OnRamp Hub Ecosystem Engagement Lead

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 DoD entry, and catalyzing a unified innovation ecosystem. This role requires exceptional communication skills, the ability to represent DIU's mission externally, and a proactive approach to ecosystem development.

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 Defense use through DIU's processes. Critical to the role is a deep understanding of developing innovation ecosystems, dual-use technology pathways, and Department of Defense 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.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• 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 engagement metrics, success stories, digital reach, and transition outcomes.
• Ensure all public communications, branding, and event promotion meet DIU and DOD standards.
• Lead in-state travel and national coordination efforts to support DIU campaign planning, stakeholder meetings, and ecosystem assessments.

Required Qualifications Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills :

Preferred Qualifications Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills :

The Successful Candidate Will :

Position Special Requirements / Additional Information :

Physical Demands :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary) Open

Open Date Close Date Applications will be : Screening of applications will begin on October 13, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.