We are seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead the Venture Portfolio team, a part of the Defense Innovation Unit’s Commercial Operations Team reporting to the Secretary of Defense. DIU’s Commercial Operations is a component dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration among DoD Mission Partners, Academia, Industry, new ventures & entrepreneurs, private capital investors, and other national security stakeholders to solve some of the most complex challenges facing the nation. A key component of this mission involves engaging with the venture and startup communities to leverage their creativity and agility in addressing defense-related problems.

The Senior Program Manager (Venture) is the subject matter expert and main ambassador for their portfolio, responsible for coordinating all aspects of the portfolio’s life cycle from design, programmatic execution to after action review. DIU Commercial Operations is an experimental organization, and programs will progressively evolve based on performance goals and lessons learned.

The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a diversity of situations, with excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities and equities in a high-tempo environment serving DIU’s mission.

The successful candidate will build ongoing rapport and interact seamlessly and with a professional demeanor across a broad range of individuals including members of the Senior Management Team, government contractors, Federal civilian and military employees, and cross-government stakeholders. The role is expected to handle exquisitely highly sensitive, confidential, and institutional information while exercising professionalism and discretion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a team of program managers and coordinators to achieve the development and execution of strategic plans for DIU Commercial Operations initiatives, including the identification of goals, objectives, and key performance indicators.
• Become a member of the execution leadership team and work across components and functions to deliver on requirements, budget and timelines at the highest levels of quality.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key partners and stakeholders across the national security enterprise, including government agencies, academia, and industry.
• Collaborate with DIU Commercial Operations staff and partners to design and implement programs and projects that drive innovation and address key challenges facing the national security community leveraging deep commercial incubation and acceleration knowledge, especially of critical technology capabilities.
• Oversee the budget and resources for DIU Commercial Operations initiatives, including the management of contracts and subcontracts with external partners as necessary.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for DIU Commercial Operations initiatives, communicating progress and results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within DIU Commercial Operations, including the identification and implementation of best practices and processes.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience, Education, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as engineering, computer science, or business administration. Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management, preferably in the national security or defense sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects and initiatives, including the ability to develop and execute strategic plans.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Experience working with budgets and financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and identify and implement innovative solutions to complex problems.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Familiarity with DoD contracting and acquisitions.
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for frequently bending, stooping, sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; most of time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with the opportunity to move about. Occasionally there may be a need to move or lift moderately light items up to 35 pounds. Near visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; manual dexterity to operate a telephone and keyboard; lift horizontally and vertically.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse and multi-line telephone system. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.

The Tatitlek Corporation gives hiring, promotion, training and retention preference to Tatitlek shareholders, shareholder descendants and shareholder spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for the job.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people.  Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated.  We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment.  We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.