Rapid Innovation Accelerator Director

Director, Rapid Innovation Accelerator – Miami

Type: Full Time/Hybrid Onsite 3 Days

Active Clearance: Active TS/SCI

Location: 1101 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131 (Co-located with Florida International University)

About Us:

MoveAmerica is a non-profit organization that not only employs but deploys the world's leading experts in science and technology to provide industry leaders and policymakers with sound guidance, proficient expertise, and practical solutions. Our mission is to enhance national security and economic competitiveness through our expertise in three main pillars, research and development in cutting-edge technical areas, consortia development and management building innovative networks, and business intelligence and assessments providing insights to decision makers. Visit our website here.

Why Join Us?

MoveAmerica’s Executives foster a supportive work environment allowing our teams to thrive, and have a fierce dedication to innovation, security, and people. Our culture is built on inclusion, teamwork, and trust, and we are committed to offering career advancement opportunities to all employees. Encouraging a healthy and balanced life, we offer an extensive benefits package to support the wellness of our employees and their families. You will be joining a team of innovators, developing, promoting, and implementing cutting edge technologies.

Apply today to advance your career

Job Description:

This position will play a crucial role on our team supporting the DoD Office of Small Business Programs and specifically assisting with the execution and management of the Rapid Innovation Accelerator – Miami and championing the directed initiatives of the DoD Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) Intermediary. The Ideal candidate has served as the leader of community economic development organizations, product management associations, or as a congressional and legislative affairs practitioner, and has experience with the federal government and working knowledge of federal headquarters’ staff processes.

Qualified candidates will be expected to manage a team of technical and management professionals that will engage, advise, and guide regional and local businesses, assisting them with identifying and developing innovative and emerging technology capabilities. These identified companies may benefit from an expanded customer base through participation in MPP and other DoD programs that inject new warfighter capabilities in the DoD.

Responsibilities:

MoveAmerica is seeking a skilled and versatile Director that is responsible for developing, standing up, and operating an organization that scales MoveAmerica’s reach into the South Florida region to identify prospective technology innovation for the DoD. The South Florida region has become a hub for technology and innovation with a thriving small business and start-up community. RIA-M will create opportunities for prospective companies and intentionally engage more mature ones in support of the intermediary’s mission. RIA-M, through both direct service and strategic partnerships with service providers, will guide local businesses in navigating the defense industrial complex’s contracting processes to access new market opportunities while identifying critical and emerging technologies that may benefit the warfighter.

The Director will successfully manage a diverse team of professionals by employing effective leadership and outreach strategies creating an accessible entry point into the complex defense procurement process. The Director will be responsible for creating and managing an organization that will empower local companies to become eligible for initiatives such as the Mentor-Protégé Program and other programs that make them more competitive in the marketplace. The Director will establish efficient workflows, prioritize tasks, develop high quality program materials and documentation, and leverage and distribute the necessary resources in the local ecosystem to build and enhance small businesses. The Director reports to the Managing Director for the DoD MPP Intermediary support organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and manage a team of subject matter experts (SME) to:

identify critical emerging technology areas in the Miami Dade region focusing on areas such as block chain, robotics, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cybersecurity.

define research and analysis requirements to access program impact on program participants.

• Assist MPP participants and other small businesses with managing the transition of technology and other agreement outcomes into defense programs. Establish a management structure and lead staff to oversee and execute the RIA-M functions for engagement with businesses involved in the development of critical and emerging technologies.
• Establish a network of three, easily accessible locations strategically scattered across Miami Dade County. Situate these innovative and dynamic nodes in areas where industry clusters thrive.
• Equip and manage RIA-M locations with tools, standard technology hardware and software to support small business operations and growth, including computers, printers, video conferencing equipment, and other basic office technology needs.
• Establish an outreach program to build partnerships with local service providers and civic organizations, universities, startup incubators, venture capital firms, and technology meetup groups. Actively network with angel investors and venture capitalists, sharing value proposition and vision. Create an investor relations plan that highlights leadership, market potential, and path to profitability.
• Implement a robust strategic communication plan targeting local awareness, including earned media outreach, social media engagement, and keynote and panel speaking engagements at events and conferences.
• Host Defense Industrial Complex events showcasing local small businesses engaged in defense contracting focused on critical and emerging technologies. Bring awareness to both the DoD technology development community and other Miami Dade businesses of the impact and potential impact to warfighter capabilities the region provides.

Establish metrics and measurement systems to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of small business engagement efforts. Analyze data and feedback to assess the success of campaigns, make data-driven decisions, and continuously improve engagement strategies.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Driven individual with ten plus years of relevant hands-on experience creating and operating economic development organizations or management of technology development organizations.

Bachelor's degree in engineering, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Demonstrated, proven and effective leadership in managing teams of professionals in community economic development or technology development organizations.

Familiarity with branding products, creative design, and event management for product promotion.

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with media contacts and stakeholders.

Certification in Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Program Management or Engineering and Technical Management is desired.

Meticulous attention to detail and demonstrated history in project planning and process management.

Superb judgment and emotional intelligence with ability to forge consensus among divergent views.

Ability to connect with and inspire people to drive effective teamwork, communication, collaboration, and commitment across multiple groups with competing priorities.

Excellent oral communication skills.

Exemplary writing skills.

Ability to distill complex information into digestible bites for varying audiences.

Business acumen with strong project management and organizational skills.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance.

Proficient in MS Office.

Working Conditions:

The candidate will work in an office environment at least 3 days a week at the RIA-M office located at 1101 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131. The position may require occasional evening and weekend work to meet project deadlines and support RIA-M events. The candidate must adhere to DoD security protocols, tenant requirements and comply with all regulations and policies governing the handling of sensitive information.