| Employee Type | Administrative Professional (AP) |
| University Title | Executive Director |
| Title Code | 1449 |
| Working Title | Managing Director |
| College / Area | Office of Research |
| Department | Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub |
| Work Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Supervisor | Vice President for Research |
| Appointment Status | Temporary |
| Position Term | 12 Months |
| Salary Range | $13,300 – $20,833.33 monthly |
Summary of Duties
- The Managing Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub, providing vision, direction, and oversight for all Hub operations, partnerships, programs, and personnel.
- Reporting to university leadership and serving as the primary interface with DIU leadership, the Managing Director is responsible for ensuring the Hub advances DIU’s mission, achieves all Cooperative Agreement requirements, and strengthens Washington’s role within the national defense innovation ecosystem.
- This position provides strategic leadership for the Hub’s engagement with industry, academia, investors, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and defense stakeholders.
- The Managing Director aligns regional innovation capabilities with Department of Defense priorities, fosters technology transition opportunities, and ensures operational excellence across all Hub functions.
- The role requires a highly visible leader capable of building trusted relationships, driving mission-focused outcomes, and positioning the Hub as a premier defense innovation gateway for Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Job Functions
Strategic Leadership and External Engagment – 40%
- Mission Alignment and Strategic Execution:
- Lead the strategic direction and execution of all DIU OnRamp Hub programs, initiatives, and partnerships.
- Ensure Hub activities remain aligned with DIU strategic priorities, operational requirements, and program guidance.
- Develop and implement strategic plans that enhance the Hub’s impact, reach, and contribution to national security innovation.
- Identify emerging opportunities to expand defense innovation engagement throughout Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest.
- Ensure Washington’s innovation ecosystem remains responsive to Department of Defense mission needs through active engagement with commercial innovators, research institutions, investors, and operational stakeholders.
- Serve as the principal advocate for the Hub’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Development:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regional and national stakeholders across academia, industry, government, military organizations, national laboratories and the investment community.
- Develop and maintain relationships with military organizations, operational users, innovation organizations, mission sponsors, and acquisition stakeholders to ensure Hub activities remain aligned with Department of Defense priorities.
- Communicate the value, capabilities, and opportunities available through the DIU OnRamp Hub to a broad range of audiences.
- Engage with elected officials, economic development organizations, defense stakeholders, innovation leaders, and community partners to expand awareness and participation.
- Develop strategic partnerships that accelerate innovation, technology adoption, and commercialization opportunities.
- Represent the Hub at conferences, forums, public events, and strategic meetings.
- Senior Representation and Advocacy: this includes but is not limited to traveling using personal and/or university-owned vehicle to:
- Serve as the senior representative and spokesperson for the Hub.
- Act as the primary liaison between the Hub and DIU leadership, program personnel, and national innovation ecosystem partners.
- Engage regularly with industry executives, engineers, entrepreneurs, founders, investors, researchers, university leadership, and government officials to advance the mission of DIU and the OnRamp Hub.
- Advocate for regional innovation capabilities and facilitate connections between commercial innovators and Department of Defense opportunities.
Operations, Program Management, and Compliance – 30%
- Operational Leadership:
- Coordinate on a consistent basis with Vice President for Research to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and deliverables.
- Maintain responsibility for achieving and sustaining Initial Operating Capability (IOC), Full Operating Capability (FOC), and subsequent operational milestones established by DIU and ARI.
- Direct and oversee daily operations of the DIU OnRamp Hub.
- Establish operational priorities, performance expectations, and implementation strategies that support mission success.
- Ensure organizational effectiveness through efficient management of resources, personnel, facilities, and partnerships.
- Monitor operational performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Program Oversight and Deliverables:
- Maintain responsibility for successful execution of all Cooperative Agreement requirements, Statements of Work, and associated deliverables.
- Oversee Strategic Impact Projects and ensure alignment with DIU objectives and regional innovation priorities.
- Ensure collection, management, and reporting of program data, metrics, outcomes, and performance measures.
- Guide development of annual work plans, strategic initiatives, and operational priorities.
- Ensure timely completion and delivery of all program commitments.
- Ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement of DIU OnRamp standardized services, including ecosystem intelligence, defense market engagement, technology scouting, readiness assessment, mission alignment, validation coordination, and transition support.
- Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with Department of Defense, DIU, university, and applicable federal and state requirements.
- Oversee preparation and submission of financial reports, program reports, situation reports (SITREPs), impact assessments, and performance updates.
- Establish quality assurance measures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of all deliverables.
- Monitor risk, compliance obligations, and operational requirements to maintain organizational integrity and accountability.
- Facilities and Asset Management:
- Maintain accountability for Hub facilities, technology assets, equipment, and operational resources.
- Ensure facilities support modern technology integration, collaborative programming, modular workspace functionality, and large-scale convenings.
- Ensure facilities and programming consistently meet DIU operational, branding, communications, and presentation standards.
- Oversee facility readiness, maintenance planning, and resource allocation to support mission success.
Personnel and Resource Management – 25%
- Leadership and Supervision:
- Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for all Hub employees, contractors, interns, and affiliated personnel.
- Establish performance expectations and accountability measures aligned with organizational objectives.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
- Ensure the effective recruitment, onboarding, and retention of talented personnel.
- Team Development and Organizational Culture:
- Foster a mission-focused organizational culture grounded in collaboration, innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Promote cross-functional teamwork and effective communication among Hub personnel and external stakeholders.
- Support employee engagement, well-being, and professional growth.
- Create an environment that encourages initiative, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Resource and Financial Stewardship:
- Provide executive oversight of Hub budgets, expenditures, resource planning, and financial sustainability.
- Collaborate with university administration to ensure sound fiscal management and responsible stewardship of public resources.
- Review and approve financial plans, operational investments, and resource allocation strategies.
- Identify opportunities to leverage partnerships and external resources to expand Hub impact.
Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
- Perform additional leadership, strategic, operational, or administrative responsibilities as assigned.
- Support emerging DIU priorities, special initiatives, and national security innovation efforts.
- Represent the Hub on committees, working groups, advisory boards, and special projects as needed.
- Respond to evolving opportunities and challenges in support of DIU’s mission and objectives.
Required Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and eight (8) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least three (3) years of managerial experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment.
Additional Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, engineering, technology management, innovation, economic development, national security, or a related field.
- Eight (8) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in program management, innovation ecosystems, technology commercialization, defense-related initiatives, higher education administration, economic development, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex organizations, programs, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
- Experience managing teams, budgets, strategic planning efforts, and organizational performance.
- Demonstrated effective communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior leaders across government, academia, industry, and nonprofit sectors.
- Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or terminal degree in a related discipline.
- Experience working with the Department of Defense, Defense Innovation Unit military innovation organizations, federal agencies, national laboratories, or technology transition programs.
- Experience building and managing public-private partnerships involving government, industry, academic, and investment stakeholders.
- Knowledge of technology transition, dual-use technology development, commercialization pathways, venture capital, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and innovation policy.
- Experience managing federally funded programs, grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts.
- Familiarity with Washington’s innovation, aerospace, maritime, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, research, defense technology, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
- Leadership experience in public-private partnerships or regional innovation initiatives.