Portfolio Lead, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Arlington, VA
Full Time
Mid Level

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:

  • 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: $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.

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