Executive Director, UMKC's Innovation Center

Job Description

UMKC IC seeks an entrepreneurial leader with an excellent record of startup and business experience to serve as the executive director of the UMKC Innovation Center (IC).

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.
• 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.