Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY:

The Commercial Operations team is composed of DIU team members who are responsible for commercial strategy (including delivering the right experiential product for acquisitions), outreach (business development and marketing), general relationship management, and market intelligence. The Senior Associate will provide assistance to DIU’s Commercial Engagement Team by supporting with the rest of the Funding Team in their interactions with private investors, corporate innovation departments, and government/public financing sources. The role will assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with, and gathering market intel from, the full gamut of entities that have interest in the defense sector, and are providing financial support for innovations necessary to meet national security goals. Understanding the market landscapes for applicable companies in DIU’s focus areas (including AI/ML, Space, Energy, Cybersecurity, Autonomy, Human Systems, and Emerging Technology: https://www.diu.mil/about). Assessing prospective partners’ needs, understanding the market landscapes for applicable technology components, understanding companies/technologies that can meet corporate partners’ needs will be necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Associate will play a pivotal role in supporting the Funding Team within Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) by delivering high-quality market research, financial analysis, and actionable insights to drive technology partnerships and advance national security objectives. This role is ideal for early career professionals with experience in investment banking, venture capital, corporate development, or consulting, who are skilled in using platforms like PitchBook, Capital IQ (CapIQ), and similar tools to generate market intelligence and support strategic decision making. The Associate will facilitate investor, government, and corporate engagements, analyze defense sector opportunities, and contribute to DIU’s mission of connecting innovative technologies with Department of Defense (DoD) needs.

The below are some of the essential activities for the position:

• Conduct market research using platforms like PitchBook, CapIQ, and other industry databases to identify investment and acquisition trends related to the sectors that DIU actively works with.
• Perform financial analysis of DIU’s portfolio of companies to support portfolio analysis, and partnership assessments.
• Advising the Commercial Engagement Team on commercial considerations, including sector dynamics, competitive landscapes, and investment trends.
• Generate regular updates and analytical reports to provide actionable insights on technology development, market needs, and corporate strategies.

Support the Company Engagement Team by:

• Researching corporate technology development, market positioning, and partnership potential.
• Identifying and initiating outreach to relevant corporations in DIU’s focus areas.
• Supporting the development of solutions tailored to DoD problem sets.
• Compiling market intelligence snapshots to inform strategic and partnership decisions.
• Track DIU vendors’ partnership priorities and facilitate interactions within the defense-focused corporate and broader government ecosystem.
• Monitor and document engagement outcomes for companies supported by DIU initiatives, using data-driven tools to ensure accuracy.
• Support collaboration with industry groups servicing DIU’s target verticals.
• Analyze mid-to-large scale companies selling to the DoD, including their programs, priorities, and barriers to entry.
• Identify opportunities for DIU portfolio companies to provide additive benefits to existing DoD programs and vendors.
• Support DIU’s business development and marketing activities by preparing data-driven presentations and coordinating stakeholder interactions.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience, Education, Skills and Abilities:

• A minimum of two years of professional experience in investment banking, venture capital, corporate development, or consulting, with exposure to market analysis, deal support, or client-facing roles.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct market research, financial analysis, or technology assessments, such as market mapping or due diligence.
• Experience supporting corporate partnerships, client relationships, or deal processes (e.g., M&A, investments, or strategic alliances).
• Basic understanding of technology development, market dynamics, or commercial strategies in high-tech or defense-related sectors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing reports or presentations for senior stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm for national security, technology innovation, and career growth in a mission-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of three years of experience within years of experience in investment banking, venture capital, corporate development, or consulting, with a focus on high-tech, defense, or innovation-driven sectors.
• Experience supporting M&A, venture investments, JVs, or JDAs, including analyzing investment priorities or partnership structures.
• Familiarity with the defense sector, DoD programs, or companies selling to the DoD, including an understanding of market barriers or opportunities.
• Experience developing market intelligence, technology roadmaps, or strategic recommendations for clients or stakeholders.
• Exposure to engaging with corporate stakeholders, such as venture capital groups, innovation teams, or industry associations.
• Involvement in business development, client pitches, or marketing initiatives in a professional services context.
• Prior military, intelligence community (IC), or USG experience is a plus.
• Prior network of corporate participants in the defense sector is a plus.

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.