Program Manager, Early-Stage Team (Portfolio Aligned)

Overview

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

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early-Stage Project Manager (PM) plays a critical role in the development and transition of high-impact, early-stage programs within strategic technology portfolios. Embedded directly within one or more DIU Portfolios, the PM leverages deep expertise in Prize Authority, 10 USC 4022, and Strategic Impact Projects to shape initiatives from inception through execution. This individual identifies opportunities to align program design with organizational priorities and ensures a strong pipeline of programs that feed into follow-on contract or acquisition actions. The PM serves as both a strategist and implementer, balancing visionary thinking with strong project management execution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Design & Strategic Development:

• Lead the development of early-stage programs, including strategic framing, problem definition, and stakeholder engagement.• Develop expertise in target topic areas to design effective programs.• Design programs with the intent to generate downstream acquisition opportunities or long-term transition pathways.• Draft, present, and secure approval for programs through internal governance, including the Project Decision Board.• Apply tools such as Prize Authority, 10 USC 4022, Strategic Impact Project mechanisms, and other models to accelerate program outcomes.

Portfolio Engagement:

• Participate in weekly portfolio meetings and planning sessions to remain aligned with evolving priorities.• Provide thought partnership to Portfolio Leads to identify gaps or opportunities where early-stage tools can be applied to compliment DIU portfolio priorities.• Maintain situational awareness across portfolio activities and recommend where early-stage program design can have maximum impact.

Project Management Execution:

• Develop and maintain project charters, milestones, schedules, and deliverables for assigned programs.• Manage cross-functional project teams, timelines, and dependencies.• Ensure projects are focused on delivery military impact to national security problems.• Coordinate with legal, contracting, technical, and operations staff to ensure compliant and timely execution.• Monitor program risks, track performance indicators, and implement mitigation strategies as needed.• Support post-program transition planning and documentation to facilitate follow-on contracting or adoption by government or commercial partners.

Stakeholder Communication & Reporting:

• Prepare and deliver presentations, briefings, and documentation for senior leadership and external stakeholders.• Serve as a key point of contact for partners and collaborators involved in early-stage projects.• Maintain strong customer centric relationships with other DoD organizations involved in the execution of any given project.• Capture lessons learned and contribute to institutional knowledge management efforts.

Technology Management:

• Performs independent reviews and detailed technical assessments of commercial solutions and their applications.

• Provides reviews and assessments, systems analyses of enabling technologies and operational concepts, system requirements, technical and performance analysis, test plans, executions, results, and related documentation.

• Participates in field testing and demonstration events when applicable.QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, business, engineering, or related field.• 5+ years of experience in program or project management, innovation management, or government contracting.• Strong understanding of early-stage R&D, acquisition, and/or innovation pathways in the public sector.• Familiarity with venture-style mechanisms such as prizes, challenges, and other non-traditional funding tools.• Demonstrated ability to design and lead complex projects in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• PMP, Scrum, or Agile certification.• Master’s degree in relevant field.• Experience working within or adjacent to government innovation units or advanced R&D programs.• Understanding of federal acquisition strategies and pathways to transition, preferably experience or knowledge of FAR/DFAR.• Technical knowledge of AI/ML with a background either developing or deploying AI/ML tools as a primary job function.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for frequently bending, stooping, sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; most of time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with the opportunity to move about. Occasionally there may be a need to move or lift moderately light items up to 35 pounds. Near visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; manual dexterity to operate a telephone and keyboard; lift horizontally and vertically.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse and multi-line telephone system. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

ADDITONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. In addition, a satisfactory background screening, negative drug test, positive references and proof of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States are required.

The Tatitlek Corporation gives hiring, promotion, training and retention preference to Tatitlek shareholders, shareholder descendants and shareholder spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for the job.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected Veteran’s status or employment.

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