Managing Director

Washington State University; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 232,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Insurance package

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University seeks a Managing Director for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub, responsible for setting vision and directing all hub operations, partnerships, programs, and personnel.

The role requires 8+ years of leadership in program management, innovation ecosystems or defense-related initiatives, plus a bachelor's degree. Strong communication with government, industry, academia, and investors is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 8+ years of progressively responsible experience, including 3+ years in leadership.
• Master’s degree may substitute up to 1 year of required experience.
• Experience in program management, innovation ecosystems, defense-related initiatives, or higher education administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and external engagement for the DIU OnRamp Hub.
• Oversee operations, program management, and compliance.
• Lead personnel and resource management with strong stakeholder interfaces.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic leadership

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree substitution

Job description

Managing Director – Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details. Available Title(s): 1449-NN_ADMINPRO - Executive Director Business Title: Managing Director Employee Type: Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

The Opportunity

The Office of Research at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU's land‑grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation. The Managing Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub, providing vision, direction, and oversight for all Hub operations, partnerships, programs, and personnel. Reporting to university leadership and serving as the primary interface with DIU leadership, the Managing Director is responsible for ensuring the Hub advances DIU’s mission, achieves all Cooperative Agreement requirements, and strengthens Washington’s role within the national defense innovation ecosystem. This position provides strategic leadership for the Hub’s engagement with industry, academia, investors, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and defense stakeholders. The Managing Director aligns regional innovation capabilities with Department of Defense priorities, fosters technology transition opportunities, and ensures operational excellence across all Hub functions. The role requires a highly visible leader capable of building trusted relationships, driving mission-focused outcomes, and positioning the Hub as a premier defense innovation gateway for Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

Job Functions

• 40% Strategic Leadership and External Engagement
• 30% Operations, Program Management, and Compliance
• 25% Personnel and Resource Management
• 5% Other Duties as Assigned

Area and Campus

Area/College: Office of Research; Department Name: Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub; Location: Seattle, WA

Additional Information

Screening Begin Date: This position will remain open until filled. Screening of applicants will begin on Friday, October 9, 2026.

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime exempt. This is a temporary position expected to end on October 31, 2028. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Monthly Salary: $14,364.00 - $20,833.33 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits:

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development
• Employee tuition waiver

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Position Term: 12 Month

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and eight (8) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least three (3) years of managerial experience.
• A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
• Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, engineering, technology management, innovation, economic development, national security, or a related field.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in program management, innovation ecosystems, technology commercialization, defense-related initiatives, higher education administration, economic development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex organizations, programs, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience managing teams, budgets, strategic planning efforts, and organizational performance.
• Demonstrated effective communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior leaders across government, academia, industry, and nonprofit sectors.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or terminal degree in a related discipline.
• Experience working with the Department of Defense, Defense Innovation Unit military innovation organizations, federal agencies, national laboratories, or technology transition programs.
• Experience building and managing public-private partnerships involving government, industry, academic, and investment stakeholders.
• Knowledge of technology transition, dual-use technology development, commercialization pathways, venture capital, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and innovation policy.
• Experience managing federally funded programs, grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts.
• Familiarity with Washington’s innovation, aerospace, maritime, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, research, defense technology, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Leadership experience in public-private partnerships or regional innovation initiatives.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type: Full time Position Term: 12 Month Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v).

Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.