Strategic Research Programs Lead

Georgia Tech Research Institute; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) in Washington, DC, seeks a Washington Field Office Strategic Engagement Officer to lead strategic engagements with DoD sponsors and align GT/GTRI capabilities with national security priorities.

As Senior Action Officer, you will develop plans, coordinate cross-location teams, and brief senior defense leaders on complex programs, ensuring on-time execution and funding alignment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in DoD/government-facing strategic roles.
• Experience translating technical capabilities into messages for senior leaders.
• Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain Top-Secret clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• Proven ability to coordinate complex tasks across multiple stakeholders to drive actions.
• Strong written and oral communications for senior defense audiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee medium-to-high risk/complex government programs.
• Ensure resources (engineering, personnel, facilities) are available for the program.
• Build multi-disciplinary teams across the organization.
• Plan, direct, and monitor program budgets; serve as primary sponsor contact.
• Deliver project deliverables and coordinate meetings.
• Direct schedules, briefing materials, and logistics for meetings.
• Propose new ideas to sponsors and market new technology or follow-on opportunities.
• Present GTRI core competencies and lab capabilities to sponsors.
• Coordinate with program development leads on large proposals and training curricula.
• Understand sponsor portfolios across labs and maintain strategic plans alignment.
• Communicate to mediate between stakeholders to converge on optimal solutions.

Skills

DoD liaison

Strategic planning

Program management

Senior stakeholder briefings

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Independent advisor

Education

Master's degree in STEM

PhD in related field (preferred)

Job description

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) in Washington, DC, seeks a Washington Field Office Strategic Engagement Officer to lead strategic engagements with DoD sponsors and align GT/GTRI capabilities with national security priorities.

As Senior Action Officer, you will develop plans, coordinate cross-location teams, and brief senior defense leaders on complex programs, ensuring on-time execution and funding alignment.