Director Collaboratory Integrating , Innovation, and Research Excellence; C-IG

Job Description

The Director of C-IGNITE reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCRI). This pivotal leadership role operates as a "Capture Manager" and ecosystem builder. The Director is responsible for the full strategic lifecycle of high-impact interdisciplinary research
, shepherding "Big Ideas" from early conceptualization and team formation through to proposal submission and sustainable execution. This role bridges the gap between UMKC faculty expertise, corporate partners, and national funding priorities to secure large-scale, non-traditional funding.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Launch & Ecosystem Building
  • Launch and operationalize C-IGNITE as the central hub for "team science" and external partnership.
  • Develop a strategic roadmap that synchronizes UMKC research priorities with the needs of industry and community stakeholders
    .
  • Cultivate a pipeline of non-traditional funding opportunities (e.g., corporate sponsored research, public-private partnerships, foundation consortia).
• Corporate & Community Partnership Development
  • Act as the primary liaison for industry engagement
    , identifying overlapping research interests with corporate R&D divisions to co-create grant proposals.
  • Establish meaningful connections with community organizations and NGOs to integrate "community benefit" and real-world impact into research designs from day one.
  • Facilitate "Innovation Round tables" that bring together faculty, industry leaders, and civic partners to brainstorm solutions for regional challenges.
• Facilitating Collaborative "Big Science"
  • Break down academic silos by forming interdisciplinary "response teams" capable of addressing complex societal problems favored by federal agencies (e.g., NSF Convergence, NIH P-Series).
  • Lead the strategic pursuit of large center-level grants that require robust public-private partnerships.
Competitiveness & Mentorship
• Oversee "Red Team" reviews, ensuring that proposals speak effectively to both academic merit and broader economic/social impact
  .
• Mentor faculty on the nuances of navigating corporate contracts and industry expectations.
• Strategic Lifecycle Stewardship (Idea to Impact)
  • Incubation
    :
    Proactively identify and incubate high-potential interdisciplinary concepts before funding calls are announced. Work with faculty to refine "blue sky" ideas into fundable research strategies.
  • Team Sustainability
    :
    Manage the lifecycle of research teams, ensuring that interdisciplinary groups remain cohesive and productive even between grant cycles.
  • Resilience Strategy
    : champion the long-term viability of research themes; if a major proposal is declined, lead the "pivot strategy" to repackage the idea for alternative funders or corporate sponsors.

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.

• Master's degree or equivalent.
• 7+ years of experience in research development, innovation management, or strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in managing the lifecycle of complex projects or teams.

Anticipated hiring range is $130,000 to $145,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

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  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

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…