Our Industry:

TechOpp works primarily with small businesses participating in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Both programs are competitive initiatives in the United States that provide funding opportunities to small businesses to engage in federal research and development.

These programs aim to foster technological innovation, stimulate small business growth, and encourage the commercialization of new technologies that contribute to economic development and address the research needs of federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE), NASA, and more.

Learn more about the SBIR/STTR program: https://www.sbir.gov/

About TechOpp:

TechOpp was founded in 2009 to provide technical and business assistance to small businesses within the SBIR/STTR programs. Our mission is to help small businesses in areas such as business development, proposal development, federal funding, intellectual property protection, market research, regulatory compliance, marketing strategies, and access to business mentors or advisors. Our goal is to facilitate the transition of our clients’ innovations into viable commercial products or services.

Job Description:

The role of the Project Manager - I (PM) is to execute technical and business assistance projects. A PM may have anywhere from 15-25 projects at a given time. Responsibilities include coordinating monthly deliverables, monitoring project schedules and budgets, researching technology transition opportunities, preparing technical reports, and managing client satisfaction and retention.

A candidate must have experience managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

Project Management

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Schedule monthly deliverables to meet revenue expectations.
• Monitor project deadlines and budgets.
• Report on project metrics weekly to ensure key performance metrics are met.

Market and Funding Research

• Identify additional funding opportunities for the client to pursue.
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify potential entry points, target demographics, and competitive landscape, enabling informed decision-making and strategic market positioning.

Establish Contacts

• Identify experts, consultants, or resources that help address specific technical challenges. This assistance might include specialized expertise, consulting services, access to testing facilities, or guidance on experimental design and methodologies.
• Research upcoming conferences to showcase technology and network with key stakeholders.

Direct Marketing Outreach

• Strategize, develop, and direct new marketing and business development campaigns to promote client technologies effectively.
• Engage potential customers and target audiences to gather insights, feedback, and data that help in shaping products, services, or strategies.

Prepare Commercialization Strategy

• Develop comprehensive commercialization strategy that addresses market needs and competition, protecting intellectual property, prototype development and testing, potential customer feedback, strategic partnerships, and regulatory compliance.
• Establish a clear transition pathway for the next stage of funding.

Client Satisfaction and Retention

• Liaise with clients to ensure expectations are met.
• Respond quickly to client emails and questions.
• Create strong relationships with clients for repeat business.

Job Requirements and Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently (approximately 15-25 projects) while ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and monthly deliverables.
• Experience in monitoring project metrics, preparing technical reports, and providing regular updates on project status and key performance indicators.
• Proactive in conducting market research to identify potential opportunities, target demographics, competitive landscapes, and additional funding sources for clients.
• Strong background in proposal development and management to secure federal funding opportunities for small businesses participating in R&D programs.
• Knowledge of the competitive landscape and funding mechanisms within federal agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE), NASA.
• Experience in developing comprehensive commercialization strategies encompassing market research, intellectual property protection, prototype development, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships.
• Proficiency in business development strategies, including direct marketing outreach, campaign execution, and client engagement to promote technological innovations effectively.

Application Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; preferred field = engineering or science
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• 1-2 years of experience in project management, business development, federal funding, or other relevant experience.

Compensation:

• This is a full-time, salary position.
• Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000
• Compensation will be dependent on the candidate's relevant experience

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and health days

Location:

• This is an on-site position.
• Located in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compensation package:

• Bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing
• Yearly pay

Experience level:

• 1 year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• GPA:

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Project Management: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Blacksburg, VA 24060 (Required)

Work Location: In person