Administrative Consultant Senior

Missouri Innovation Center

The purpose of this position is to oversee the operations of two departments, the MU Life Science Business Incubator and the incubation/technology commercialization programs delivered by the Missouri Innovation Center (MIC). This includes operational and fiscal responsibility for a 33,000 sq. ft. lab/office facility, supervision of staff positions and student interns. Additionally, substantial time is spent coaching, mentoring and otherwise advising entrepreneurial clients on 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 oversees 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 National Science Foundation I-Corps Program. Per the bylaws of Missouri Innovation Center, the person holding this position serves as a member of the Board of Directors of MIC.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Works directly with the Board of Directors of MIC to assure successful governance of the entities, including actively engaging with Board members in strategic planning and succession planning. Initiates regular contact with Board members to assure their understanding and support of operations. Develops supporting relationships with university administration, including specific colleges that may benefit from interaction with the Center.
• 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.
• Oversees 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.
• Responsible for relationships with university 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.
• Oversees 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. Oversees client lease agreements, operating & accounting procedures, incubator client handbook/manual and related space/equipment policies. Implement policies to minimize client inefficiencies with respect to use of private and shared spaces as well as private and shared office and lab equipment. Assures annual independent audit of all operations is conducted and reviewed.
• Impacts the team's ability to achieve service, quality and timeliness of objectives. Direct supervision of employees and interns. Participates in weekly staff meetings and provides regular monitoring and feedback to ensure goals and objectives are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• 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.
• 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 to 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.
• 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 operations.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

The person holding this position will be an employee of the University of Missouri, pursuant to an Operating Agreement with the University.

Monday - 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.

Ph.D. 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.

Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 to commensurate with experience
Grade: GGS 013
University Title: Senior Administrative Consultant
Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

CV/Resume

About Us:

Missouri Innovation Center

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.
• Engaged with our stakeholders.
• Inclusive of people and ideas.
• Excellent in delivering our services.
  

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

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 Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.