Missouri Innovation Center Chief Operating Officer

at  University of Missouri

HIRING DEPARTMENT

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience or a bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary,

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
  Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work. Successful candidates will have exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the university’s values.