Senior Executive Assistant, Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center

The Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC) in the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The University of Missouri System, through a unique partnership with its four universities, has joined esteemed research centers and industries around the world in ushering forward a new era of data science. The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) will play a critical role in powering the success of that enterprise through its NextGen Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center, known as dSAIC. By harnessing immense datasets to extract insights, patterns, and knowledge to drive technological advancements, dSAIC will provide the mission-critical foundation for leading edge research.

For more information please visit https://dsaic.umkc.edu/.

The Senior Executive Assistant provides executive, administrative, analytical, and logistical support to the dSAIC Executive Director and the Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center. This position represents both the Executive Director and the Center to internal and external stakeholders, including research stakeholders across business units.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Calendar and Priority Management. Expertly manage the Executive Director's complex calendar with precision and foresight. Prioritize engagements based on institutional goals, adapting swiftly to shifting deadlines and high-volume demands. Evaluate scheduling requests for urgency and strategic value, ensuring optimal alignment and timely coordination across internal, system-wide, and external stakeholders.
• Meeting Preparation, Communication, and Follow-Through. Lead comprehensive meeting support through meticulous planning and execution. Prepare and distribute polished agendas, presentations, and minutes. Monitor and follow up on action items to ensure accountability. Draft and edit professional communications-including memos, reports, emails, and newsletters-with clarity, consistency, and alignment to institutional voice and standards.
• Project and Workflow Execution. Drive progress across multiple concurrent projects with strong organizational acumen. Utilize tracking tools to manage timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication. Document, monitor, and execute workflows with precision, ensuring seamless coordination and on-time completion of tasks.
• Data Management and Dashboard Reporting. Collect, structure, and interpret data from multiple sources to support research administration and strategic decision-making. Maintain accurate Excel spreadsheets and dashboards, identify trends, and report key performance metrics clearly and concisely for internal and external audiences.
• Correspondence and Stakeholder Engagement. Serve as a professional liaison via central office email accounts. Respond to inquiries with excellent judgment, clear writing, and a customer-focused approach. Conduct background research, document responses, and ensure efficient, courteous communication with all stakeholders.
• Documentation and Process Oversight. Ensure accuracy and compliance across administrative functions including finance, travel, and procurement. Maintain organized, audit-ready records and consistently validate data and forms. Recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency and uphold policy standards.
• Event Planning and Coordination. Lead end-to-end planning for high-profile events such as summits, conferences, and workshops. Develop timelines, coordinate logistics and communications, and ensure events run smoothly. Anticipate challenges and apply proactive problem-solving with professionalism and flexibility.
• Web and Digital Communications Management. Maintain and update the dSAIC website with current, accessible, and visually appealing content. Produce and support digital materials-including flyers, newsletters, and infographics-that are aligned with institutional branding and communication goals.
• Administrative and Operational Support. Ensure day-to-day operations run efficiently by managing office resources, IT tickets, supplies, and space organization. Anticipate and resolve operational needs with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset. Provide Administrative Support to Executive Director's Executive and Advisory Committees. Prepare and process travel arrangement, applications, reimbursements for center administrators, faculty, students, guests, and other department stakeholders. Complete bookkeeping responsibilities, including but not limited to invoicing and liaising with Finance personnel, tracking financial transactions, and running applicable reports.
• Discretion, Confidentiality, and Independent Judgment. Handle sensitive matters with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism. Apply sound judgment to identify priorities, solve problems, and support complex initiatives. Demonstrate trustworthiness and discretion in managing high-stakes or confidential projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

NOTE: This position may work some weekends to provide event management support.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience providing executive-level administrative support in a complex, high-profile environment such as higher education, government, or research administration.
• Demonstrated success in managing and prioritizing multiple projects, deadlines, and schedules in support of senior leadership or institutional priorities.
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Background in supporting research administration or research support services, including familiarity with grants, proposals, or academic/research operations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis for tracking metrics, and generating reports that support strategic decision-making.
• Experience coordinating communications, preparing written materials for senior audiences, and managing digital platforms (e.g., WordPress, communications tools, or project management systems).
• Skilled in streamlining workflows and improving administrative processes through independent problem-solving and collaboration.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $53,973.51 to $56,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS 10
University Title: SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

For best consideration, please submit application in full by March 29, 2026.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

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 Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.