Senior Director, KCSourcelink and MOSourceLink, UMKC's Innovation Center

UMKC's Innovation Center- KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink

KCSourceLink is the connection to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City. With a network of 250+ business-building resources, KCSourceLink helps aspiring and existing business owners start, grow and accelerate businesses across the 18-county, bistate Kansas City region. KCSourceLink also identifies gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and then strategically works with partners to fill those gaps and strengthen support for businesses-all while measuring and reporting on the progress of the ecosystem.

MOSourceLink connects a network of nearly 500 organizations across the state of Missouri that provide programs and services to help companies start and grow. Acting as a clearinghouse for information, MOSourceLink supports entrepreneurrs by providing easy access to the right resource at the right time.

The Senior Director is primarily responsible for the strategic management of KCSoucreLink and MOSourceLink programs & staff. This role is critical to developing and fostering community relationships that connect entrepreneurs to support resources and grow the entrepreneur ecosystem.

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide strategic direction to KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink programs; set short- and long-term goals and objectives; manage operations and staff to connect entrepreneurs to support resources and support the growth of the entrepreneur ecosystem.
• Understand and form relationships with entrepreneur support organizations and community organizations that support entrepreneurs; monitor and report on programs and services offered.
• Convene constituencies, including entrepreneur support organizations, entrepreneurs, funders and others to connect the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Identify gaps within the network of support and lead cross-organization collaborative efforts to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem - report on progress for the community.
• Seek and apply for grant opportunities. Track progress towards grant goals, report on goals toward grants and provide grant reports to funders. Develop and maintain funder relationships.
• Oversee budgets.
• Oversee marketing strategy and planning.
• Oversee presentations and program representation at community events, media engagements and partner programs.
• Manage data and survey systems (internal CRM system as well as outsourced research); document and regularly report on activities and progress toward goals.
• Manage annual Global Entrepreneurship Week in the Kansas City region.
• Provide guidance to constituencies concerning programs and projects offered across the state.
• Continually learn about entrepreneurship and opportunities to best serve entrepreneurs and influence others to take action to implement change.
• Serve as the main point of contact for programs and entrepreneurial information

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES:

The successful candidate must:

• Have strong program, project and seasoned people management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with people and organizations in the community to achieve collaborative goals.
• Able to incite action from others that do not have a direct report to candidate.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with funders and raise funds.
• Have excellent customer service skills working with internal and external audiences.
• Able to use judgement to identify, troubleshoot and resolve technical and/or operational problems.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to participate in long-term planning and strategies for a program.
• Have an understanding of the needs of entrepreneurs (microenterprise, Main Street, innovation-led and second stage) and entrepreneurial infrastructure.
• Have demonstrated skill in working with partners, staff and funders.
• 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

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as up to $120,000 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 Salary Plan # GGS
University Title: Senior Director, Program Project Operations
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 must include a cover letter letter and updated resume / cv.

For best consideration submit application materials by October 4, 2026.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

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.