Director, Security & Resiliency

MassChallenge•Dallas, TX

2h•$105,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Security & Resiliency leads delivery and execution of MassChallenge’s Security & Resiliency portfolio, including NATO DIANA, Air Force Labs, Traction Security & Resiliency, and other dual-use programs. The Director owns program quality and outcomes, leads the S&R program delivery team, and manages relationships with government, defense, and corporate partners. Approximately 75% of the role is devoted to portfolio delivery and team leadership, ensuring startups and stakeholders receive the resources and support needed for success. Approximately 25% focuses on partner relationship management, ecosystem engagement, and network building, particularly to grow the Dallas-Fort Worth and broader Texas defense and security innovation community. The Director is expected to bring together founders, government and defense partners, investors, and industry stakeholders, and to manage multiple concurrent programs with a small team. The role is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and requires reliable commuting within the region. Occasional after-hours work is necessary for programs and security-focused events. Travel is estimated at approximately 20%, including quarterly trips to Boston, Washington, DC, and other program and partner sites, with occasional international travel. The base salary range is $105,000 to $120,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 7 years of experience in project or program management.
Experience in accelerator operations, recruitment, and supporting startups or small businesses.
Knowledge of the U.S. defense ecosystem and acquisition practices, including programs such as SBIR/STTR, AFWERX, or DIU.
Strong business skills, leadership, people management, strategic thinking, and sound judgment.
Willingness and ability to engage government, defense, business, civic, and academic leaders in networking settings.
A network across the defense and security innovation community, ideally including Texas, and ability to activate it for a program.
Ability to run several programs simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to set priorities and goals for others, remove barriers, coach, and support growth and career development.
Ability to navigate ambiguity, changing priorities, and multiple government, international, and corporate stakeholders diplomatically.
Comfort representing an organization publicly, including on stage, on panels, and in conversations with senior leaders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to commute reliably within the Dallas-Fort Worth region as required.
Ability to work occasional after-hours events and travel approximately 20%, including quarterly travel and occasional international travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing international cohorts or working with government agency partners.
Previous accelerator management experience.
Knowledge of the dual-use innovation ecosystem.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end delivery of the Security & Resiliency portfolio, from program design and startup recruitment through curriculum delivery, in-person convenings, and finale events.
Represent MassChallenge with NATO DIANA, the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, and other program partners; establish clear communication and ensure program delivery quality.
Deliver dual-use curriculum elements as required by partners and meet contractual deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.
Develop and collect performance metrics and partner reporting, including cohort engagement and outcomes such as SBIR/STTR progression, contracts, and funding; use results to adapt future program iterations.
Contribute to broader organizational initiatives and support additional accelerator programs as needed.
Represent MassChallenge in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas defense and security innovation ecosystem at events, panels, and partner convenings.
Build and maintain relationships with government innovation officials, defense primes, investors, research institutions, and dual-use founders to support deal flow, mentorship, and partnership opportunities.
Recruit and onboard experts, evaluators, mentors, and speakers in partnership with the Partnerships and Network teams.
Manage partner relationships and identify opportunities to renew, expand, or launch Security & Resiliency programs alongside the Partnerships team.
Manage the S&R program delivery team by setting priorities, coaching, and providing regular, direct feedback.
Contribute knowledge and best practices on dual-use startup acceleration and government transition.
Collaborate across the Programs, Partnerships, Network, and Marketing teams nationally.
Support the broader MassChallenge program execution team as needed.