University of Missouri-Kansas City
Associate Director of dSAIC / Director of Applied Research and Partnerships, UMK
University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64101
Overview
Job ID:
56021 Location:
UMKC Volker Campus Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
Job Description
The
Associate Director of dSAIC / Director of Applied Research and Partnerships
is a senior leader with both strategic and technical acumen, responsible for identifying external challenges and leading the design of cross-sector, data-driven solutions that align with dSAIC\'s research mission. Positioned at the intersection of academia, industry, and external engagement, this role cultivates high-impact partnerships, drives proposal development, and connects real-world needs with the Center\'s expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Through collaboration, innovation, and resource generation, the Director plays a key role in positioning dSAIC as Missouri\'s hub for applied research and workforce development. We invite applications from visionary leaders for this position, which plays a central role in the success and long-term sustainability of the Center. Headquartered at UMKC and serving all four University of Missouri System campuses, dSAIC is building the state\'s premier hub for cutting-edge research, talent development, and industry-driven solutions in data science, analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
This role is ideal for a forward-thinking academic leader or experienced industry innovator who excels in cultivating partnerships, leading applied research initiatives, and developing sustainable resource strategies. The successful candidate may also hold a tenure-track or tenured faculty appointment within the Division of Computing, Analytics, and Mathematics (CAM) in the School of Science and Engineering (SSE) at UMKC.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic partnerships & business development
Build and lead collaborative relationships with industry, nonprofit, and government partners to identify shared priorities and co-develop impactful applied research and innovation initiatives.
Serve as a solutions architect, leveraging technical expertise and domain knowledge to align client and partner needs with dSAIC\'s capabilities—proposing tailored, implementable solutions.
Identify and pursue various revenue streams, including corporate sponsorships, public-private partnerships, grants, and philanthropic contributions.
Represent dSAIC in high-level external engagements, conferences, and strategic forums—clearly communicating research strengths, technical capabilities, and partnership opportunities to a wide range of stakeholders.
Academic integration & research support
Lead and support the development of large-scale, competitive proposals, applying technical insight and strategic positioning to strengthen dSAIC\'s funding profile—particularly in data-intensive, security, and AI-focused domains.
Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting faculty, students, and research teams with external partners and funding aligned to real-world challenges.
Engage academic leadership, mentors, and faculty within the CAM and SSE, helping to guide the development of the next generation of data-driven professionals.
Resource generation & sustainability
Design and implement long-term strategies to support the growth and sustainability of dSAIC\'s research, operations, and infrastructure.
Engage with external UMKC stakeholders, including community constituents, regional economic partners, and corporate collaborators, to cultivate support, align shared priorities, and promote investment in dSAIC\'s mission.
Collaborate closely with the UMKC Foundation and leadership to advance fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic development planning, as needed.
Support operational and financial planning to ensure alignment with dSAIC\'s strategic goals, evolving priorities, and the broader institutional mission.
Shift Full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible. Occasional travel and evening/weekend participation may be required to support partnerships and outreach.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master\'s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 7 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Must be eligible for a security clearance; employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Preferred Qualifications
Strongly Preferred Qualifications:
Master\'s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated expertise in data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or a related field, gained through experience in industry, academia, military, or applied research settings.
Demonstrated ability to assess external partner or client needs and develop actionable, technically sound solutions that align with institutional or organizational goals.
Demonstrated experience in developing and writing successful proposals with external partners (e.g., industry, government, nonprofit), including multi-institutional or collaborative efforts.
Demonstrated strong leadership and administrative experience, with the capacity to manage cross-functional teams and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for various audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated strategic mindset and track record of building successful cross-sector partnerships and securing external resources.
Demonstrated knowledge of financial planning, personnel management, and operational best practices.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. or other advanced degree in a relevant technical or interdisciplinary field.
Five or more years of experience in senior leadership roles, particularly in research strategy, external engagement, or applied innovation.
Experience in applied research, commercialization, or innovation translation, with the ability to bridge technical development with partner value.
Demonstrated success in leading or supporting large-scale proposals and securing extramural funding (e.g., federal grants, industry contracts, philanthropic gifts).
Familiarity with managing multi-institutional collaborations and long-term, data-driven projects across academic, corporate, and community environments.
Skills and Competencies:
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines with high accuracy and minimal supervision.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
High proficiency in Excel, data analysis, and creating quantitative reports and dashboards.
Experience in streamlining administrative and operational workflows.
Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism in engaging with various stakeholders.
Anticipated Hiring Range Anticipated starting salary from $115,000 to $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.
Application Deadline Posting open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.
Community Information Kansas City is a vibrant community with an affordable cost of living. Our UMKC campuses are centered in the hubs of business activity, cultural arts, and health science research engagement for both campuses. Kansas City offers a rich culture, national championship sports teams, and outdoor recreation opportunities. For life in Kansas City and resources, visit VisitKC.com.
Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, disability coverage, parental leave, caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For more information, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.
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.
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Job ID:
56021 Location:
UMKC Volker Campus Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
Job Description
The
Associate Director of dSAIC / Director of Applied Research and Partnerships
is a senior leader with both strategic and technical acumen, responsible for identifying external challenges and leading the design of cross-sector, data-driven solutions that align with dSAIC\'s research mission. Positioned at the intersection of academia, industry, and external engagement, this role cultivates high-impact partnerships, drives proposal development, and connects real-world needs with the Center\'s expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Through collaboration, innovation, and resource generation, the Director plays a key role in positioning dSAIC as Missouri\'s hub for applied research and workforce development. We invite applications from visionary leaders for this position, which plays a central role in the success and long-term sustainability of the Center. Headquartered at UMKC and serving all four University of Missouri System campuses, dSAIC is building the state\'s premier hub for cutting-edge research, talent development, and industry-driven solutions in data science, analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
This role is ideal for a forward-thinking academic leader or experienced industry innovator who excels in cultivating partnerships, leading applied research initiatives, and developing sustainable resource strategies. The successful candidate may also hold a tenure-track or tenured faculty appointment within the Division of Computing, Analytics, and Mathematics (CAM) in the School of Science and Engineering (SSE) at UMKC.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic partnerships & business development
Build and lead collaborative relationships with industry, nonprofit, and government partners to identify shared priorities and co-develop impactful applied research and innovation initiatives.
Serve as a solutions architect, leveraging technical expertise and domain knowledge to align client and partner needs with dSAIC\'s capabilities—proposing tailored, implementable solutions.
Identify and pursue various revenue streams, including corporate sponsorships, public-private partnerships, grants, and philanthropic contributions.
Represent dSAIC in high-level external engagements, conferences, and strategic forums—clearly communicating research strengths, technical capabilities, and partnership opportunities to a wide range of stakeholders.
Academic integration & research support
Lead and support the development of large-scale, competitive proposals, applying technical insight and strategic positioning to strengthen dSAIC\'s funding profile—particularly in data-intensive, security, and AI-focused domains.
Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting faculty, students, and research teams with external partners and funding aligned to real-world challenges.
Engage academic leadership, mentors, and faculty within the CAM and SSE, helping to guide the development of the next generation of data-driven professionals.
Resource generation & sustainability
Design and implement long-term strategies to support the growth and sustainability of dSAIC\'s research, operations, and infrastructure.
Engage with external UMKC stakeholders, including community constituents, regional economic partners, and corporate collaborators, to cultivate support, align shared priorities, and promote investment in dSAIC\'s mission.
Collaborate closely with the UMKC Foundation and leadership to advance fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic development planning, as needed.
Support operational and financial planning to ensure alignment with dSAIC\'s strategic goals, evolving priorities, and the broader institutional mission.
Shift Full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible. Occasional travel and evening/weekend participation may be required to support partnerships and outreach.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master\'s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 7 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Must be eligible for a security clearance; employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Preferred Qualifications
Strongly Preferred Qualifications:
Master\'s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated expertise in data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or a related field, gained through experience in industry, academia, military, or applied research settings.
Demonstrated ability to assess external partner or client needs and develop actionable, technically sound solutions that align with institutional or organizational goals.
Demonstrated experience in developing and writing successful proposals with external partners (e.g., industry, government, nonprofit), including multi-institutional or collaborative efforts.
Demonstrated strong leadership and administrative experience, with the capacity to manage cross-functional teams and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for various audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated strategic mindset and track record of building successful cross-sector partnerships and securing external resources.
Demonstrated knowledge of financial planning, personnel management, and operational best practices.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. or other advanced degree in a relevant technical or interdisciplinary field.
Five or more years of experience in senior leadership roles, particularly in research strategy, external engagement, or applied innovation.
Experience in applied research, commercialization, or innovation translation, with the ability to bridge technical development with partner value.
Demonstrated success in leading or supporting large-scale proposals and securing extramural funding (e.g., federal grants, industry contracts, philanthropic gifts).
Familiarity with managing multi-institutional collaborations and long-term, data-driven projects across academic, corporate, and community environments.
Skills and Competencies:
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines with high accuracy and minimal supervision.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
High proficiency in Excel, data analysis, and creating quantitative reports and dashboards.
Experience in streamlining administrative and operational workflows.
Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism in engaging with various stakeholders.
Anticipated Hiring Range Anticipated starting salary from $115,000 to $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.
Application Deadline Posting open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.
Community Information Kansas City is a vibrant community with an affordable cost of living. Our UMKC campuses are centered in the hubs of business activity, cultural arts, and health science research engagement for both campuses. Kansas City offers a rich culture, national championship sports teams, and outdoor recreation opportunities. For life in Kansas City and resources, visit VisitKC.com.
Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, disability coverage, parental leave, caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For more information, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr