OnRamp Hub Ecosystem Engagement Lead

The Ecosystem Engagement Lead plays a vital role in building and sustaining a regional defense innovation ecosystem that advances the mission of the DIU OnRamp Hub. This position serves as the primary connector between DIU and regional stakeholders including startups, academic researchers, government agencies, and industry partners by leading outreach, relationship cultivation, and community programming. The Ecosystem Engagement Lead is responsible for planning and executing events, increasing awareness of DIU opportunities, and fostering public-private partnerships that align with national security innovation goals.

Supports DIU’s strategic objectives by aligning outreach and engagement with DIU’s three Lines of Effort: synchronizing warfighter needs with commercial capabilities, lowering barriers to DoW entry, and catalyzing a unified innovation ecosystem. Additionally, this role has responsibility for continuously scanning the commercial, dual-use, and venture-backed technology landscape to surface companies whose capabilities are relevant to current and anticipated mission requirements.

This role requires exceptional communication skills, the ability to represent DIU’s mission externally, and a proactive approach to ecosystem development.

Position Number

Position Number 4C9735

Department

Division

Division Office of Research and Economic Development

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

The Ecosystem Engagement Lead role is characterized by being highly public-facing and responsible for cultivating and sustaining a robust defense innovation ecosystem across Montana and the broader region. Success in this position is measured by the ability to proactively engage startups, researchers, investors, government leaders, and academic institutions, resulting in expanded participation in OnRamp programming and measurable progress in transitioning dual-use technologies into Department of War use through DIU’s processes.

Critical to the role is a deep understanding of developing innovation ecosystems, dual-use technology pathways, and Department of War requirements. The Ecosystem Engagement Lead must demonstrate strong communication and listening skills, independent judgment, advanced stakeholder management, and the ability to represent DIU’s mission with executive presence across diverse public and private forums. This position requires extensive experience in program execution, external stakeholder engagement, and adherence to federal compliance and reporting standards.

• Represent DIU and the OnRamp Hub at public events, regional convenings, and national forums, delivering messaging aligned with DIU’s brand and strategic objectives.
• Lead external engagement efforts that catalyze regional innovation ecosystems, including partnerships with dual-use startups, research institutions, venture networks, and defense stakeholders.
• Develop and execute ecosystem engagement strategies that drive participation in DIU initiatives, accelerators, and transition pathways.
• Curate and host DIU
  -branded events, workshops, and convenings at the Hub’s physical space, with the ability to support events of 100+ participants.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director and DIU leadership to identify Strategic Impact Projects and coordinate their delivery.
• Oversee qualitative and quantitative reporting of…