Director SpEC

About NSTXL:

The National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) harvests innovative technology from the commercial and non-defense marketplace, transforming government innovation while decreasing costs, compressing timelines, and improving outcomes. We offer a unique and simplified approach to rapidly developing, demonstrating, and assessing prototypes that address various operational and installation needs, from individual Warfighter technology to large-scale installation projects. NSTXL supports technology delivery to the Department of Defense by serving as a one-stop shop to match government requirements with innovative private-sector and academic solutions.

NSTXL is creating an ecosystem of innovators to collaborate and bring next-generation technologies to the end-user. Our OTAs have over 900 members from corporate, non-profit, educational, and financial institutions. For these members, NSTXL offers opportunities to bid on government contracts, education and training, and live/virtual forums on various topics.

Job Description:

The Director will oversee the health and compliance of the strategic partnership between NSTXL and the Space Enterprise Consortium. This role is crucial for managing compliance, the overall health of the partnership, and ensuring we retain and expand current projects.

What You'll Do:

Program Management  

• Develop deep relationships with the program officers and the project owners that use the SpEC OTA.  
• Oversee required reporting and statement of work requirements and ensure project health.  
• Conduct internal and external program briefings as required.  
• Work with SpEC VP, Business Development, and Space Systems Command to confirm prototype and project eligibility.   
• Plan and execute all aspects of the program and its execution meticulously.  
• Coordinate with internal departments and leverage your available resources appropriately to deliver on our customer health, retention, and revenue targets.   

Financial and Technical Analysis

• Assess programs in relation to NSTXL’s financial objectives; define and implement actions that enhance performance metrics and expedite fund allocation.  
• Evaluate technical progress against spend rates, cost shares, and commitments vs. funded backlog.  
• Proactively identify funding delays, develop risk mitigation plans, and maintain continuous communication with customers/partners and NSTXL leadership. 

Team Development & Collaboration

• Mentor and support the SpEC team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration across functions.
• Collaborate closely with project management, marketing, and leadership teams to ensure cohesive strategy execution.

Relationship Management and Communication

• Establish and maintain respectful relationships with client senior management and industry top management.  
• Balance directness with diplomacy, optimize timing, negotiate effectively without harming relationships, and resolve any final differences.  
• Adapt communication strategies based on audience feedback and carefully consider the client value proposition in all messages.  
• Represent the SpEC vehicle at tradeshow and member events.   
• Work with membership and program marketing team to help identify, retain, and grow current membership in key technical areas that align to program and project needs.  
• Support and oversee the SpEC MLC, working with membership team to schedule quarterly meetings and track MLC action items.   
• Approve, deploy, and ensure the effective implementation of solutions to customer feedback issues, maintaining a focus on continual customer satisfaction.  
• Travel up to 30% of the time, meeting key stakeholders and driving new opportunities with all stakeholders.  
• Conduct monthly in-person status meetings with our key stakeholders.  

Technical Oversight and Leadership 

• Propose, participate in, develop, direct, and execute contract research and development projects and programs.  
• Provide collaborative leadership and act as the interface among supported customers/government clients, vendors, and users.  
• Serve as the primary point of contact for information regarding the application of program technology.  
• Ensure the complete transfer of technology.  
• Lead and facilitate new customer onboarding and pre-award project management.   
• Facilitate project awards, kick-offs, and debriefs with project success team.  
• Direct and manage initiatives specific to the development and evaluation of technology.  
• Monitor assigned projects to ensure objectives are met. 

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.  
• 7+ years of proven experience in program management and leadership within the defense or technology sectors. 
• Experience in the DOD procurement process, with demonstrated expertise in working with command, programs, and acquisition teams. 
• Proven experience in program management and leadership within the defense or technology sectors. 
• Demonstrable leadership and customer management experience and skills. 
• Strong track record of exceeding financial goals and KPIs. 
• Strong financial acumen and analytical capability. 
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments. 

Nice to Have:

• Master's Degree.

Location: 

• Hybrid in Los Angeles, CA.

Travel:

• Travel for this position is estimated up to 30%.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

NSTXL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

What We Offer:

We strive to be one of the best places to work in America. We offer competitive salaries and benefits that include:

• Health Insurance: Medical and dental – company pays 92% of premiums for individual coverage and for family coverage
• Vision Insurance: Fully covered
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) with employer match up to 4%
• Paid Time Off: Paid sick and safe leave, paid floating holidays, and generous vacation
• Other:
• • Basic Life & AD&D policy company paid
  • Voluntary Life
  • Flexible & remote work structure
  • Wellness reimbursement plan & mental health support
  • Community sponsorships
  • Donation matching
  • Professional development allowance

If you need any accommodation for the interview process, please let us know when we contact you.

We take a geo-neutral approach to compensation within the US, meaning that we pay based on job function and level, not location. We are currently only open to employees residing in the following state: CA

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