Regional Engagement Principal

Overview

Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. Specifications and not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

 

OVERVIEW:

 

We are seeking a Regional Engagement Principal (Academic Focus) to support the National OnRamp team, a team of the Defense Innovation Unit’s Commercial Operations Team reporting to the Secretary of Defense. DIU’s Commercial Operations is a component dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration among DoD Mission Partners, Academia, Industry, new ventures & entrepreneurs, private capital investors, and other national security stakeholders to solve some of the most complex challenges facing the nation.

The DIU Commercial Operations team leads DIU’s collaboration with the commercial tech sector and investment community, including the capabilities of the legacy National Security Innovation Network—to include the OnRamp Hubs—and National Security Innovation Capital. The Commercial Operations team is optimizing our national and digital presence, outreach, and programming activities as part of DIU 3.0’s broader strategy to identify and scale commercial and dual-use technology, lower barriers to entry, and strengthen defense technology innovation on behalf of the DoD.

 

A pivotal aspect of our mission is engaging the academic community—building partnerships with universities and academic institutions to attract emerging talent with innovative ideas, skills and untapped potential. The Regional Engagement Principal will be instrumental in cultivating relationships within the academic landscape and integrating those communities into DIU Commercial Operations’ programs.

The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a diversity of situations, with excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities and equities in a high-tempo environment serving DIU’s mission.

 

The successful candidate will build an ongoing rapport and interact seamlessly with a professional demeanor across a broad range of individuals including members of the Senior Management Team, government contractors, Federal civilian and military employees, and cross-government stakeholders. The role is expected to handle exquisitely highly sensitive, confidential, and institutional information while exercising professionalism and discretion.

 

 

SUMMARY:

 

The Regional Engagement Principal will act as the primary liaison between DIU Commercial Operations and academic institutions in the region, undertaking efforts to mobilize faculty, researchers, and students to collaborate on defense-related challenges. This role is primarily focused on identifying opportunities within academic networks that align with DIU Commercial Operations’ mission and facilitating engagement across the Department of Defense (DoD) landscape.

 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engagement and Collaboration: Actively engage with faculty, staff, and students from regional academic institutions to explore their capabilities and interests, fostering collaboration on addressing DoD challenges through DIU Commercial Operations’ programs. Plan, support delivery, and assessment of DIU Commercial Operations programs in partnership with regional academic ecosystems. (70%)• Identify Opportunities and support DIU Strategy: Work directly with local academic partners to capture research, resources, and innovative problem-solving opportunities that can be harnessed via DIU Commercial Operations initiatives. Support the development of strategic initiatives alongside DIU Commercial Operations’ Regional Directors, with a focus on elevating the role of academic partnerships. (10-15%)• Build Ecosystem Connections: Create a vibrant national security problem-solving ecosystem by establishing partnerships between local universities, the venture community, and DoD end users. (10%)• Event Representation & Outreach: Represent DIU Commercial Operations at academic conferences, symposia, and meetings to foster relationships and facilitate knowledge exchange among academic, government, and industry stakeholders. (5%)• Collaboration with DoD Partners (as needed): Work closely with assigned DoD mission partners to identify challenges and opportunities that can be addressed through innovative solutions offered by venture and startup ecosystems as needed. (up to 5%)

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE:

• Proven experience working with academic institutions, particularly in fostering collaborations that bridge research and national security.• Familiarity with dual-use technologies and an understanding of national secur