Managing Director, Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub

RTI International•Durham, NC

13d•$168,000 - $207,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Managing Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the North Carolina Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub, providing vision, direction, and oversight for its operations, partnerships, programs, and personnel. Reporting to RTI leadership and serving as the primary interface with DIU leadership, the Managing Director ensures the Hub advances DIU’s mission, meets Cooperative Agreement requirements, and strengthens North Carolina’s role in the national defense innovation ecosystem. The role leads engagement with industry, academia, investors, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and defense stakeholders across North Carolina. It aligns regional innovation capabilities with Department of War priorities, fosters technology transition opportunities, and ensures operational excellence. The position requires a highly visible leader who can build trusted relationships, deliver mission-focused outcomes, and establish the Hub as a leading defense innovation gateway for North Carolina and the Southeastern United States. The successful candidate should have deep connectivity in North Carolina’s defense and technology ecosystem. The position is contingent on successful project award. It requires daily onsite work and domestic travel as needed for regional engagement, national meetings, and mission-critical activities. The anticipated hiring salary range is $168,000–$207,000. RTI describes a total rewards package that includes paid time off, merit-based annual increases, bonus opportunities, recognition, insurance plans, retirement savings, paid parental leave, adoption and infertility expense assistance, education and development reimbursement, and an employee assistance program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, technology commercialization, business, public policy, national security, or a related field and at least 12 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree and at least 10 years; or a PhD and at least 6 years; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Significant experience leading complex programs, partnerships, or innovation initiatives involving defense, national security, government, commercial technology, venture, research, or dual-use innovation ecosystems.
Strong understanding of technology commercialization, innovation ecosystems, emerging technology assessment, and pathways from technology identification to pilot, validation, acquisition, or operational use.
Experience developing commercial technology that has transitioned into Department of War acquisition, operational, or mission environments.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage operational execution, set priorities, and drive accountability across multiple stakeholders and workstreams.
Experience engaging credibly and with executive presence across senior government, military, industry, investor, academic, and regional economic development stakeholders.
Strong understanding of Department of War contracting mechanisms and programming.
Ability to translate mission needs and technical concepts into actionable strategies, engagement plans, briefings, and decision-support materials.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical, nontechnical, executive, and external audiences.
Must work onsite daily and travel domestically as needed for regional engagement, national meetings, and mission-critical activities.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a relevant technical, business, public policy, national security, or related discipline.
Relevant experience with defense innovation organizations, military service, the Intelligence Community, acquisition pathways, technology transition, or federally funded R&D programs.
Experience developing or managing regional innovation programs, accelerators, venture engagement programs, public-private partnerships, technology transition programs, or defense-focused commercialization initiatives.
Experience with technology readiness, commercial readiness, manufacturing readiness, test and evaluation, independent validation and verification, or transition planning.
Experience with fundraising, such as leading competitive proposals, capture efforts, sponsor growth, or new program development.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction and execution of DIU OnRamp Hub programs, initiatives, and partnerships, ensuring alignment with DIU priorities and operational guidance.
Build and maintain relationships with DIU leadership and regional and national stakeholders across academia, industry, government, military organizations, national laboratories, investors, and innovation communities.
Represent and advocate for the Hub, serving as its senior spokesperson and primary liaison with DIU leadership, program personnel, the DIU Hubs network, and national ecosystem partners.
Identify opportunities to expand defense innovation engagement across North Carolina and the Southeastern United States, and facilitate connections between commercial innovators and Department of War opportunities.
Coordinate with RTI leadership and direct the Hub’s daily operations, operational priorities, performance expectations, resources, facilities, partnerships, and continuous improvement.
Achieve and sustain Full Operating Capability and other operational milestones established by DIU.
Ensure successful execution of Cooperative Agreement requirements, Statements of Work, strategic impact projects, annual work plans, and program deliverables.
Oversee program data, metrics, outcomes, performance measures, and timely reporting, including financial reports, program reports, SITREPs, impact assessments, and performance updates.
Ensure compliance with Department of War, DIU, RTI, and applicable federal and state requirements; manage risk and quality assurance.
Oversee standardized Hub services, including ecosystem intelligence, defense market engagement, technology scouting, readiness assessment, mission alignment, validation coordination, and transition support.
Maintain accountability for facilities, technology assets, equipment, and other operational resources, ensuring facilities meet operational, branding, communications, and presentation standards.
Lead, supervise, recruit, onboard, retain, coach, and develop Hub employees, contractors, interns, and affiliated personnel; foster accountability, collaboration, employee engagement, and professional growth.
Provide executive oversight of budgets, expenditures, financial plans, resource allocation, and financial sustainability in collaboration with RTI leadership.
Perform other assigned leadership, strategic, operational, or administrative duties; support emerging DIU priorities and represent the Hub on committees, working groups, advisory boards, and special projects.