National Security Innovation Program Lead

BMNT; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

BMNT is seeking a seasoned leader to run Hacking for Defense and the DIU Innovation with Academia portfolio. You will manage day-to-day operations, engage government problem sponsors, and coordinate universities, educators, and military partners to ensure a continuous pipeline from problem discovery through post-course transitions.

You will work across a diverse ecosystem, briefing at multiple levels, traveling as needed, and shaping a growth strategy for the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Led complex, multi-stakeholder programs for a decade or more, including defense innovation ecosystem exposure.
• Direct experience coordinating government sponsors, universities, and industry partners.
• Ability to translate high-level problems into university-level projects.

Responsibilities

• Own the client: serve as trusted interface to DIU IWA Program Director and War counterparts.
• Hunt problems: source real needs from bases, combatant commands, and intelligence agencies.
• Lead the ecosystem: coordinate universities, educators, student teams, and military partners.
• Make outcomes real: connect student outputs to prototyping and post-course transitions.
• Run the business: manage deliverables, schedules, metrics, and growth strategy.
• Grow the team: supervise project leads and analysts and elevate tradecraft.

Skills

Program leadership

Stakeholder management

Defense experience

Lean Startup

Mission Model Canvas

Diplomatic communication

Job description

BMNT is seeking a seasoned leader to run Hacking for Defense and the DIU Innovation with Academia portfolio. You will manage day-to-day operations, engage government problem sponsors, and coordinate universities, educators, and military partners to ensure a continuous pipeline from problem discovery through post-course transitions.

You will work across a diverse ecosystem, briefing at multiple levels, traveling as needed, and shaping a growth strategy for the portfolio.