Minimum Qualifications:
? Impeccable character and enduring integrity; Must demonstrate collegial, ego-less
approach to problem solving (we work as a team at DIU and are an exceptionally “flat”…
organization)
? Ability to deal with ambiguity, adapt quickly to changing demands and work with emerging
technologies, methodologies and solutions
? Demonstrated independent critical problem solving skills and executive presence
? Experience working within the technology sector, specifically with Artificial Intelligence /
Machine Learning (AI/ML) at a fast-paced organization. Example prior roles include:
program management, product management, engineering, business development/sales
leadership, corporate development.
? Outstanding communication skills (written and oral)
Clearance:
? Eligibility to achieve Top Secret (TS) clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
? Interest in both advancing national security and personal growth
? A minimum of 7+ years experience within tech environments, preferably assessing
technological capabilities and gaps (e.g., in product management, corporate development,
and/or venture capital)
? History of having confronted significant hurdles and excelled at them
? Demonstrated ability to shape ambiguous environments into successful outcomes
? Thorough understanding of startup company culture and operations
? Private sector experience is a must. In addition to the above minimum qualifications, some
preferred aspects include:
? Experience with Enterprise Software (specifically SAAS) is a plus
? Start-up experience highly desirable
? Executive leadership is a plus
? VC/PE ecosystem experience is a plus
? Prior military, IC, or USG experience is a plus
? Prior Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition experience (ie. Program Management) is a
plus
Responsibilities for the role:
The AI/ML Commercial Engagement Executive will assess prospective customer needs,
understand the market landscapes for applicable technology components, source
companies/technologies to deliver the necessary solution(s), evaluate commercial viability and
support scaling of capabilities across relevant DoD mission partners alongside the Portfolio
Managers and Defense Engagement Team. Additionally, this individual will act as the AI/ML
portfolio’s main interface with private sector capital allocators across asset classes. The role
requires working level knowledge of the Artificial intelligence space, along with an understanding
of the intricacies in building and deploying complex hardware / software solutions. This individual
will be entrusted with developing a critical ecosystem of commercial partners for transformative
DoD programs. This role is key to maintaining the United States’ national security posture and
delivering critical capabilities directly to warfighters.
The Commercial Engagement Executive reports directly to the Director of the Commercial
Engagement Team (CET). The role also reports to the AI/ML Portfolio Director, in a dotted line
capacity. The CET is tasked with delivering a compelling procurement experience to partner
companies and with establishing, furthering, and managing DIU's relationships with the private
sector. The CET is composed of multiple executives who are responsible for commercial strategy
(including delivering the right experiential product for acquisitions), outreach (business
development and marketing), general relationship management, and market intelligence. The
executive in this role will work closely with the Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Portfolio
Director & Members.
Below are the responsibilities of this role:
? Advise the AI Portfolio and broader CET team on any and all commercial
considerations/topics specific to the AI/ML domain
? Support Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Portfolio throughout government
solicitation processes, to include:
? Provide ongoing insights into emerging technologies
? Identification of commercial capabilities to solve DoD/GOV problem sets
? Provide broad market snapshots (e.g. Market Maps of relevant commercial
capabilities)
? Identify and establishing relationships with relevant vendors
? Lead company viability analyses
? Ensure proper ongoing communication with existing and potential vendors and
capital allocator network
? Deliver a consistent, on-brand DIU procurement experience to private sector partners,
including VCs and partner companies – candidate must be comfortable interacting at the
senior executive level
? Develop subject matter knowledge of key industry focus areas
? Participate in industry conferences, forums, and other events
? Integrate into ongoing (CET) business development and marketing activities seamlessly
? Maintain market vigilance to be able to identify relevant technologies
? Cultivate broad company level relationships across Artificial Intelligence / Machine
Learning sub-sectors
? Foster deep personal relationships with executives across the ecosystem
? Represent the DIU brand with appropriate gravitas and poise in all situations
About our client:
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
We are changing how the Department of Defense (DoD) approaches commercial technology
adoption. Through our agile processes, contract authorities, and diverse team of experts, we have
reduced the time it takes the DoD to identify a problem, prototype a commercial solution, and
implement it into the field to two years or less. Our DoD partners represent every Service and we
engage at the highest levels to identify national security challenges that can be solved with
commercial technology. Companies on contract with us are backed by top tier investors and
represent $>30 billion in private investment capital