Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

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, Beautiful.ai, and Canva.
• Cook up 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.

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, Beautiful.ai, and Forecast, with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new platforms.

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