Senior Operations Lead - National Security Portfolio

Arlington, VA
Full Time
Experienced

Job Description

If you’re a leader passionate about national security and eager to drive innovation while leading a growing team, 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 the “Senior Operations Lead - National Security Portfolio”, your focus will be on managing our suite of diverse programs designed to take ideas from conception to product to scale within the broader defense and national security ecosystem. This role will report into the Team Lead - National Security Portfolio who leads the client development, new business development and strategic direction of the team. You will establish best practices, manage program finances, lead a diverse team, engage with clients, and contribute positively to our team culture.  Collaboration with internal teams, including Data, Finance, and People Operations, will be essential to ensuring operational success and alignment with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Portfolio Operations and Process Management
    • Manage portfolio-level profitability, including actively managing and reporting on project-level budgets and staffing. Provide recommendations on program management or resource management/staffing. 
    • Collaborate with the Finance team to track budgets, forecasts, and financial models, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
    • Work directly with program managers on project contracts, timelines, and ensure proper invoicing and payment processes are in place (especially with government contracts). 
    • Collaborate with the Team Lead and project managers to create proposals and ensure compliance for contract renewal and expansion efforts, enabling successful bids.
    • Oversee the development, implementation, and optimization of operational processes and workflows.
    • Ensure smooth execution of day-to-day operations, with a focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness.
    • Act as the liaison between various departments, including Data, Finance, and People Operations teams, to ensure alignment and support of organizational goals.
    • Collaborate with other Operations roles across portfolios to share best practices and drive continuous improvement.
    • Implement and maintain standardized procedures, ensuring scalability and compliance with internal standards.
  • Program Development
    • Work with project managers to ensure timely delivery of program reports, monthly status reports, and submission of invoices
    • Assist in exploring, designing, building, testing, and refining new programs and offerings relevant to the unique needs of partners and clients.
    • Lead the operational setup of new projects and pilots, ensuring they are designed for efficiency, profitability, and scalability.
    • Work closely with Team Leads and cross-functional teams to develop launch plans and operational frameworks for new initiatives through to project close out.
    • Ensure effective tracking of program metrics, including company success and stories that can support ongoing marketing and promotions
  • Leadership and Team Oversight
    • Coach, mentor, and motivate junior team members as well as our Skillbridge fellows. 
    • Directly manage at least 3-5 direct reports that are early-mid professionals. Ensure performance expectations are met, help develop individual and team OKRs and KPIs. 
    • Oversee the onboarding of new team members, ensuring they are effectively integrated into the organization and equipped to succeed.
    • Develop and deliver onboarding programs that provide comprehensive training on organizational processes, tools, and best practices.
    • Ensure ongoing training initiatives to maintain adherence to best practices and standards across teams including coordination with people operations on professional development plans for team members.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • An advanced degree in business administration, finance, or equivalent experience
  • Approximately 10+ years of experience in operations, people management and financial tracking in relevant industries: entrepreneurship or entrepreneurial support organizations, professional services, management consulting, government contracting, or program management
  • Extremely strong program management skills, including relevant software tools (e.g., excel, ppt, airtable,CRMs, etc.) and experience with Unanet.
  • Experience with government contracting is required
  • P&L ownership experience
  • Familiarity with the needs of early-stage technology-oriented ventures and/or innovation at large organizations.
  • Expert-level communication (oral and written) skills
  • Adept at motivating and supporting direct reports and other staff to achieve a shared vision
  • Ability to build strong relationships with a diverse set of people 
  • Relentlessly drives towards action (testing, measuring, iterating)
  • PMP and Six Sigma certifications are a plus
  • Experience in writing proposals is a plus

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: $120-140k based on education and experience
  • 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, unlimited PTO, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation, wellness reimbursements, amongst others.

Location:

Hybrid work arrangement (3 days in person at our headquarters in Arlington, VA, and 2 days remote) is preferred. We are also open to candidates from the Los Angeles area (CA) and Austin (TX). Relocation reimbursement may be available if needed. 

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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