Defense Innovation Project Lead

FedTech • Arlington, VA

2d • $70 - $90 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a project champion to help plan and execute programs to empower researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs to improve the potential success of their ideas and commercialize new ventures. This person should be well versed in running programs and be both operations and people focused.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience in innovation programs, startup accelerators, venture creation, or entrepreneurship support organizations.
• Strong project management skills, including budget tracking and multi-workstream coordination.
• Proficiency with productivity and collaboration tools, including Excel, Google Suite, Airtable, Forecast, PowerPoint, Beautiful.ai, Canva, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and relationship-building across diverse groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation design and client-facing communication.
• Experience planning and managing virtual events or workshops.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven, with a focus on testing, measuring, and iterating to improve outcomes.
• Adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to take initiative and drive projects forward.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred: US Navy veteran
• Familiarity with DOD/Navy innovation initiatives or early-stage technology ventures.

Responsibilities

• Support the execution of defense innovation programs from planning through delivery.
• Drive program success by recruiting entrepreneurs and startups through creative outreach, hosting workshops/events, coaching founders, and onboarding advisors.
• Manage detailed project plans, ensuring organization, timeliness, and quality in all program execution.
• Track program budgets, expenses, and reporting to support accountability and transparency.
• Design and prepare presentations, reports, and content using tools such as PowerPoint, Beautiful.ai, and Canva.
• Coordinate and execute the backend of workshops, webinars, and ecosystem events using platforms like Zoom.
• Manage client engagements, including scheduling, agenda preparation, note-taking, and follow-up actions.
• Actively engage with the innovation ecosystem in the region - connecting with companies, customers, advisors, and investors and integrating them into FedTech activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to align program efforts and strengthen relationships with key external stakeholders.
• Support evolving program and organizational needs by taking initiative on new projects and responsibilities as needed.

Benefits

• A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, accrued PTO, professional development funds, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation and wellness reimbursements, amongst others.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed