What are the responsibilities and job description for the OnRamp Hub Program Lead position at Montana State University?
The Program Manager plays a pivotal role in the operational execution and strategic direction of the DIU OnRamp Hub in Montana. This position is essential for translating OnRamp vision into action through local and national coordination of programming, mission partner engagement, and oversight of ecosystem development. Ecosystem development will involve extensive industry connections and outreach to establish a growing list of industry, subject matter expert and academic partners who are willing to participate in DIU events, outreach and other activities. This role is primarily internally facing and execution focused, ensuring the seamless implementation of OnRamp activities in alignment with DIU’s objectives. The Program Manager leads the development and management of Hub operations, programming logistics, stakeholder coordination, and adherence to federal compliance and reporting standards.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee daily execution of Hub activities in alignment with DIU’s Lines of Effort (LOEs).
- Coordinate and manage event logistics, transition services, and outreach initiatives.
- Serve as operational lead for program reporting, budget tracking, and cost narrative preparation in coordination with university administration.
- Support Managing Director in the strategic planning and staffing of Hub activities.
- Act as liaison to DIU personnel, academic partners, and regional innovation stakeholders.
- Maintain internal systems for tracking program deliverables, performance metrics, and compliance documentation.
- Support the execution of Strategic Impact Projects specific to the Montana innovation ecosystem.
- Ensure Hub facilities and equipment are maintained to DIU standards for programming, convening, and branding.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field.
- 10 years of program or project management experience.
- Familiarity with Department of Defense or federal acquisition or innovation programs.
- Strong organizational, reporting, and stakeholder coordination skills.
- Full-time on-site availability required during standard business hours.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field.
- Experience working with federally funded innovation programs.
- Experience supervising staff and leading cross functional teams.
- Knowledge of federal cooperative agreement structures (2 CFR 200).
The Successful Candidate Will
- Strong leadership and operational coordination skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication, including public briefings.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently.
- Detail-oriented with experience in performance reporting and data analysis.
- Collaborative and adaptive, with a commitment to public service and innovation.
- Independent management of complex activities.
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Mission driven approach to advancing national security innovation.
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.
