Senior Director, Technology Venture Studio, UMKCs Innovation Center

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

• 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 objectives 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.

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

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 .