What are the responsibilities and job description for the OnRamp Hub Ecosystem Engagement Lead position at Montana State University?
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
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public policy, business, or related field.
- 10 years of professional experience in ecosystem building, strategic partnerships, or innovation programming or community engagement.
- Familiarity with Department of Defense acquisition pathways, DIU initiatives, or dual-use technology transition processes.
- Strong record of event planning, external communication, and coalition building across multiple sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and report programmatic data to federal stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in related field.
- Experience leading multi-stakeholder regional initiatives.
- Experience with DIU, SBIR/STTR programs, or defense innovation communities.
- Experience with data driven reporting, KPI tracking, and federal performance metrics (SITREPS, quarterly reporting).
The Successful Candidate Will
- High-level interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills with ability to engage senior executives, elected officials, and government representatives.
- Proven ability to manage cross-sector relationships and build coalitions around national security innovation goals.
- Confidence and presence in public settings, panels, and executive briefings.
- Capacity to work independently in a fast-paced, mission-aligned environment.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position is contingent upon continued grant funding.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
Successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws, which may require proof that candidate is a U.S. person. Per 22 CFR §120.15, U.S. person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
This position may require the ability to obtain a Security Clearance, pass the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Fitness requirements to obtain DHS security credentials, and/or meet other government-defined restrictions appropriate for work level and access. Other security-related requirements will include receiving favorable background checks by state and federal agencies pursuant to federal law and regulations.
This position requires ability to travel via all modes of transport when necessary to interact with DOD and/or DHS customers, including travel throughout the Continental U.S. as well as Alaska, Hawaii, U.S territories and possessions, and possibly other worldwide locations.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
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
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
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.
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.
