Defense & Startups Events Manager

Plug and Play; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Plug and Play Tech Center seeks a highly organized events professional to manage small to medium-scale events from concept through completion in Washington, DC. You will oversee budgets, vendor partnerships, logistics, and production schedules to ensure flawless execution.

You will collaborate with speakers, startups, and cross-functional teams to align on goals, manage materials, and deliver engaging, brand-aligned events. A background with the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working for or with the U.S. government, especially in D.C.
• Interest in aerospace and defense.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Strong processes and analytical skills to identify inefficiencies and improvements.
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Interest in early-stage venture capital, startups, and entrepreneurship with an understanding of emerging technologies.
• Experience working with foreign governments or Embassies/Consulates.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and independently manage small to medium-scale events from concept to completion.
• Develop detailed event proposals, timelines, and production schedules to ensure seamless execution.
• Estimate event costs, track expenses, create PO’s, and ensure strict adherence to approved budgets.
• Coordinate with startups and exhibitors participating in events to ensure they have all resources, materials, and branding assets prepared and displayed effectively.
• Set up sessions for startups to meet with Mentors, CV’s and corporate partners for the program.
• Coordinate and help manage communication with government officials, defense corporations, and foreign embassies.
• Grow and manage local community of startups, investors, and innovation leaders.
• Organize programming timeline for Plug and Play events and client startup meetings.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Vendor coordination

Logistics planning

Public speaking

Stakeholder management

Government liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Plug and Play Tech Center seeks a highly organized events professional to manage small to medium-scale events from concept through completion in Washington, DC. You will oversee budgets, vendor partnerships, logistics, and production schedules to ensure flawless execution.

You will collaborate with speakers, startups, and cross-functional teams to align on goals, manage materials, and deliver engaging, brand-aligned events. A background with the U.S.