Navy Innovation Program Lead - California - Now Hiring

Job Description

If you’re the type of person who wants to shape the future of technology on Earth (and beyond!), build startups with breakthrough tech, and run complex programs - then we should talk.

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 successfully driven deep tech ventures with individuals, companies, universities, and government agencies to stay at the bleeding edge of innovation. 

What you’ll do: 

FedTech is growing into the world’s leading deep tech innovation platform - in 2024, we’re on track to build 50+ new ventures from scratch around federal IP and accelerate 150+ established startups, along with directly supporting the United States’ R&D innovation engine. As we scale our venture building capabilities, we are looking to have greater regional impact in leading innovation ecosystems. Our initial focuses will be related to national security, aerospace and clean tech-related technologies. 
As our Navy Innovation Program Lead in California, you’ll play a key role in coordinating the strategy for how FedTech builds and manages its presence in the Southern California innovation ecosystem by maintaining executive-level relationships with government agencies, national labs, economic development organizations, city and state officials, academic institutions, and industry partners.
You’ll also be part of a first-of-its-kind National Security Innovation program based in the Inland Empire. Here, you will directly engage with clients and eventually manage a team that focuses on executing a variety of Innovation Programming, including research commercialization training, a Startup Studio, and a startup Accelerator program. Your responsibilities will include metrics such as growth, retention, and partnership engagement across our community, bringing together a vast network of entrepreneurs, inventors, industry professionals, investors, and other strategic partners.

Typical work includes:

• Planning, resourcing, and overseeing a 3–6 month cohort-based accelerator program for deep tech startups. This includes actively managing the program's budgets, project plans, and client relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Managing the team responsible for the day-to-day operations of FedTech’s Innovation Programming, client and stakeholder relations in the Inland Empire (Accelerator, Internal Innovation, and Startup Studio).
• Developing and executing a strategic plan to catalyze the Southern California innovation ecosystem through FedTech’s Innovation Programming (Accelerator, Internal Innovation, and Startup Studio).
• Consulting and advising local entrepreneurs on potential partnerships and opportunities for SMEs in the Inland Empire.
• Utilizing creative outreach methods, including various social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), and a relationship-based approach to foster new connections and potential partnerships for the program in the region.
• Developing and maintaining internal processes and databases (CRM) for community maintenance, growth, and outreach.
• Organizing regular community engagement events to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors.
• Participating in professional development activities such as training, mentorship, and networking.
• Handling almost anything else within reason -- we’re a startup!

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

• 5-10 years of venture growth, economic development, project, program, and/or operational management experience
• Proven track record of successful planning, execution and operating complex programs
• Knowledge of the Southern California and Inland Empire innovation landscape including the national laboratories and DOD stakeholders
• 3+ years of direct Innovation Programming experience, including facilitating researcher trainings, incubation services, startup studios or accelerator programs.
• Basic knowledge of technology transfer and commercialization
• Natural connector who builds strong relationships across a diverse group of roles easily
• Focus on detail and on-time delivery – a well-rounded project manager.
• Experience with various CRM and relationship management tools.
• Curious, empathetic, and methodical, but comfortable in a fast-paced environment 
• A deep-tech enthusiast. Experience with national security, aerospace or clean tech is an important plus.
• Medium to expert level in Excel and other MS Office software. Must be tech-savvy.
• Relentlessly action-driven (testing, measuring, iterating) and self-directed
• Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

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 - 85-120k
• Ability to earn upside bonus and equity, rapid career progression.
• A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, flexible PTO, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation, wellness reimbursements, flexible work arrangements, amongst others.

Travel:

Ability and willingness to travel domestically (15-20%)

Location:

Los Angeles area. Commuting distance to our Riverside County, CA client site is required for weekly on-site client and community engagement (1-2 days per week).  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

At FedTech, we are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual no matter their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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Compensation details: 85000-120000

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