Executive Director, UMKC's Innovation Center

University of Missouri-Kansas City; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

UMKC Innovation Center in Kansas City seeks an entrepreneurial leader to serve as Executive Director. Define the roadmap and strategy for the organization in partnership with campus offices, schools, and community partners.

You will fundraise from local, state, federal, and private sources, manage a $4.5 million annual budget, develop staff, and build external partnerships with investors and accelerators to advance university entrepreneurship and technology commercialization.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field and 10 years of comparable experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of comparable experience.
• Experience managing entrepreneurship/innovation programs in higher education or similar settings.

Responsibilities

• Define the roadmap and strategy for the organization in partnership with campus offices and community partners.
• Fundraise for the organization from local, state, federal, and private sources.
• Manage staff and the $4.5 million annual budget.
• Serve as the primary liaison for commercialization and entrepreneurship units.
• Build and maintain external partnerships with investors, accelerators, and government agencies.
• Track and report program impact and KPIs to stakeholders.

Skills

Entrepreneurship leadership

Strategic planning

Staff development

Fundraising

Partnership building

Adaptability

Communication

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Overview

UMKC Innovation Center (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.

Responsibilities

• Define the roadmap and strategy for the organization in partnership with the Office of Research and Innovation, Bloch School of Management, Law School, Engineering, and other schools, as well as 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.
• Manage and develop staff direct reports.
• Manage the IC budget and financial operations of approximately $4.5 million annually.
• Serve as the primary liaison for UMKC commercialization and entrepreneurship units (Office of Technology Transfer, Regnier Institute, Law Center for Law Entrepreneurship, Missouri Institute for Defense and Engineering, Critical Materials Crossroads, etc.).
• Maintain relationships with the Missouri Small Business Development Center Lead Center and APEX Accelerator Lead Centers.
• 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.
• Evaluate, fund, and implement programming to support entrepreneurs and university technology commercialization.
• Track and report key performance indicators to measure program impact and inform stakeholders.

Skills

• Broad and deep understanding of best practices in entrepreneurship and innovation programs; knowledge of current trends in higher education is a plus.
• Experienced manager capable of leading organizations and staff teams with an unwavering commitment to the success of startups.
• Strategic planning and collaboration skills; demonstrates a credible and collegial leadership style that is highly effective.
• Growth mindset: entrepreneurial, solution‑based attitude that cultivates the same in others.
• Resource and relationship development abilities; expands relationships with UMKC supporters and external partners.
• Staff development: supports staff with training, professional development, and coaching.
• Adaptable: quickly responds to innovation and new knowledge.

Minimum Qualifications

A Master’s degree in a relevant field and 10 years of comparable experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of comparable experience.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Measures of Success

• Increased number of business starts, jobs created, debt/equity infusion, and sales growth for businesses served.
• Established significant partnerships across campus and community to enhance startup and growth company success.
• Demonstrated value as a thought leader advancing strategic priorities and future vision for the organization.

Compensation

Anticipated hiring range: starting at $220,000 annually.

Benefits

Eligible for comprehensive university benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid parental and caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts across UM System campuses.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816‑235‑6910.