Executive Director, UMKC Innovation Center

Posted: 05/22/2026

Information Technology

Hiring Department

UMKC's Innovation Center

Job Description

Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate
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: 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.

Skills

Content Expertise. 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.
Strategic Planning and Collaboration. 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.
Growth Mindset. Bring an entrepreneurial, solution-based attitude to the work and cultivate the same in others.
Resource and Relationship Development. The executive director will work to 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.
Staff Development. The executive director will work to develop staff in the department with support, training, professional development, and coaching.
Nimble and Adaptive. The executive director should adapt quickly to innovation and new knowledge.

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

Other relevant preferred qualifications/experience

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, etc.
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.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

Deep understanding of how startups of all types (micro, main street, second stage, innovation-led) form and thrive.
High energy and enthusiasm, with a genuine passion for entrepreneurship.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage faculty, students, alumni, and local entrepreneurs and service providers.
Experience providing mentorship and guidance to early-stage founders.
Proven leadership abilities and a collaborative mindset.
Well-connected within the startup ecosystem.
Skilled at managing multiple, complex projects simultaneously.
Demonstrates a high degree of empathy and emotional intelligence.

Measures of Success
The items listed below will define success for the executive director throughout the first year of employment:

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.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as starting at $220,000 annually.
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Grade: E1B
University Title: Executive Director
To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

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Application Deadline

Applicant review will begin immediately and the job will remain open until filled.