Project Lead, Defense & Commercial Innovation

FedTech•Austin, TX

3d•$70,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

FedTech is seeking a passionate individual to drive the success of groundbreaking innovation programs. This role involves supporting the management and execution of defense innovation programs, connecting government, entrepreneurs, and partners to advance new technologies. The position focuses on assisting with program operations, coordinating stakeholders, and contributing to the smooth delivery of workshops, events, and program initiatives.

Requirements

Experience in innovation programs, startup accelerators, venture creation, or entrepreneurship support organizations.
Familiarity with DOD/Navy innovation initiatives or early-stage technology ventures.
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.

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 they arise.