Labs is expected to galvanize the Peoria technology, startup and business community and propel it to new heights.

Distillery Labs is seeking its founding Executive Director. This official, for whom a national search will be conducted, will be the leading official in this effort, and will see Distillery Labs not just through its launch process but will also oversee the building of a thriving and supportive community.

Role and Responsibilities

The role will contain four primary responsibilities:

• Oversight of the construction project and launch of Distillery Labs

  • This will include: securing funding, managing budget and implementation, making design decisions, etc.

• Oversight of the creation of a business to support the Hub

  • This will include: building a brand and name for the facility, hiring the team, developing an operating budget and model, seeking and securing sponsorship and tenants, handling day-to-day administration and business efforts, and the like.

• Ongoing operation of Distillery Labs

  • This will include: management of the space and the team, oversight of the finances, fundraising and sponsorship and other business development activities, and communications and external relations. This will also include growth and expansion planning, corporate relationship development, and ongoing fiscal stewardship of the organization in every fashion.

• Leadership role in the Peoria Tech community

  • Distillery Labs is expected to be more than just a facility, but rather a community, one that is inclusive, expansive and collaborative. Part of the role of leading the Hub will be to serve as the public face of not just the Hub but one of the public faces of the tech community in Peoria. This will include: representing the Hub at public events, keeping fingers on the pulse of key needs in the business community, building relationships, and advancing the interests of the Hub in Peoria and beyond.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities and characteristics:

• Strong leadership and operational skills

  • We are looking for someone who is a proven leader and operator, who has experience growing and leading teams, can manage budgets and money, and can organize the operations of a complicated organization.

• Public speaking ability and proven ability as a community leader

  • As we are building a community as much as we are building a physical space, it is critical that the candidate is comfortable speaking publicly and has a thoughtful, aggressive approach to communications and external relations.

• Experience and knowledge in the innovation and technology space

  • We are looking for a candidate with a strong and broad knowledge of the technology and innovation space; someone who is focused on continuing education and who understands the importance of technology to a thriving economy. 

• Fundraising and business development acumen

  • A big part of leading Distillery Labs will be around ensuring that the financial resources are in place for a successful endeavor. As such, we are looking for a candidate with expertise and comfort with fundraising.

• Focus on diversity and inclusion

  • Creating an inclusive, diverse and vibrant community is essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in this space and a nuanced understanding of the actions, policies, and structures that help sustain and grow such a community.

• Personal tie or interest to Peoria

  • We are looking for a candidate who has a strong personal tie, or interest in, Peoria’s wellbeing. We want a candidate who feels a personal call to action and understands the role that the Innovation Hub can play in creating a better experience and more opportunity for all Peorians.

Specific Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Advanced degree preferred).

• Minimum of 10 years of proven leadership experience.

• Experience in the technology or innovation space, and an understanding of the prevalent technologies and the ways that technology is evolving, changing, and shaping the business community.

• Strong understanding of the history of Peoria’s business community and the experience facing residents in the area.

• Excellent communication skills -- written and spoken.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter to distillerylabshr@gmail.com . We will be conducting a thorough and organized search process, and all applications will be considered appropriately. We will be conducting a search through the end of 2019, or until we find the right candidate.

Conclusion

We believe there is an exciting opportunity afoot in Peoria, and that the right leader of Distillery Labs can build not only a world-class center of innovation and technology, but spur the Peoria community to greater and more exciting heights than ever before.