Innovation Project Manager

ERDCWERX (EWX) is a program of DEFENSEWERX, a private not-for-profit organization based in Niceville, Florida. ERDCWERX, headquartered in Vicksburg MS, operates in direct partnership with the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and its seven labs. ERDCWERX offers onsite and remote worksite options with emphasis on the direct support of ERDC s labs in Illinois, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Mississippi.

Innovation Project Manager is responsible for the following:

• Work closely with ERDC personnel to investigate, design, implement, and support tech challenges and IP commercialization initiatives
• Manage projects, including tech challenges that identify support for ERDC innovation in the form of research projects and/or IP commercialization
• Support a portfolio of projects in various phases of development and completion
• Invite and compel submissions through direct contact with individual innovators, businesses, and universities and in collaboration with economic development organizations, business associations, and other key referral sources

Key Activities

• Identify and support technology transfer/transition opportunities in collaboration with the ERDC Office of Research and Technology Transfer (ORTT)
• Gain and maintain working knowledge of:
  • the capabilities afforded EWX through the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA)
  • ERDC strategic goals regarding tech transfer and tech transition
  • ERDC lab capabilities and priorities
  • government acquisition and collaboration methods including FAR, OTA/BOTAA, and Broad Agency Announcement
  • government intellectual property (IP) patenting and licensing methods
• Work directly with the EWX Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) and other team members to identify and support project opportunities
• Consult regarding the optimal use of EWX tools and support for individual ERDC projects
• Formulate, package, and promote tech challenges as a means of fostering greater industry and academic collaboration with ERDC
• Advise regarding targeted approaches to project promotion based on industry and university specialties, supply chains, and other influencing factors
• Support ERDC s IP commercialization strategy by contributing to the evaluation and promotion of select ERDC technologies
• Provide facilitation support for process mapping, project planning, and other project management
• Manage project details through the use of digital platforms including Trello and Hubspot
• Undertake email, social media, phone, and in-person communication to share information and foster a network of entities likely to fit ERDC project plans
• Conduct market research to expand contact lists for the promotion of individual projects
• Support the establishment of vendor and/or collaborative agreements with businesses and academia
• Support and attend key events to represent EWX (conference, events, speeches)
• Contribute to the growth and success of EWX and DWX
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: Eligibility will be based on a clear showing that the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out the duties of the position.

• Bachelor s (or higher) Degree required, preferably in engineering, science and/or management with a minimum of 3-5 years experience in technology-related project management
• A highly collaborative nature with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Mastery of processes and tools that support and enable teamwork that effectively engages in multiple complex projects at once
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated experience with project management, process improvement, and problem solving tools - preferably in support of innovation
• Familiarity with technology IP commercialization
• Possess the capability to grow and maintain a network of entities to assist with and/or participate in technology transfer
• Exhibit an understanding of federal government contracting, technology transfer and commercialization, technology business start-ups, product development, and investment options
  
• Candidate must pass a background check prior to employment
• Must have or be able to obtain a DoD Security Clearance
• Must not have any conflicts of interest affecting DEFENSEWERX or the Department of Defense
• Some travel required (< 20-30%)
• Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint), CRM software, and web-based project management tools
• Have a genuine passion for working in a small, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization that is stretching itself, growing and highly focused on mission and impact
• High emotional IQ, flexible thinker, ability to work with a team to co-create and co-design ideas and plans, strategic problem solver, quick learner

Conditions of Work:

• Do whatever it takes to get the job done
• Be willing to share credit and own accountability
• Be part of a team

Salary & Benefits: We offer a competitive salary and benefit package commensurate with experience, education, and proven track record.

Consideration: Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons. DEFENSEWERX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact DEFENSEWERX directly.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the essential job required, management reserves the rights to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

DEFENSEWERX is a neutral facilitator and trusted counselor, connecting a national network of individuals, businesses, educators and government organizations to enable creative and integrated solutions for our DoD customers. DEFENSEWERX is headquartered in Niceville, Florida.