Portfolio Lead, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Job Description

If you’re interested in leading high-impact defense innovation programs and turning breakthrough technologies into real-world solutions, this is the role for you!

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:

You will lead a portfolio of Army innovation programs and strategic initiatives within the broader Defense and Commercial Innovation sector. The role includes managing and developing a high-performing team, driving business growth, and cultivating partnerships, as well as engaging a broad network of entrepreneurs, inventors, and industry leaders to advance defense-focused innovation goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Program Execution
  • Lead and develop the team responsible for designing, building, and executing custom white-glove accelerator and commercialization programs for federal and private clients, while managing day-to-day programming, client engagement, and stakeholder relations.
  • Oversee team performance, providing training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to build a high-performing, collaborative group.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and presenter on technology commercialization, venture creation, and lean innovation, ensuring programs deliver strategic impact and measurable outcomes.
• Program Growth & Business Development
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to strengthen and expand the innovation ecosystem through accelerators, startup studios, and related programs.
  • Drive business growth with new clients while expanding on-contract work.
• Financial & Operational Management
  • Oversee team-level program budgets, revenue, and P&L, ensuring financial stability, profitability, and sustainable growth.
  • Oversee high-profile initiatives and events, ensuring successful execution of operations.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Advise and support entrepreneurs and startups through outreach, partnerships, growth opportunities, and community engagement events.
  • Organize community engagement events connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in the defense industry, with strong familiarity with the government landscape.
  • Experience with accelerator programs or entrepreneurial support organizations, including exposure to technology commercialization is a plus.
• Experience managing high-performing teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Proven track record in managing complex programs efficiently and delivering results on time in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize client needs and align program design and execution with organizational and project objectives.
• Financial management experience, including forecasting, P&L ownership, and budget oversight is preferred
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to connect across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication skills, including leading high-level meetings and delivering executive-level presentations on complex topics.
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Our Values:

• B oldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort
• U nity: We treat our clients, team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team
• I ntrospection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes
• L eadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client, team partners and partners first
• D ecisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation:

• Base salary range: $125 -135k
  • 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) and ability to earn equity
• 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: We welcome candidates from the following locations:

• DC Area: Hybrid - 3 days in-office at our HQ in Arlington, VA, and 2 days remote
• Austin, TX: Remote
• Huntsville, AL: Remote

Note: All locations may require up to 20% domestic travel. In the future, hybrid arrangements may be possible in the future for Austin or Huntsville if an office opens locally.