Senior Director, Technology Venture Studio, UMKCs Innovation Center

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UMKCs Innovation Center / Technology Venture Studio

UMKC's Innovation Center (IC) is seeking a passionate, forward-thinking leader to serve as Senior Director of the Technology Venture Studio. This role is ideal for an ecosystem builder and community connector who thrives on cultivating relationships, accelerating innovation, and shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Kansas City. The Senior Director will provide strategic leadership and guidance to the UMKC IC Technology Venture Studio, whose mission is to serve as the nucleus of early-stage technology venture development and drive the growth of the region's innovation economy.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide strategic direction to UMKC IC Technology Venture Studio; set short- and long-term goals and objectives; manage programs, operations and staff to develop early-stage technology ventures in the Kansas City region.
2. Develop, manage and promote TVS programs including Digital Sandbox KC, KCInvestED and Whiteboard 2 Boardroom; stand up new programs as identified.
3. Oversee the UMKC Office of Commercialization.
4. Develop and maintain funder relationships. Seek and apply for grant opportunities; raise private funding for Digital Sandbox KC.
5. Understand and form broad relationships with the innovation ecosystem in the Kansas City region including entrepreneur support organizations, investors, entrepreneurs and community organizations.
6. Oversee marketing strategy and planning.
7. Manage TVS budget.
8. Provide program representation at community events, media engagements and partner programs; present as needed.
9. Responsible for reporting on TVS metrics and outcomes.

Education/Experience/Skills/Attributes:

The successful candidate must:

• Possess strong strategic and critical thinking skills. • Be an excellent administrator and people manager; cross-matrix management a plus. • Demonstrated ability to maintain relationships with stakeholders, investors, university leadership, corporate and civic organizations. • Ability to establish relationships with funders and raise funds. • Experience in technology commercialization required; university research commercialization a plus. • Demonstrated experience in building impactful programs for technology entrepreneurs; experience in developing accelerator programs a plus. • Deep knowledge of the Kansas City regional entrepreneur ecosystem a plus. • Have an understanding of the needs of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial infrastructure. • Have demonstrated skill in working with partners, staff and funders. • Experienced speaker and presenter. • Possess strong skills in Windows, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. • Able to coordinate resources and set priorities to meet objects and competing priorities. • Maintain confidentiality. • Work with a high degree of integrity and hold high ethical standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, communications or equivalent education and experience and at least ten years of experience.

Anticipated Hiring Range:

Up to $125,000 commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Application Materials:

Application materials should include an updated resume/CV and cover letter.

Application Deadline:

Application review will begin February 2, 2026. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until filled.

Sponsorship Information:

Visa Sponsorship Information: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Other Information:

Established in 2003, the UMKC Innovation Center is the largest and most established entrepreneurship center in the Kansas City region, serving more than 6,000 aspiring and existing business owners each year in Kansas City and across the state of Missouri.

UMKC Innovation Center Overview:

At its core is its educational programming that supports thousands of entrepreneurs each year in gaining basic skills to start, operate and scale businesses. The organization also serves as the convener for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Kansas City region, working across the University and the community to connect, support, sustain and empower entrepreneurial efforts.

UMKC Innovation Center Pillars:

• Entrepreneurial Education: Supports thousands of entrepreneurs each year in gaining basic skills to start, operate and scale businesses.
• Training: One-on-one counseling and connections to capital and myriads of resources help grow business owners, their companies and jobs and wealth for the community.
• KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink: Connect a network of more than 700 business-building resources across the region and the state of Missouri.
• Technology Venture Studio: The starting point for faculty, students and the community to evaluate, mature and commercialize early-stage technologies.
• UMKC Office of Commercialization: Embedded in the Studio, working to move UMKC technologies to market and driving connections to industry that result in sponsored research contracts.

SourceLink:

SourceLink provides consulting and software tools to help cities, states and regions nationwide build better-connected and more cohesive infrastructures to spark, support and sustain entrepreneurship. The SourceLink program is currently spread across 100+ communities across the country, including Puerto Rico.

Community Information:

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC Campuses:

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC Benefits:

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.

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.