| Employee Type | Administrative Professional (AP) |
| Title Code | 1449 |
| Working Title | Program Director |
| College / Area | Office of Research |
| Department | Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub |
| Work Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Supervisor | Managing Director |
| Appointment Status | Temporary |
| Position Term | 12 Months |
| Salary Range | $11,397.13 – $16,666.67 monthly |
Summary of Duties
- The Program Director serves as the operational leader responsible for the day-to-day management, execution, and performance of the Washington DefenseInnovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub.
- Working under the direction of the Managing Director, this position oversees implementation of DIU OnRamp Hub standardized services, coordination of stakeholder engagement, management of Digital Backbone reporting requirements, execution of Hub programming and events, monitoring of performance metrics, budget coordination, and achievement of key operational milestones.
- The Program Director plays a critical role in translating strategy into execution bycoordinating ecosystem intelligence, mission engagement, technology scouting,readiness assessment, validation support, and transition activities that connectcommercial innovation with Department of War mission needs.
- The position ensures that Hub activities remain aligned with DIU priorities andperformance expectations while fostering collaboration among defense,academic, industry, entrepreneurial, investment, and regional innovation partners.
- Through effective program management, stakeholder engagement, andoperational oversight, the Program Director supports the advancement of defenseinnovation outcomes, strengthen regional innovation capacity, and accelerate thetransition of dual-use technologies to mission applications.
Job Functions
Program Operations and Execution – 25%
- Support achievement of Initial Operating Capability (IOC), Full OperatingCapability (FOC), and ongoing operational milestones established by DIU andARI.
- Lead the day-to-day execution of all DIU OnRamp Hub activities, programs,events, and initiatives, including managing WSU DIU team.
- Coordinate implementation of WA DIU OnRamp standardized services, including ecosystem intelligence, defense market engagement, technology scouting, readiness assessment, mission alignment, validation coordination, and transitionsupport activities.
- Ensure Hub operations align with DIU strategic priorities and performance expectations.
- Develop and manage annual work plans, program calendars, milestones, timelines, and deliverables.
- Monitor progress toward program goals and recommend operationalimprovements to enhance effectiveness and impact.
- Coordinate internal workflows and ensure timely completion of programcommitments.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management – 15%
- Serve as a primary liaison between the Hub and DIU personnel, university leadership, academic partners, government agencies, industry collaborators, entrepreneurs, investors, and regional innovation stakeholders.
- Coordinate engagement with military organizations, mission sponsors, innovators, researchers, investors, technology developers, and ecosystem partners to support mission-informed programming, technology scouting, readiness assessment, and technology transition activities.
- Coordinate communications, meetings, briefings, and stakeholder engagementactivities in collaboration with key WA DIU
Hub personnel. - Support partnership development efforts that advance technology transition anddefense innovation outcomes.
- Regular travel using a personal and/or university-owned vehicle is required to conduct program monitoring, supervise operations across multiple locations, provide staff support and training, and ensure compliance with Managing Director goals, DIU program and grant requirements, and university policies and procedures.
Event and Program Management – 15%
- Lead planning, coordination, and execution of workshops, innovation challenges, technology showcases, training programs, industry engagements, and stakeholder convenings in collaboration with key WA DIU Hub personnel.
- Manage event logistics including scheduling, facilities, travel coordination,registration, contracting support, communications, and post-event reporting.
- Ensure all events and programming reflect DIU branding, standards, and mission objectives.
- Evaluate program effectiveness through participant feedback and performance assessments.
Reporting, Performance Metrics, and Compliance – 15%
- Lead preparation and coordination of program reports, performance updates, impact assessments, and required submissions to DIU and university administration.
- Establish and maintain systems and processes for tracking program outcomes,milestones, metrics, and deliverables.
- Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, university, and DIU requirements.
- Maintain records related to contracts, agreements, reporting requirements, andoperational activities.
- Provide data-driven analyses and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
- Oversee Digital Backbone workflow integration, data quality, reporting coordination, and performance tracking activities in collaboration with Hub staff and DIU.
Budget Administration and Financial Coordination – 10%
- Support annual operating budget planning, resource plans, monitoring,forecasting, and expenditure tracking for Hub operations and activities.
- Prepare financial summaries, cost narratives, and supporting documentation incoordination with university administrative offices.
- Monitor program expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets andfunding requirements.
- Coordinate procurement, contracting support, subaward monitoring (if applicable),and financial reporting activities consistent with university and program requirements.
- Assist in identifying resource needs and operational efficiencies that supportprogram sustainability.
Strategic Planning and Organizational Development – 10%
- Support the Managing Director in the development and implementation of strategic plans, annual priorities, and organizational objectives.
- Assist in staffing plans, workload distribution, and operational resource allocation.
- Contribute to the identification and development of new initiatives that expand the Hub’s impact and regional reach.
- Provide recommendations regarding program growth, operational improvements,and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Supervise employees, including assigning and prioritizing work, providing training and guidance, evaluating performance, approving leave requests, and recommending hiring and corrective actions to support program goals and ensure efficient and effective program operations.
Facilities and Resource Management – 5%
- Ensure Hub facilities, equipment, technology platforms, and collaborative workspaces are maintained and operational.
- Coordinate maintenance, upgrades, and resource planning to support programming and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Ensure facilities and materials consistently reflect DIU standards for professional presentation, convening, and branding.
- Maintain inventory and operational readiness of Hub equipment and resources.
Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least three (3)years of managerial experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis. 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 administration, public administration, engineering, technology management, innovation, economic development, or a related field.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in program management, operations, innovation ecosystem development, government programs, higher education administration, or related environments.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
- Experience managing budgets, reporting processes, and performance metrics.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
- Proficiency with project management, CRM, reporting, data-management, and collaboration technologies.
- 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 in a relevant field.
- Experience working with the Department of Defense, military innovation organizations, federal agencies, public-private partnerships, technology transition programs, or defense innovation programs.
- Knowledge of technology commercialization, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and technology transition processes.
- Experience supporting federally funded programs and compliance reporting requirements.
- Familiarity with Washington’s innovation, research, defense, economic development, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or related certification.