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 diverse 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.

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 diverse 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.

Required 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 diverse 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.