Defense Innovation Ecosystem Partnerships Lead

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University seeks an Ecosystem Engagement Lead to build and sustain a defense innovation ecosystem across Montana and the region. You will serve as the primary conduit between DIU and regional startups, researchers, government, and industry, driving engagement in OnRamp programming and transitioning dual-use tech to DoW pathways.

The role emphasizes public-facing relationship cultivation, event leadership, and data-driven reporting, with requirements for extensive program execution

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public policy, business, or related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in ecosystem building, strategic partnerships, or innovation programming or community engagement.
• Familiarity with Department of War acquisition pathways, DIU initiatives, or dual-use technology transition processes.
• Strong record of event planning, external communication, and coalition building across multiple sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and report programmatic data to federal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Represent DIU and the OnRamp Hub at public events, regional convenings, and national forums, delivering messaging aligned with DIU’s brand and strategic objectives.
• Lead external engagement efforts that catalyze regional innovation ecosystems, including partnerships with dual-use startups, research institutions, venture networks, and defense stakeholders.
• Develop and execute ecosystem engagement strategies that drive participation in DIU initiatives, accelerators, and transition pathways.
• Curate and host DIU -branded events, workshops, and convenings at the Hub’s physical space, with the ability to support events of 100+ participants.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director and DIU leadership to identify Strategic Impact Projects and coordinate their delivery.
• Oversee qualitative and quantitative reporting of engagement metrics, success stories, digital reach, and transition outcomes.
• Ensure all public communications, branding, and event promotion meet DIU and DoW standards.
• Lead in-state travel and national coordination efforts to support DIU campaign planning, stakeholder meetings, and ecosystem assessments.
• Proactively identify emerging companies, through venture capital networks, accelerator and incubator relationships, conference and demo-day attendance, technical literature, and direct outreach, building technology relevant to mission-critical DoW need.
• Develop and apply a consistent qualification framework to assess technical maturity, dual-use potential, team strength, and alignment to specific DoW/ DIU problem statements or priority areas.
• Build and sustain relationships with venture capital firms, accelerators, university technology transfer offices, and other deal-flow sources to ensure consistent, high-quality visibility into emerging companies.

Skills

Ecosystem building

Strategic partnerships

Innovation programming

Community engagement

External stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree

Technical background (engineering/CS)

Job description

Montana State University seeks an Ecosystem Engagement Lead to build and sustain a defense innovation ecosystem across Montana and the region. You will serve as the primary conduit between DIU and regional startups, researchers, government, and industry, driving engagement in OnRamp programming and transitioning dual-use tech to DoW pathways.

The role emphasizes public-facing relationship cultivation, event leadership, and data-driven reporting, with requirements for extensive program execution