POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Executive Director - Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC)
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2325
GRADE 49
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Executive Director, JVIC is responsible for all aspects of operation of the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center, which includes the Center for Applied Science and Engineering and the Missouri NextFlex Node at JVIC. Responsibilities of this position include oversight of financial management and budgeting, research program administration and compliance, affiliate and tenant management, training programs, and strategic business development.
At the strategic level, the Executive Director is charged with development and implementation of a plan to meet JVIC’s mission to provide advanced technology research, development, engineering, technical support, and educational programs that enhance the competitiveness of industries in southwest Missouri.
The Executive Director maintains and develops relationships with industry partners, community leaders, and state and federal elected officials and staff to secure external funding through grants, contracts, services, and training. This position coordinates and collaborates with university academic administrators to encourage participation in research projects, applied science and technology interdisciplinary programs, and internships.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or an applied science discipline is required. A master’s degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least five years of progressively increasing responsibilities for program development, project management, budgeting, operations forecasting and grants and contracts administration are required. At least 3 years of work in a higher education or scientific research setting with duties requiring the ability to effectively collaborate and coordinate the work of groups with varied interests is required. Experience and thorough knowledge of federal regulations, compliance and administration of federal grants and contracts is required.
Skills: Effective oral and written communication skills are required. Effective organizational skills are required. Supervisory skills are required.
Other: This position is designated “sensitive” as defined by university policy. This position may include job duties, responsibilities, or activities that are subject to export control regulations. The scope of the position requires evening and occasional weekend work. Occasionally overnight, out-of-town travel is required. A valid driver's license is required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provides overall leadership and direction for the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) to ensure JVIC fulfills its mission to provide advanced technology research, development, engineering, technical support, and educational programs that advance the competitiveness of industries in southwest Missouri.2. Develops and implements strategic plans to advance JVIC’s mission of supporting emerging technology companies and high-tech start-up ventures, including implementation of a business model that sustains the effective utilization of JVIC research equipment and laboratory space.
3. Oversees daily operations of JVIC facilities, ensuring compliance with University policies and applicable regulations, including export control requirements.
4. Oversees budgets, financial planning and forecasting, and resource allocation for JVIC and affiliated centers.
5. Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration between University faculty, researchers, and industry partners, working in coordination with academic administrators and principal investigators to develop and implement community-engaged and applied science research programs.
6. Establishes and maintains strong relationships with industrial partners, community leaders, and state and federal legislative representatives to advance the JVIC mission through public-private collaboration and external funding support.
7. Promotes JVIC as a hub for technology innovation and coordinates with the Assistant Vice President, Economic Development to ensure that University-based research is transferred efficiently for commercialization.
8. Provides oversight for JVIC and the Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE) grants and contracts, ensuring compliance and effective administration.
9. Supports the development of internships and experiential learning opportunities for students.
10. Represents JVIC at internal and external meetings, conferences, and events.
11. Communicates effectively with stakeholders through reports, presentations, and outreach activities.
12. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
13. Contributes to the overall success of JVIC by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Executive Director, JVIC supervises full-time and part-time staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MARCH 2026
