Executive Director, Incubator

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT INFORMATION DIRECTLY TO INFO@mHUB.org; LinkedIn.com-ONLY SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

Executive Director, Incubator

mHUB is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial executive to lead the mHUB Incubator, one of mHUB's three core business units. The mHUB Incubator is a nationally recognized hardtech innovation and commercialization center and represents approximately $5.5M in annual revenue via memberships, fabrication services, grants, partnerships, and other sources.

As the nation's leading hardtech incubator and Chicago's largest tech innovation hub, mHUB is home to one of the most dynamic and active entrepreneurial communities in the country. Each year, more than 60,000 members and visitors work onsite in our 80,000+ square-foot innovation center and prototyping facility, supported by a network of world-class mentors, engineers, investors, manufacturers, and corporate innovation partners. The Incubator community includes more than 325 active member companies and hosts hundreds of annual events, industry delegations, investor showcases, and community-building activities bringing in thousands of visitors. Since launching in 2017, mHUB has solidified itself at the epicenter of Chicago's robust entrepreneurial ecosystem with an impact footprint that extends beyond the Midwest to across the nation and around the world.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Executive Director, Incubator will be responsible for setting and executing the growth strategy for this division, driving day-to-day operational excellence, expanding membership and programs, overseeing prototyping / micro-factory labs and services, building strategic external partnerships, and ensuring strong collaboration across mHUB's other business units : Hardtech Development Services and Ventures. The Executive Director will oversee an initial expanding team of 8 full-time employees across two teams (Prototyping Lab & Shop and Membership, Programs & Engagement) and a portfolio of contracted experts-in-residence and volunteer mentors and instructors.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role, ideal for a growth-minded leader who can operate and innovate. The Executive Director will be charged with doubling the incubator's reach, revenue, and measurable impact over the next three years. The Executive Director will ensure that as it grows, mHUB's incubator continues to deliver best-in-class resources that accelerate commercialization, manufacturing readiness, and economic impact, enabling member companies to launch new products, scale production, and create good jobs in the Midwest and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Drive revenue growth through partnerships, memberships, expansion, and programmatic offerings.
• Lead ongoing performance tracking, impact metrics, and financial management to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.
• Establish credibility as an innovation leader nationally, continuing to heighten mHUB's reputation and prominence as a leading organization in order to attract new members, partners, and ecosystem organizations
• Develop and implement a strategic growth plan and potential geographic expansion for the Incubator, aligning with mHUB's overall mission and organizational goals.

Member Success & Programs Excellence

Operational Excellence

Ecosystem Development & Partnerships

Cross-Divisional Collaboration

Capabilities

Qualifications

Salary and Duration

The estimated salary range for this position is $175K-$205K, commensurate with experience. Eligible for bonus incentive compensation and other employee carried interest sharing programs. Our comprehensive and competitive benefits include a generous PTO and 401(k) plan as well as medical, vision, dental plans, and participation in carried interest profit sharing.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following items by email to info@mhub.org.

About Us

mHUB is the nation's leading independent innovation center dedicated to accelerating hardtech development—where physical products are designed, built, and launched to solve real-world challenges in energy, health, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. At the intersection of innovation and industry, mHUB incubates high-potential startups to commercialize critical technologies faster and with intention. Based in Chicago, mHUB operates an 80,000+ square-foot prototyping and micro-factory alongside deep technical and entrepreneurial mentorship, a robust investor and pilot network, and U.S.-based suppliers and manufacturing expertise. Since launching in 2017, mHUB has supported over 1,200 entrepreneurs and 500 startups that have generated more than $1.96B in revenue, launched over 1,700 products, created nearly 7,000 jobs, and raised over $2B in capital. mHUB plays a critical role in strengthening U.S. competitiveness and building the physical future from the heart of the Midwest.