Network Convener, KCSourceLink, UMKC Innovation Center, 67360

UMKC Innovation Center

From whiteboard to boardroom to marketplace and beyond, the UMKC Innovation Center partners with the university and the community to unlock the region's potential by helping people transform their ideas into ventures that create jobs and drive economic growth. Along with entrepreneurial education, startup and growth counseling, and technology venture development, a cornerstone of the Innovation Center's work is building a robust regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. This ecosystem-building effort is led by KCSourceLink, the central hub of a vibrant entrepreneurial community that fosters inclusion for aspiring and existing business owners and their supporters.

KCSourceLink connects entrepreneurs to over 230 business-building resources across the 18-county, bistate Kansas City region, helping them start, grow, and accelerate businesses. The program also identifies gaps in the ecosystem and collaborates with partners to strategically address those gaps, while measuring and reporting progress to strengthen support for businesses.

MOSourceLink extends this network statewide, connecting over 600 organizations that offer programs and services to help companies across Missouri. As a key resource hub, MOSourceLink provides entrepreneurs with easy access to the right support at the right time, enhancing the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This role is instrumental in the operations of the MOSourceLink resource center and will provide support as needed to KCSourceLink. We are seeking a highly energetic and community-focused individual to actively engage with current and prospective business owners and network partners both in Kansas City and across Missouri. The primary purpose of this position is to build relationships with partners of KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink (with a focus on MOSourceLink), help entrepreneurs navigate the network of statewide resources, and convene entrepreneur ecosystem stakeholders for networking, collaboration, and professional development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with leadership to define strategy for MOSourceLink; lead implementation
• Build relationships with Resource Partners in Kansas City and across the state; monitor and report on programs and services offered
• Convene constituencies, including entrepreneur support organizations, entrepreneurs, funders and others to connect and inform the entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Identify gaps within the statewide network of support and help lead cross-organization collaborative efforts to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Help train clients and Resource Partners in use of KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink tools and assist in their use
• Work with marketing to set strategic goals; produce newsletters and communications as needed
• Evaluate client needs through face-to-face meetings, phone and email interactions, guiding them in connecting with essential resources to start and grow their businesses; monitor referrals to ensure quality assistance
• Document activity in the organization's platforms and regularly report on progress toward goals
• Deliver presentations and provide program representation at community events, media engagements and partner programs
• Provide support to annual Global Entrepreneurship Week in the Kansas City region

• This role requires statewide travel at least twice per quarter to attend events, support grant initiatives, and engage with partners across the region.
• This is an in-person position.
  

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong relationship builder that is comfortable reaching out to new partners, interacting with clients via telephone, email, and face to face
• Ability to listen to and assess client needs and provide timely, relevant, and accurate referrals
• Strategic thinker familiar with the challenges of facilitating collaboration within a statewide context
• Strong understanding of the components of an entrepreneur ecosystem and desire to learn the network of partners in Kansas City and Missouri
• Experience with data analysis and using data to communicate impact
• Experience with special event planning and coordination
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Possess strong skills in Windows, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Have ability to work independently and as part of a team
  

* Annual salary for this position is up to $73,000 commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Open until filled, for best consideration apply by April 20, 2025.

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'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 is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

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.