Program Manager (Innovation with Academia - Student Prototyping)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Program Manager (Innovation with Academia - Student Prototyping)

Company: The Tatitlek Corporation

Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Program Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of the Innovation with Academia (IWA) student prototyping programs, focusing on delivering early-stage prototypes to solve Department of War (DoW) mission problems.

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and ambassador for the student prototyping initiatives, fostering collaboration across government, academic, industry, and contractor stakeholders.

• Translate strategic direction and mission needs into executable program plans, milestones, and operating rhythms, ensuring alignment with intended outcomes and organizational goals.

• Drive operational efficiency and participant experience through data-driven insights, process improvements, and effective performance measurement.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leadership, university researchers, faculty, and student teams, to advance program objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title and description are focused on "Program Management" and "Innovation with Academia," the core responsibilities and required experience strongly indicate a need for robust Operations Management skills, particularly in process optimization, stakeholder coordination, and strategic execution within a government and academic context. The role bridges innovation initiatives with operational rigor, making it a key position for driving tangible outcomes from research and development. This role requires a blend of strategic vision and tactical execution, typical of senior operations leaders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of IWA student prototyping programs, from initial concept and problem identification through prototyping, commercialization, and transition to operational use.

• Develop and implement comprehensive program plans, including defining objectives, scope, budgets, timelines, resource allocation, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Coordinate and facilitate seamless collaboration between Department of War (DoW) mission partners, university researchers, faculty, student teams, and external contractors to ensure successful project execution.

• Establish, track, and analyze program metrics and KPIs to assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and report on progress and impact to senior leadership and stakeholders.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and dependencies, developing contingency plans to ensure project success and timely delivery of prototypes.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the student prototyping programs by analyzing operational workflows, participant feedback, and project outcomes to enhance efficiency, participant experience, and overall program value.

• Manage program budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of funding, compliance with contractual obligations, and efficient allocation of resources.

• Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, reports, recommendations, and decision materials for government leadership and other key stakeholders, clearly articulating program status, achievements, challenges, and strategic insights.

• Develop and maintain essential program documentation, including operating procedures, performance records, and stakeholder communication protocols.

• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages student engagement, academic partnerships, and the rapid development of technical or policy-centered prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong need for Process Optimization and Operational Excellence within the context of an innovation and academic program. The role requires translating abstract strategic goals into concrete, executable operational plans and ensuring efficient delivery of prototypes. This goes beyond traditional program management to encompass the systematic improvement of program operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Program Management, Public Administration, Engineering, Education, National Security Studies, or a closely related field is required.

• Advanced degrees (Master's) are preferred and considered a strong asset. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in program management, program operations, strategic initiatives, or related leadership roles within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Demonstrated success in leading programs from the planning phase through full execution, including managing intricate priorities, critical milestones, key deliverables, inherent risks, interdependencies, and desired outcomes.

• Proven ability to translate high-level strategic direction into actionable, executable plans, to bring structure to ambiguous situations, and to adapt programs dynamically as priorities and needs evolve.

• Experience working with or within higher education institutions is highly valued, encompassing a deep understanding of academic culture, decision-making processes, effective faculty and student engagement strategies, and university operating rhythms.

• Demonstrated ability to improve and evolve program design, processes, and delivery mechanisms, rather than merely maintaining existing operational frameworks. Required Skills:

• Program Management: Expertise in full program lifecycle management, including planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, academic institutions, industry partners, and internal teams.

• Operational Leadership: Strong capability to lead operational initiatives, drive efficiency, and ensure effective program delivery within dynamic environments.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans and drive successful implementation.

• Data Analysis & Performance Metrics: Proficiency in establishing, tracking, and analyzing KPIs, program metrics, and data to assess results, identify gaps, and drive continuous improvement.

• Process Improvement: Demonstrated experience in identifying and implementing process enhancements to improve operational efficiency, participant experience, and program outcomes.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to develop clear and compelling executive-level briefings, reports, and recommendations.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and devise effective solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Familiarity with the Department of War (DoW), national security, defense innovation, university research, prototyping, commercialization, or dual-use technology ecosystems.

• Experience supporting federal government programs and/or academia.

• Proficiency with AI-enabled tools, CRM/project management systems (e.g., Salesforce), and other technologies to enhance program execution and analysis.

• Experience with program budgets, funding mechanisms, procurement processes, and federal program or contractor-delivered programs.

• Experience developing performance measurement frameworks and program analytics.

• Experience collaborating with geographically dispersed or matrixed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "bringing structure to ambiguity" and "improving and evolving program design, processes, and delivery" highlights the critical need for strong Operations Management and Process Optimization skills. The role demands more than just managing a project; it requires shaping and refining the operational framework for innovation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Design & Optimization: Showcase examples of designing, implementing, or significantly improving operational workflows and processes that led to measurable efficiency gains or improved outcomes.

• Program Lifecycle Management: Demonstrate a structured approach to managing complex programs, including planning, risk mitigation, stakeholder coordination, and successful delivery of objectives, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Stakeholder Collaboration Frameworks: Provide evidence of developing and implementing strategies for effective engagement and collaboration with diverse stakeholder groups, particularly in cross-sector environments (government, academia, industry).

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Include case studies or examples of establishing performance metrics (KPIs), tracking program effectiveness, and reporting on results to senior leadership or external bodies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Mapping & Enhancement: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in mapping existing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing data-driven enhancements for operational processes.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Evidence of developing or refining SOPs to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency in program execution and operational delivery.

• Outcome-Based Reporting: Ability to articulate how to structure program reports to clearly demonstrate achieved outcomes, ROI (where applicable), and impact against strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role heavily focused on program execution and improvement, a portfolio demonstrating process optimization and operational rigor is crucial. The ability to articulate how processes were improved and the resulting impact will be a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $165,000 - $172,000 annually.

Benefits:

• While specific benefits are not detailed, The Tatitlek Corporation typically offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which may include:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match

  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

  • Life Insurance and Disability Coverage

  • Professional Development opportunities and training

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site in Arlington, VA, implying a need for consistent presence during core business hours to facilitate direct collaboration and program oversight.

• Occasional travel may be required to support program activities and stakeholder engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for the US market and reflects a senior-level Program Manager role with significant operational responsibilities in a specialized field. The benefits are inferred based on standard corporate offerings for full-time employees in the US.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Tatitlek Corporation operates within the government contracting and professional services sector, likely supporting defense and national security initiatives. The specific program is within the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which focuses on accelerating the adoption of commercial technology for national security.

Company Size: The Tatitlek Corporation's size is not explicitly stated, but it is implied to be a substantial organization capable of supporting large government programs, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category.

Founded: Founded in 1980, The Tatitlek Corporation has a long-standing history in government contracting. This longevity suggests a stable organization with established processes and a deep understanding of federal program execution.

Team Structure:

• Program Leadership: The role reports to senior leadership within The Tatitlek Corporation, likely a Director or VP overseeing government programs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The Program Manager will work closely with government personnel from the Department of War (DoW), DIU leadership, university faculty and researchers, student teams, and potentially other government contractors.

• Operations Integration: This role is central to the operational execution of the Innovation with Academia (IWA) program, bridging strategic innovation goals with the practical realities of program management and stakeholder coordination.

Methodology:

• Innovation Focus: The program is designed to accelerate the adoption of commercial technologies and innovative solutions for national security challenges.

• Experiential Learning: The student prototyping program utilizes hands-on, experiential learning to engage university talent and deliver tangible prototypes.

• Data-Driven Improvement: Emphasis is placed on establishing KPIs, tracking metrics, and using data to assess program effectiveness and drive continuous operational improvement.

• Stakeholder Alignment: A core methodology involves building strong relationships and fostering collaboration among diverse government, academic, and industry partners.

Company Website: https://careers-tatitlek.icims.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on government contracting suggest a culture that values stability, compliance, and mission-critical execution. The DIU context implies an environment that also embraces innovation and rapid adaptation, requiring a balance between structured operations and agile problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level Program Manager position with significant operational oversight. It is akin to a Director or Senior Manager of Operations within a specialized program context, requiring strategic thinking, extensive experience in complex environments, and strong leadership capabilities. The focus is on managing and optimizing the operations of an innovation program, rather than just managing projects in isolation.

Reporting Structure: The Program Manager will report to a senior executive within The Tatitlek Corporation, likely overseeing government programs or innovation initiatives. They will also work very closely with government stakeholders at the Department of War (DoW) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the Department of War's ability to leverage cutting-edge research and technology from universities. By successfully managing the student prototyping programs, the Program Manager contributes to faster problem-solving, accelerated innovation cycles, and the potential adoption of new capabilities that enhance national security. The operational efficiency and effectiveness of this program directly influence the speed and success of technology transition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher-level program management or operational leadership roles within The Tatitlek Corporation, managing larger or more complex government contracts.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in defense innovation, academic partnerships, or specific technology domains relevant to national security.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to influence the strategic direction and operational framework of DIU's Innovation with Academia programs.

• Broader Operations Roles: Transition into broader operational management roles within the company, leveraging experience in process optimization, stakeholder management, and program execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is strongly tied to demonstrating excellence in operational execution and process improvement within a high-stakes government innovation environment. Success here can lead to significant career progression in program and operational leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Arlington, VA, indicating a traditional office environment within The Tatitlek Corporation's facilities. This setting is conducive to direct collaboration, team meetings, and focused work on program planning and execution.

Office Location(s): Arlington, Virginia, United States. This location offers proximity to various government agencies, defense contractors, and academic institutions in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, facilitating stakeholder engagement and potential site visits.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will likely support a collaborative atmosphere, with dedicated spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to standard office technology, including computers, communication systems, and potentially specialized project management software or platforms used by The Tatitlek Corporation and DIU.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature allows for direct interaction with colleagues within The Tatitlek Corporation, fostering team cohesion and facilitating real-time problem-solving and knowledge sharing related to program operations.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

• While the core hours are expected, the nature of program management in a high-tempo environment may sometimes require flexibility to meet critical deadlines or address urgent stakeholder needs. The emphasis on "high-tempo environment" suggests a dynamic workplace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Arlington, VA, is significant for a role involving extensive stakeholder coordination. It facilitates direct, in-person interactions crucial for building trust and navigating complex government and academic relationships, which are key operational components of this position.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader at Tatitlek) focusing on program management experience, operational leadership skills, and strategic thinking. Expect questions about managing complex initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study: A key stage will involve presenting a portfolio showcasing relevant program management and operational success stories. This may include a specific case study related to managing innovation programs, improving processes, or driving outcomes in complex environments.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential team members or key government/academic stakeholders to assess collaborative abilities, communication style, and fit within the DIU/DoW ecosystem.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level executives to discuss overall strategic fit and long-term vision for the program.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative presented, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the actions taken (emphasizing operational processes and strategies), and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Highlight Process Improvements: Specifically showcase instances where you identified operational inefficiencies and implemented solutions that improved program delivery, stakeholder satisfaction, or resource utilization.

• Demonstrate Stakeholder Management: Provide examples of how you successfully navigated complex stakeholder landscapes, managed competing interests, and fostered productive collaborations, especially across government, academia, and industry.

• Tailor to DIU/DoW Context: Frame your experience in a way that resonates with the defense innovation and academic research mission of DIU. Mention any relevant experience with government programs, national security, or university partnerships.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by program type, skill area, or chronological order. Be prepared to walk through specific examples succinctly and answer detailed questions about your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical challenge, such as onboarding new university partners, managing a prototype that deviates from its original scope, or addressing a sudden budget cut. Focus on your operational problem-solving methodology.

• Stakeholder Communication Plan: Prepare to outline how you would communicate a critical program update or risk to different stakeholder groups (e.g., DIU leadership, university faculty, student teams).

• Process Improvement Proposal: You might be asked to outline a plan for improving a specific aspect of the IWA program's operations, such as the student selection process or the prototype review mechanism.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just project management skills, but tangible operational leadership and process optimization capabilities. The ability to articulate how you achieve results through effective operations is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for planning, tracking, and managing project timelines, tasks, and dependencies.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for day-to-day communication, file sharing, and team collaboration.

• Presentation Software: Mastery of PowerPoint or Google Slides for developing executive-level briefings, reports, and program documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools like Excel (advanced functions), Google Sheets, or potentially business intelligence (BI) tools for data analysis, performance tracking, and report generation.

• CRM/Database Systems: Experience with CRM systems, particularly Salesforce, is explicitly mentioned as a preferred qualification and is crucial for managing relationships with universities, students, and government partners.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Explicitly listed as preferred, indicating a strong need for candidates who can leverage this platform for stakeholder management, program tracking, and data reporting.

• AI-enabled Tools: Mentioned as a proficiency area, suggesting that candidates who can identify and utilize AI tools for enhancing program execution, analysis, workflow automation, or decision support will be highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Salesforce and AI-enabled tools highlights the modern operational expectations for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have utilized these technologies to drive efficiency and improve program outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A deep commitment to supporting the national security mission of the Department of War (DoW) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) through effective program execution.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships and effective collaboration with government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and internal teams.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas, adapting to evolving needs, and driving innovative solutions within the national security space, while maintaining operational rigor.

• Excellence & Accountability: A commitment to high standards of performance, meticulous execution, and taking ownership of program outcomes and operational improvements.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring adherence to all contractual, organizational, and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands seamless integration with diverse teams and stakeholders, requiring proactive communication and a partnership-oriented approach to problem-solving.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Encouraging a culture where feedback on operational processes and program execution is welcomed and used for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and operational insights are shared among team members and partners to enhance collective effectiveness.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining transparent and consistent communication channels with all stakeholders to manage expectations, address concerns, and ensure alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely blends the structured, compliant environment of government contracting with the innovative, fast-paced ethos of defense innovation. A candidate who can thrive in this hybrid environment, balancing operational discipline with a forward-thinking approach, will be successful.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Ecosystems: Managing the diverse needs, priorities, and cultures of government agencies, universities, and industry partners can be challenging. Strategies for effective stakeholder mapping, communication, and expectation management are key.

• Balancing Innovation with Operational Rigor: Effectively translating innovative ideas into tangible, executable prototypes within defined timelines and budgets requires a strong operational framework.

• Driving Change in Academic Environments: Influencing and collaborating with academic institutions, which often have distinct operating rhythms and decision-making processes, to achieve program objectives.

• Measuring Impact of Early-Stage Prototypes: Quantifying the success and long-term impact of early-stage prototypes and innovation initiatives can be complex, requiring robust measurement frameworks.

• Adapting to Evolving National Security Needs: Staying abreast of rapidly changing national security priorities and technological advancements to ensure program relevance and impact.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Defense Innovation Expertise: Gaining deep insights into the Department of War's innovation challenges, technology adoption processes, and the broader defense industrial base.

• Advanced Program Management: Enhancing skills in managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs within the federal government contracting space.

• University-Industry Collaboration: Developing expertise in fostering productive partnerships between academic research and government/industry application.

• Emerging Technologies: Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and prototyping methodologies relevant to national security.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership and strategic influence skills within a mission-critical context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a candidate with strong operational problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt strategies to unique environments. The growth opportunities are significant for those looking to specialize in defense innovation and advanced program/operations management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a program with highly diverse stakeholders with competing interests. How did you align them and ensure successful program execution?" (Focus on your operational strategy for stakeholder management.)

• "How would you approach translating a broad Department of War mission problem into concrete, executable prototyping projects for university student teams?" (Emphasize your process for defining scope, setting milestones, and operationalizing abstract goals.)

• "Imagine a key prototype is significantly delayed due to unforeseen technical challenges. What steps would you take operationally to mitigate the delay and communicate the situation to stakeholders?" (Highlight your risk management and communication protocols.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about the Defense Innovation Unit's mission and how does the Innovation with Academia program contribute to it?" (Show your research and understanding of the operational context.)

• "How do you approach fostering a collaborative environment between government mission partners and academic researchers?" (Discuss your methods for building bridges and managing expectations.)

• "Based on your understanding of this role, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges and how would you address them?" (Demonstrate foresight and strategic operational thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method: For each example, structure your response using Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Clearly articulate the operational actions you took and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Focus on Process & Impact: When discussing a project, emphasize the operational processes you implemented or improved, and the resulting impact on efficiency, stakeholder satisfaction, or mission outcomes.

• Tailor to DIU: Frame your experience to align with the DIU's mission of accelerating dual-use technology adoption. Highlight any experience with rapid prototyping, commercialization pathways, or national security applications.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your decision-making process, how you handled specific challenges, and the metrics you used to track success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong grasp of operational management principles within a complex, mission-driven environment. Candidates should be ready to articulate their strategic approach to problem-solving, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Program Manager position:

• Submit your application through The Tatitlek Corporation's careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 2-3 key programs or initiatives where you demonstrated exceptional program management, operational leadership, and process improvement skills. Focus on quantifiable results and tailor examples to defense innovation or academic collaboration if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, emphasizing achievements in program execution, stakeholder engagement, budget management, and process optimization. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Program Management," "Operational Leadership," "Stakeholder Engagement," and "Process Improvement."

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational interview questions using the STAR method, focusing on your operational strategies and problem-solving approaches. Prepare to discuss your understanding of the DIU's mission and how you would contribute.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Tatitlek Corporation, its history, and its work within the government contracting sector. Understand the Defense Innovation Unit's objectives and the specific goals of the Innovation with Academia program.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Tatitlek Corporation or the hiring organization before making application decisions.