Missouri Innovation Center Coo

Research Innovation and Impact

The Missouri Innovation Center is a non-profit organization focused on nurturing entrepreneurs as they create high-growth ventures in Mid-Missouri that improve lives and grow the economy. We are motivated by good ideas, exceptional people, and contributing to the growth of Mid-Missouri by attracting high-growth businesses in need of assistance navigating the landscape of commercialization.
Through offering services in mentoring, securing financial support, and providing necessary resources for conducting successful and focused research and development, we help to create more quality jobs in our region, improve the local economy, and develop technologies that are capable of improving the quality of life.

The Missouri Innovation Center is a catalyst for our client innovators by being:

• Transparent in all that we do.
• Excellent in delivering our services.
• Inclusive of people and ideas.
• Engaged with our stakeholders.

The primary purpose of this position is to manage two departments, the MU Life Science Business Incubator and the incubation/technology commercialization programs delivered by the Missouri Innovation Center. This task includes operational and fiscal responsibility for a 33,000 sq. ft. lab/office facility, supervision of two full-time staff positions and supervision of student interns. Additionally, substantial time is spent coaching, mentoring and otherwise advising entrepreneurial clients an all aspects of business including business planning, licensing, commercialization and equity financing. This position is also responsible for generating revenues from leasing space, contracting with state and/or federal agencies, submitting various grants and receiving these awards. This position manages multiple tasks and responsibilities for two additional department/programs, the Missouri Innovation Center Technology Accelerator Fund, LLC and the MIC Accelerator Fund Manager, Inc. The position interacts and serves various mentor, coaching and teaching roles with related university and community programs including the MU Coulter Program, NSF I-Corps Affiliate and Regional Programs, MU Entrepreneur Quest Program, etc.

Key Responsibilities:

• Liaises with department/functional head, state entities and community organizations to accomplish goals and objectives. Works closely with local REDI, SBTDC and MU Extension to deliver various educational programs. Develops and grows relationships with MO Technology Corporation and others to secure funding, grants and tax credits.
• Applies understanding of the organization and how own area integrates with others. Works closely with MU Schools and Colleges to deliver courses and secure financial support from donors. Works closely with MU Technology Administration Office to assist in commercialization of IP. Integrates Mid-MO Tech Accelerator and CI Angel Investor Network into incubator.
• Identifies and solves highly-technical and operational problems. Responsible for addressing all incubator client challenges ranging from business and personnel issues, to equipment and communication challenges. Responsible for identifying/implementing solutions to incubator building & equipment failures. Also responsible for implementing financial/accounting changes. Analyze operating procedures and tasks, identify operational changes to save time and other resources.
• Impacts the team's ability to achieve service, quality and timeliness of objectives. Direct supervision of two full-time employees and interns. Conducts weekly staff meetings and provides regular monitoring and feedback to ensure goals and objectives are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Develops and administers policies and practices for the incubator, aligning with MIC's functional policies and practices. Provides recommendations for policies, plans and programs that improve/enhance efficiencies. Design, implement, execute client lease agreements, operating & accounting procedures, incubator client handbook/manual and related space/equipment policies. Implement and enforce policies to minimize client inefficiencies with respect to use of private and shared spaces as well as private and shared office and lab equipment. Manage annual, independent audit of all operations.
• Serves as lead business advisor for both resident & non-resident, business incubator clients. Deliver coaching/mentoring to assist entrepreneurs as they launch, fund and grow their start-up ventures. Primary focus is on entrepreneurial finance. Additional areas of expertise include SBIR/STTR grants, angel capital, business plan & financials.
• Produces original content and works with various communications outlets to share the story of the organization and effectively demonstrate the economic and social impacts generated. Develops and disseminates press releases, social media posts, and stories about the accomplishments of our clients and highlight the impacts they generate.
• Directs and oversees the implementation of short- and long-term plans and strategies for the incubator. Responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving a 33,000 sq. ft. facility. Develop annual budget of roughly $1M for board approval.
• Adapts department plans and priorities to meet short-term service and/or operational objectives and address any resource and operational challenges. Frequently interacting with clients meet their growth needs by modifying their space, expanding into new space and customizing that new space. Also assist clients in securing key management team members & other key hires.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

Anticipated $75,000 - $100,000 and is commensurate with experience

Grade: GGS 13

University Title: ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTANT SR

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM, with some minor variability to be discussed during an interview.

A Master'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 or a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 7 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Masters degree is preferred
Ten years of experience providing incubation/coaching/mentoring services to entrepreneurs and start-up ventures. Five years of experience in entrepreneurial finance including angel investing and/or SBIR/STTR grant funding.
Actual experience launching a start-up is preferred.
Business Incubation Management Certificate from the International
Business Innovation Association is preferred.

Columbia, Mo., is known as an ideal college town, combining small-town comforts, community spirit and low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources. Home to nationally renowned public schools and other colleges and educational centers, Columbia is packed with restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals.

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://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

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, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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