Program Manager, Navy & Defense Innovation

FedTech; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with employer match

Health/dental/vision

Paid time off

Professional development funds

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Transportation reimbursement

Wellness reimbursements

Job summary

FedTech is seeking a results-driven program leader to design and grow accelerator programs that advance Navy technology commercialization and strategic partnerships. You will manage multi-phase initiatives across government, startups, industry and research organizations, drawing on a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset.

The role requires strong program management, relationship-building and communication skills, with experience guiding ventures through funding pathways and procurement processes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience supporting Navy innovation, technology commercialization, or entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Direct experience working with or within the US Navy is required, with an understanding of Navy acquisition pathways.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement across government, startups, industry and research.
• Demonstrated program or project management overseeing complex initiatives with multiple workstreams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Analytical and detail-oriented with data-driven decision support.
• Familiar with collaboration, productivity and AI-enabled tools (Google Workspace, Claude, Airtable, Slack, Beautiful.ai).
• Highly organized with entrepreneurial mindset and ownership in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute multi-phase accelerator and commercialization programs for Navy and dual-use sponsors.
• Source, evaluate, and transition technologies from federal labs, startups and international partners into commercialization opportunities.
• Build and manage relationships across Navy, industry, venture and innovation ecosystems.
• Advise startups on government funding pathways, procurement, SB programs, and commercialization strategies.
• Plan and host demo days, technology showcases and pitch competitions.
• Track program performance metrics and ROI for sponsors and leadership.
• Support operational execution with timelines, budgets, reporting and cross-functional coordination.
• Represent FedTech at industry events and partner engagements to drive visibility.
• Contribute to evolving priorities by supporting new initiatives and process improvements.

Skills

Relationship management

Program management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

AI tools proficiency

Tools

Google Workspace

Claude

Airtable

Slack

Beautiful.ai

Job description

Job Description

If you're passionate about driving the success of groundbreaking Navy innovation programs - we’d love to connect!

Who we are:

• FedTech is a group of entrepreneurially minded people on a mission to unlock the benefits of technology.
• We believe in the value of deep tech and its positive impact on the world, aspiring to democratize access to it for entrepreneurs and professionals around the world.
• We are venture builders who thrive at the intersection of US entrepreneurship, breakthrough technologies, and mission-driven organizations.
• Since 2015, we have supported over 1,000 companies that have collectively raised more than $5B in funding, while also partnering with hundreds of corporates, government and university clients.

What you’ll do:

You will lead the design, execution, and growth of accelerator programs that support technology commercialization, venture creation, and strategic partnerships across the Navy and broader defense ecosystem. Ideal candidate would bring a strong program management background, thrive in fast-paced environments, and can build trusted relationships across government, industry, startups, and research organizations. This position requires a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to manage complex, multi-phase initiatives from strategy through execution.

Typical functions include:

• Lead and execute multi-phase accelerator and commercialization programs supporting Navy and dual-use innovation sponsors.
• Source, evaluate, and transition emerging technologies from federal labs, research institutions, startups, and international partners into commercialization and mission-driven opportunities.
• Build and manage relationships with stakeholders across Navy commands, industry, venture, and innovation ecosystems to align program outcomes with fleet and mission priorities.
• Advise participating startups and technology teams on government funding pathways, procurement processes, small business programs, and commercialization strategies.
• Plan and host demo days, technology showcases, pitch competitions, testing events, and stakeholder engagements that connect ventures with end-users, acquisition leaders, and technical evaluators.
• Track and communicate program performance metrics, including venture progress, commercialization milestones, stakeholder engagement, and ROI to sponsors and leadership teams.
• Support operational execution through management of timelines, deliverables, budgets, reporting, and cross-functional coordination.
• Represent FedTech at industry events, government forums, conferences, and partner engagements to strengthen organizational visibility and business development efforts.
• Contribute to evolving organizational priorities by supporting new initiatives, strategic projects, and process improvements as needed

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience supporting Navy innovation, technology commercialization, venture programs, or entrepreneurship initiatives, particularly within or alongside government organizations.
  • Direct experience working with or within the US Navy is required, with a working understanding of Navy acquisition, innovation, and technology transition pathways.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across government, startups, industry, and research communities.
• Demonstrated program or project management experience overseeing complex initiatives, coordinating multiple workstreams, and managing events or deliverables in fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to facilitate meetings and convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Analytical and detail-oriented, with experience using data and reporting to support decision-making and program success.
• Comfortable using collaboration, productivity, and AI-enabled tools such as Google Workspace, Claude, Airtable, Slack, Beautiful.ai, and similar platforms.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and self-driven, with an entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership in a dynamic environment.

Our Values:

• Boldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort
• Unity: We treat our clients, team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team
• Introspection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes
• Leadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client, team partners and partners first
• Decisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation:

• Base salary range: $92-110k
  • The salary range listed for this position is based on market data and internal compensation structure. The final compensation package will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills and education. This range is not a guarantee of compensation and offers may fall outside this range in exceptional cases.
• In addition to the base salary, compensation includes performance-based bonus (OTE)
• A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, accrued PTO, professional development funds, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation and wellness reimbursements, amongst others.

Location:

• Open to candidates in Arlington (VA) and Austin (TX)
• Hybrid in Arlington & Austin

Travel:

10-20% based on business needs