Program Director

Washington State University; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation leave

Paid holidays

Insurance package

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Training and development

Job summary

Washington State University seeks a Program Director to lead the Washington Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub. You will oversee daily operations, coordinate with defense, academia, industry, and partners, and translate strategy into execution across programs, events, and reporting.

The role emphasizes ecosystem intelligence, technology scouting, readiness assessment, and transition activities aligning with DIU priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and six years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including at least three years of managerial experience.
• Master's degree may substitute for up to one year of experience.
• Experience coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience managing budgets, reporting processes, and performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• 25% Program Operations and Execution.
• 15% Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management.
• 15% Event and Program Management.
• 15% Reporting, Performance Metrics, and Compliance.
• 10% Budget Administration and Financial Coordination.
• 10% Strategic Planning and Organizational Development.
• 5% Facilities and Resource Management.
• 5% Other Duties as Assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Project management

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CRM software

Reporting tools

Data management tools

Collaboration technologies

Job description

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.

Position Details:

The Program Director serves as the operational leader responsible for the day-to-day management, execution, and performance of the Washington Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub. Working under the direction of the Managing Director, this position oversees implementation of DIU OnRamp Hub standardized services, coordination of stakeholder engagement, management of Digital Backbone reporting requirements, execution of Hub programming and events, monitoring of performance metrics, budget coordination, and achievement of key operational milestones. The Program Director plays a critical role in translating strategy into execution by coordinating ecosystem intelligence, mission engagement, technology scouting, readiness assessment, validation support, and transition activities that connect commercial innovation with Department of War mission needs. The position ensures that Hub activities remain aligned with DIU priorities and performance expectations while fostering collaboration among defense, academic, industry, entrepreneurial, investment, and regional innovation partners. Through effective program management, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight, the Program Director supports the advancement of defense innovation outcomes, strengthen regional innovation capacity, and accelerate the transition of dual-use technologies to mission applications.

Job Functions:

• 25% Program Operations and Execution
• 15% Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management
• 15% Event and Program Management
• 15% Reporting, Performance Metrics, and Compliance
• 10% Budget Administration and Financial Coordination
• 10% Strategic Planning and Organizational Development
• 5% Facilities and Resource Management
• 5% Other Duties as Assigned

Additional Information:

Screening Begin Date: This position will remain open until filled. Screening of applicants will begin on Friday, October 23, 2026.

This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime exempt.

Temporary End Date: 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: $11,397.13 - $16,666.67 | 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:

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes 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; and employee tuition waiver.
• For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least three (3) years of managerial experience.
• Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.
• 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 administration, public administration, engineering, technology management, innovation, economic development, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in program management, operations, innovation ecosystem development, government programs, higher education administration, or related environments.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience managing budgets, reporting processes, and performance metrics.
• 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.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Proficiency with project management, CRM, reporting, data‑management, and collaboration technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working with the Department of Defense, military innovation organizations, federal agencies, public‑private partnerships, technology transition programs, or defense innovation programs.
• Knowledge of technology commercialization, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and technology transition processes.
• Experience supporting federally funded programs and compliance reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with Washington’s innovation, research, defense, economic development, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or related certification.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility:

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus:

For more information about the great work we are doing and to view our mission and values, please visit our website: Washington State University | Office of Research.

Area/College: Office of Research

Department Name: Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub

Location: Seattle, WA

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/