Executive Director, UMKC's Innovation Center

Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate

The executive director will need a broad and deep understanding of best practices in entrepreneurship and innovation programs, knowledge of current trends in higher education is a plus.

The executive director should be an experienced manager capable of leading organizations and staff teams while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the success of startups.

The executive director is expected to develop strategic outcomes focusing on campus and community relationships. The executive director must demonstrate a credible and collegial leadership style that is highly effective.

Bring an entrepreneurial, solution-based attitude to the work and cultivate the same in others.

Maintain and expand relationships with UMKC supporters. This outreach will span from on-campus to external partnership opportunities and will include sponsorship and fundraising for the department.

Develop staff in the department with support, training, professional development, and coaching.

Adapt quickly to innovation and new knowledge.

Responsibilities of the Position

Strategic Leadership

• Define the roadmap and strategy for the organization along with Office of Research and Innovation, Bloch School of Management, Law School, Engineering, other schools; and community partners.
• Steward the responsible scaling of the organization toward serving UMKC and the community.
• Fundraise for the organization through local, state, federal and private sources.

Organizational Management

• Manage and develop the staff direct reports.
• Manage UMKC IC budget and financial operations of approximately $4.5MM annually.

Ecosystem Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison for the other UMKC commercialization and entrepreneurship units: Office of Technology Transfer, Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UMKC School of Law Center for Law Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Missouri Institute for Defense and Engineering, Critical Materials Crossroads, et. al.
• Maintain relationships with Missouri Small Business Development Center Lead Center, APEX Accelerator Lead Centers through University of Missouri – Columbia.
• Build and maintain external partnerships with investors, corporate partners, government agencies, and startup ecosystem stakeholders.
• Serve as the center’s spokesperson, advocating for its mission and engaging the community.

Performance & Impact

• Evaluate, fund and implement programming to support entrepreneurs and university technology commercialization
• Track and report key performance indicators to measure the impact of programs and inform stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master's degree in a relevant area and 10 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired OR a Bachelor's degree in a relevant area and 12 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• 15-plus years of experience in management.
• Experience in private and federal fundraising.
• Experience in entrepreneurial ventures (founding/investment experience a plus).
• Experience successfully taking technology/product from inception to market (deep tech product experience a plus).
• Experience successfully raising financing for early-stage companies or venture funds.
• Experience in organizations such as accelerators, venture capital firms, et. al.
• Experience in higher education in an innovation/entrepreneurship capacity a plus.
• Recognized for significant contributions and leadership—whether through service, technical expertise, or driving forward key initiatives and programs.

Measures of Success

• Increased number of business starts, jobs created, debt/equity infusion, sales increases for businesses served.
• The executive director has established significant partnerships across campus and in the community to enhance success for startup and growth companies.
• The executive director has demonstrated that they are a valuable thought leader who advances strategic priorities and a future vision for the organization.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.