Stem Outreach Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SOFWERX (SWX) was established under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) between the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and DEFENSEWERX (DWX). SWX is a platform designed and operated to increase collaboration and innovation, as well as explore, experiment, and assess promising technology for USSOCOM. Its expanding ecosystem brings together traditional and non-traditional problem solvers to identify, develop, and deliver innovative, disruptive capabilities that provide decisive advantages to the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Warfighter. Our team operates with a shared mindset of collaboration, stepping in to support one another as needed to ensure collective success.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Technology Transition & STEM Program Manager serves as SWX's lead coordinator for Tech Tuesday Program Management, tracking transitions and STEM outreach and coordination. This position is responsible for identifying promising technologies from Federal laboratories, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), academia, industry, and other innovation organizations and coordinating mechanisms to increase exposure and information sharing with our USSOCOM stakeholders. In addition, the position leads SWX's STEM outreach initiatives throughout the Tampa Bay region, developing programs that inspire and educate future generations of scientists, engineers, technologists, innovators, and leaders in support of the SOF Warfighter mission. The position is based in Tampa, Florida and reports directly to the SWX Deputy Director.

KEY FUNCTIONAL AREAS:

Technology Transition (T2) and Tech Tuesday Program Management

Serve as the SWX lead for technology transition activities by identifying, evaluating and , tracking relevant technologies originating from Partnership Intermediary Agreements (PIAs), Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), National Laboratories, Academic Institutions, Technology Accelerators and Innovation Organizations, and Government Research Organizations. Coordinate mechanisms to increase exposure and information sharing with our USSOCOM stakeholders.

STEM Program Management

Lead and execute SWX STEM initiatives that educate, inspire, and empower future generations of innovators throughout the Tampa Bay region. Develop programs that provide K-12 students with exposure to engineering, robotics, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, defense innovation, and related career pathways while supporting SWX's mission of cultivating future problem-solvers for national security challenges. Establish enduring partnerships with a pipeline of schools, events, community engagement, collaboration, and philanthropic contributions with a specific focus on engineering and technology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Technology Transition & Innovation Ecosystem

• Coordinate with SWX Program Managers and Government stakeholders to facilitate technology awareness, assessments, demonstrations, and experimentation opportunities.
• Track technologies throughout the innovation lifecycle and document transition activities, outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Monitor and document technologies considered for transition to Programs of Record, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), Research & Development Agreements (RDAs), or other acquisition pathways.
• Maintain accurate records of technology engagements, evaluations, transitions, and associated metrics.
• Represent SWX at select conferences, symposiums, technical exchanges, and innovation-focused events.
  

Tech Tuesday Program Management

• Serve as the lead coordinator and primary point of contact for the weekly Tech Tuesday Forum.
• Manage capability intake, technical screening, scheduling, coordination, and reporting activities.
• Coordinate with presenters, Government stakeholders, and internal SWX staff to ensure successful execution of Tech Tuesday events.
• Develop, maintain, and improve mechanisms for cataloging and searching submitted technologies.
• Maintain a centralized repository of technology submissions aligned to USSOCOM Technical Focus Areas.
• Prepare and distribute Tech Tuesday reports, summaries, and associated performance metrics.

Market Research & Data Management

• Supervise, mentor, and provide direction to assigned interns supporting market research and technology scouting efforts.
• Research applicable technology repositories, databases, publications, and networks to identify innovative capabilities and transition opportunities.
• Develop market research objectives and monitor progress against assigned tasks.
• Review, edit, and approve project summaries, technology profiles, and associated documentation.
• Maintain the SWX Activity Tracker and ensure accurate recording of projects, engagements, and outcomes.
• Collect, analyze, and report performance metrics supporting SWX reporting requirements.
  

STEM Program Management

• Develop and execute an annual STEM strategic plan supporting SWX outreach objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute STEM events, tours, workshops, competitions, field trips, demonstrations, and community engagement activities.
• Foster and expand partnerships with schools, universities, robotics organizations, educational institutions, and community groups.
• Coordinate volunteers, mentors, guest speakers, and industry representatives participating in STEM programs.
• Administer STEM budgets, grants, donations, and related resources in accordance with organizational policies.
• Collect, evaluate, award, and track STEM grant funding and associated outcomes.
• Maintain STEM inventories, educational materials, demonstration equipment, and program resources.
• Lead SWX participation in robotics competitions, STEM expos, career fairs, and related events.
• Serve on advisory boards, committees, or community organizations when beneficial to SWX and its STEM mission.
• Coordinate with SWX Marketing personnel to publicize STEM activities, communicate program impact, and cultivate new partnerships.
• Track and report STEM performance metrics including participation levels, outreach activities, grants awarded, volunteer engagement, and community impact.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, Technology, Business, Education, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be substituted.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in technology programs, STEM education, outreach, program management, research organizations, innovation ecosystems, government programs, or related fields.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, other planning programs, and possess technical writing proficiency.
• Experience with submission intake applications such as HubSpot, Submittable, or similar.
• Experience developing and maintaining professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and executing events, programs, workshops, or community engagement activities.
  

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a U.S security clearance or successfully obtain and maintain ITAR license
• Good planning and organizational skills; attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Professional attitude with well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced, and rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
  

DEFENSEWERX VALUES:

• Teamwork: Leverage our strengths to achieve our objectives
• Integrity: Honor commitments to all those we serve
• Excellence: Deliver clear and measurable outcomes aligned to program and partner objectives
  
• Empathy: Truly seek to understand and value others' place and position
• Innovation: Advance the art of the possible

DEFENSEWERX offers competitive and comprehensive benefits package options for full-time employees.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• HSA/FSA options
• 401K
• Supplemental health insurance
• Concierge Telemedicine
• Life insurance and AD&D
• Short Term and Long Term Disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons. DEFENSEWERX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other nonmerit factor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact DEFENSEWERX directly.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the essential job required, management reserves the rights to modify, add, or remove duties from jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.