Associate Director of dSAIC / Director of Applied Research and Partnerships, UMK

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is rated R1 by the Carnegie Research Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Our research supports advances in defense, health care, public safety, technology and more aimed at a brighter and more advanced future for all. We collaborate across campus, the UM System, the region and encourage our students to participate in our research.

The Next Gen Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC) is a University of Missouri System-wide initiative headquartered at UMKC. This Center exists to accelerate innovation, grow a data-savvy workforce, and deliver applied research and technical solutions across sectors such as health, agriculture, public policy, education, smart cities, and commerce. With access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, a multidisciplinary team of researchers and professionals, and strong ties to external stakeholders, dSAIC serves as a collaborative engine for economic and technological advancement in Missouri and beyond.

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.

Full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible.

Occasional travel and evening/weekend participation may be required to support partnerships and outreach.

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.

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 starting salary from $115,000 to $130,00 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Posting open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

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, (some great barbeque and ethnic cuisine!) and health science research engagement for both campuses. As one of the largest cities in Missouri, we are home to national championship sports teams, a rich history of cultural arts and music, NASCAR racing, an international airport, and a community that is very engaged with and supportive of our university initiatives. Our beautiful state has rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and long bike/hiking trails for those that enjoy time in the great outdoors. Kansas City offers something for everyone!

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.