DIU OnRamp Hub Program Manager

Department:

Location:

Non-Campus Other

Time Type:

Full time

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Req ID:

R107936

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a related field and four (4) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Grade 11 (Salaried)

Position Description:

The University of Louisville is seeking to hire a DIU OnRamp Hub Program Manager. As the Program Manager for the OnRamp Hub, you’ll be the engine behind the operational execution of specialized service offerings that connect Department of War (DoW) mission partners with non-traditional technology providers. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the OnRamp Hub, coordinating programming, events, and reporting to ensure seamless execution of activities. This role directly supports the Managing Director by managing logistics, schedules, and participant engagement, and ensuring the Hub delivers on contract requirements. You will shape and run programming that accelerates the path from concept to capability, support dual-use technology transitions, and ensure scalable and impactful services.

This position is located in downtown Louisville on the JD Nichols Campus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

This is a grant funded position with funding through August 15, 2027. Continued employment is contingent upon availability of funds.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Coordination:

  • Work closely with the Ecosystem Engagement Lead, Managing Director, and other teammates to translate strategic vision into actionable programming that reduces friction for DoW intrapreneurs and commercial innovators.

  • Plan and execute Hub programming, including workshops on DoW contracting, CMMC compliance, TRL/MRL assessments, and quarterly tech showcases.

  • Support DoW Challenges and Accelerators through local event coordination.

• Operational Support:

  • Organize large-scale events (100+ attendees), including innovation summits and DoW partner meetings.

  • Manage logistics using UofL’s 10,000-square-foot makerspace and labs, including space setup, technology, and registration.

  • Manage facility operations, including scheduling, equipment maintenance, and branding compliance

• Reporting:

  • Prepare weekly SITREP and monthly programmatic reports.

  • Track metrics such as attendance, demographics, pilot outcomes, and space utilization.

  • Coordinate with the Data Manager for accurate data collection.

• Participant Support:

  • Represent OnRamp Hub at innovation meetings, working groups, and external events

  • Serve as the primary contact for Hub participants (startups, researchers, DoD intrapreneurs).

  • Facilitate access to transition services and mentorship programs like UofL’s NSF I-Corps LaunchIt.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in STEM, project management, or business administration.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program coordination or event management.

• PMP certification or equivalent preferred.

• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

• Familiarity with DoD innovation ecosystems and technology transition processes.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Familiarity with Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem.

• Familiarity with Kentucky’s university systems, especially the University of Louisville.

• Eligible to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance (Secret or higher).

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure