Director of Operations - KCSourceLink, UMKC Innovation Center 52951

KCSourceLink, UMKC Innovation Center

I. BACKGROUND:

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 250 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 directs the operations of the KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink clearinghouse, managing resource partner relations and connecting entrepreneurs to the resources they need.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES:

The responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

* Direct the operations of KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink clearinghouses, ensuring the accuracy of information on regional entrepreneur support organizations and timely processing of referrals from entrepreneurs via phone, web, email, and in-person requests. Monitor and report on progress and outcomes.

* Maintain a deep knowledge of entrepreneurial resources and events across Kansas City and Missouri through outreach, networking, and one-on-one meetings. Build and sustain strong relationships with entrepreneurial support organizations, governmental agencies, corporate entities, and other stakeholders.

* Oversee the collection, maintenance, and updating of data related to KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink Resource Partners and clients. Ensure accuracy and relevance through regular data reviews, and document services provided to clients. Generate regular reports on partner data, client activity, and referrals.

* Hire, train, and supervise full-time and part-time Network Navigators and Community Navigators, ensuring they are informed, accessible, and provide a high-value experience to entrepreneurs seeking support.

* Develop and manage outreach strategies to strengthen relationships with Resource Partners, increase entrepreneur engagement, and identify gaps in the ecosystem.

* Convene Resource Partners and key stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, build consensus on ecosystem strategies, and address gaps in entrepreneurial support.

* Represent KCSourceLink at community events, media engagements, and partner programs to align with the organization's mission and goals. Deliver presentations and act as a program representative.

* Collaborate with marketing to produce newsletters, maintain website content, and support social media efforts.

* Develop and oversee the preparation of reports and documentation for supporting agencies, advisory boards, and targeted clientele.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

* Strong program, project, and budget management skills, with proven experience in leading and developing teams.

* Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community organizations, to achieve collaborative goals.

* Skilled at motivating and influencing others, even without direct authority, to take action and drive results.

* Excellent customer service skills, with a focus on both internal and external audiences.

* Strong problem-solving skills, using sound judgment to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical and operational challenges.

* Understanding of the needs and challenges faced by entrepreneurs (microenterprise, Main Street, innovation-led, and second stage) and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

* Effective at coordinating resources, setting priorities, and managing competing objectives to meet organizational goals.

* Proficient in Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the ability to use these tools to manage projects and communicate effectively.

Up to $85,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Application review will begin on October, 28, 2024. Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

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.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

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