DIU University Engagement Manager

Job Description

Position: Manager, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) University Engagement

Position Number: H26-002

Status: Full-Time (Exempt)

Reports to: Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations

Location: Bloomington, Indiana; Indianapolis, Indiana; Remote, Indiana; Remote, Washington DC Metro; Remote, US-Nationwide

What you’ll do:

ARI is seeking a Manager of Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) University Engagement to lead a portfolio of defense-focused academic engagement programs that connect national security challenges with university-based innovation. In this role, you will serve as the primary liaison between DIU, participating universities, and Department of War (DoW) sponsors, fostering collaboration and alignment across all stakeholders.

You will help mobilize university talent, research, and innovation capabilities into mission-ready, dual-use solutions aligned with near-term and emerging warfighter needs. This includes translating operational and research-derived problem statements, as well as student-developed Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), into prototyping and commercialization pathways embedded within academic programs.

You will oversee end-to-end program execution, including project scoping, integration into academic curricula, student engagement, milestone tracking, and final evaluation, while also supporting procurement coordination to ensure students have timely access to materials and resources.

This role is central to enabling a scalable, repeatable model for integrating academic innovation into national security missions. Success in this position will directly contribute to accelerating the development and deployment of dual-use technologies that support the warfighter while strengthening the U.S. innovation ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

1. University Engagement & Program Execution

• Serve as primary liaison between DIU, participating universities, and DoW sponsors
• b. Build and sustain high-value relationships with universities, expanding reach beyond traditional defense networks
• c. Translate operational, research-derived, and student-generated problem statements into mission-relevant prototyping and commercialization projects
• d. Coordinate with faculty to integrate DIU-sponsored projects into academic structures (e.g., senior design, entrepreneurship programs)
• e. Manage full lifecycle of projects including scoping, kickoff, resourcing, funding coordination, milestone tracking, and final evaluations
• f. Plan and execute student innovation activities such as hackathons, prize challenges, and experiential learning events
• g. Support students and faculty with access to subject matter experts, defense resources, and technical guidance

2. Technology Transition & Impact

• a. Identify and develop pathways for dual-use technology transition and commercialization
• b. Increase flow of university-developed technologies aligned to warfighter needs
• c. Track performance metrics, outcomes, and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement
• d. Prepare and deliver regular program reports (status, risks, outputs, success metrics) to DIU leadership and stakeholders

3. Procurement Coordination & Operational Support

• a. Coordinate closely with ARI procurement and accounting teams to support timely acquisition of materials for student projects
• b. Assist with acquisition planning, market research, and documentation requirements in alignment with federal regulations (2 CFR 200)
• c. Track procurement milestones and ensure alignment with project timelines
• d. Help streamline delivery of materials to student teams to accelerate prototyping and development

4. Program Management & Administration

• a. Manage program budgets, timelines, and administrative workflows
• b. Develop outreach materials, communications, and engagement strategies to expand participation
• c. Ensure compliance with cooperative agreement requirements and federal standards

Required Qualifications to Apply:

General:

1. United States citizen; current or ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance

2. Documented experience working with top University leadership

Education:

1. Master’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Education, Program Management or related field required to apply; PhD preferred

Experience:

1. 5+ years managing academic-industry or defense-academia partnerships, ideally with engineering capstone or senior design programs

2. Familiarity with defense innovation ecosystem (DIU, Department of War labs, federally funded research centers, UARCs, etc.) a plus

Skills:

1. Ability to understand and navigate complex University organizational structures

2. Understanding of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and math curricula and senior design processes/coursework

3. Strong program management and organizational skills, with experience leading multi-stakeholder initiatives

4. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with faculty, students, and government sponsors

5. Ability to translate technical problems into educationally appropriate project scopes

6. Strong analytical and reporting skills

7. Proven customer service mindset and strong dedication to mission

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of federal assistance regulations (i.e. 2 CFR 200) and program compliance standards

2. Knowledge of OTAs, EPAs, CRADAs, etc.

Pay: $150,000.00 - $225,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Indianapolis, IN 46202