Program Director

Washington State University • Seattle, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Research at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU's land-grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation. The Program Director serves as the operational leader responsible for the day-to-day management, execution, and performance of the Washington Defense Innovation 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 by coordinating ecosystem intelligence, mission engagement, technology scouting, readiness assessment, validation support, and transition activities that connect commercial innovation with Department of War mission needs. The position ensures that Hub activities remain aligned with DIU priorities and performance expectations while fostering collaboration among defense, academic, industry, entrepreneurial, investment, and regional innovation partners. Through effective program management, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight, the Program Director supports the advancement of defense innovation outcomes, strengthen regional innovation capacity, and accelerate the transition of dual-use technologies to mission applications.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Program Operations and Execution
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management
• Event and Program Management
• Reporting, Performance Metrics, and Compliance
• Budget Administration and Financial Coordination
• Strategic Planning and Organizational Development
• Facilities and Resource Management
• Other Duties as Assigned

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director