Senior Director, Technology Venture Studio, UMKCs Innovation Center

Overview

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.

• 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.
• Develop, manage and promote TVS programs including Digital Sandbox KC, KCInvest
  
  ED and Whiteboard 2 Boardroom; stand up new programs as identified
• Oversee the UMKC Office of Commercialization.
• Develop and maintain funder relationships. Seek and apply for grant opportunities; raise private funding for Digital Sandbox KC.
• Understand and form broad relationships with the innovation ecosystem in the Kansas City region including entrepreneur support organizations, investors, entrepreneurs and community organizations.
• Oversee marketing strategy and planning.
• Manage TVS budget.
• Provide program representation at community events, media engagements and partner programs; present as needed.
• Responsible for reporting on TVS metrics and outcomes.

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.

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.

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

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as up to $125,000 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: 12

University

Title:

SENIOR DIRECTOR PROGRAM/PROJECT OPERATIONS

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

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

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

Established in 2003, the UMKC Innovation Center is the largest and most established entrepreneurship center…