Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Job Description

If youre passionate about driving the success of groundbreaking innovation programs - wed love to connect!

Who we are:

• FedTech is a group of entrepreneurially minded people on a mission to unlock the benefits of technology.
• We believe in the value of deep tech and its positive impact on the world aspiring to democratize access to it for entrepreneurs and professionals around the world.
• We are venture builders who thrive at the intersection of US entrepreneurship breakthrough technologies and mission-driven organizations.
• Since 2015 we have supported over 1000 companies that have collectively raised more than $5B in funding while also partnering with hundreds of corporate government and university clients.

What youll do:

You will own the planning and execution of initiatives that support technology commercialization acceleration and venture creation with a primary focus on Navy innovation and the broader defense innovation ecosystem. The role is accountable for managing complex multi-phased programs end-to-end from planning through delivery. You will help strengthen FedTechs presence across the Austin defense innovation community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day execution and operational coordination of defense innovation commercialization and venture creation programs from planning through delivery.
• Drive program growth and ecosystem engagement by recruiting entrepreneurs startups advisors and strategic partners through creative outreach networking workshops and events.
• Support business development efforts through relationship-building and active engagement with defense and startup stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships within the Austin defense innovation ecosystem including startups military stakeholders investors accelerators universities and strategic partners.
• Represent FedTech at ecosystem startup university and defense innovation events to strengthen regional partnerships and expand organizational visibility.
• Manage detailed project plans ensuring organization timeliness accountability and high-quality execution across multiple workstreams.
• Track program budgets expenses reporting and project-level financials to support transparency and operational effectiveness.
• Design and prepare presentations reports and content using tools such as PowerPoint and Canva.
• Coordinate and execute the backend logistics of workshops webinars ecosystem events and client engagements using platforms such as Zoom.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to align program efforts strengthen client relationships and support organizational priorities.
• Support evolving program and organizational needs by taking initiative on new projects and responsibilities as needed.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in relevant industries including innovation programs studio/accelerator programs entrepreneurship consulting business development defense innovation or entrepreneurial support organizations
  • Military experience strongly preferred

• Familiarity with the Austin startup and defense innovation ecosystem
• Strong client relationship management skills with expertise in engaging diverse stakeholders and aligning program design with client and project objectives.
• Proven program management ability including oversight of project-level finances coordination of multi-phase initiatives and organization of events in fast-paced environments.
• P&L and budget management experience leveraging financial oversight to optimize resources and drive organizational impact
• Effective communicator experienced in leading meetings and delivering presentations on complex topics.
• Analytical and data-driven using insights to support projects and inform decision-making.
• Hands-on experience with productivity and collaboration tools including Google Suite (Sheets/Excel) Airtable Slack and Forecast with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new platforms.

Our Values:

• Boldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort
• Unity: We treat our clients team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team
• Introspection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes
• Leadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client team partners and partners first
• Decisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation:

• Base salary range: $92-110k
  • The salary range listed for this position is based on market data and internal compensation structure. The final compensation package will be determined based on a variety of factors including but not limited to relevant experience skills and education. This range is not a guarantee of compensation and offers may fall outside this range in exceptional cases.
• In addition to the base salary compensation includes performance-based bonus (OTE) and ability to earn equity
• A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield accrued PTO professional development funds employer paid disability insurance parental leave transportation and wellness reimbursements amongst others.

Location: Austin TX (Hybrid: 2 days onsite at our Austin office 3 days remote)

Travel: 10-20% based on business needs