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
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Build and lead collaborative relationships with industry, nonprofit, and government partners to identify shared priorities and co-develop impactful applied research and innovation initiatives.
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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.
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Identify and pursue various revenue streams, including corporate sponsorships, public-private partnerships, grants, and philanthropic contributions.
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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
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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.
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Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting faculty, students, and research teams with external partners and funding aligned to real-world challenges.
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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
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Design and implement long-term strategies to support the growth and sustainability of dSAIC’s research, operations, and infrastructure.
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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.
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Collaborate closely with the UMKC Foundation and leadership to advance fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic development planning, as needed.
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Support operational and financial planning to ensure alignment with dSAIC’s strategic goals, evolving priorities, and the broader institutional mission.
