Program Development Manager

What We Do:

The Software Solutions Division (SSD) comprises a large part of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) operated by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Arlington, VA. At SSD our teams engage in groundbreaking software research, development, and transition for the US Government.

Position Summary:

Do you love working and collaborating with some of the brightest minds in software engineering research? As the primary SSD Pittsburgh based Program Development Manager for Air Force/Space Force & other Government Agencies, you will be responsible for active identification, qualification and pursuit of new research opportunities within the Air Force/Space Force and Intel Community along with other federal government agencies. Through in-depth analysis of acquisition and research needs and building trusted relationships with the acquisition and research community, you will recognize relevant connections to our research, then cultivate the relationships that bring SSD value to the forefront. Your coordination with SEI technical staff will develop effective approaches to the target customer, leading to long-term, funded relationships. Importantly, you will provide key inputs to SSD leadership to develop our strategic business goals and objectives for the SEI's federal research program.

Do you enjoy working with a professional cadre of program management, contract and legal professionals to ensure your customers are satisfied? Our support and technical teams are here to provide assistance as you lead the customer engagement and pursue future business development for your targeted customers. Likewise, assigned teams of financial and contract professionals are at your disposal as you provide oversight, control and management of customer funding.

Responsibilities:

In this position you will:

• Assist the SSD Associate Director, Program Development as a strategic advisor in developing strategies and market analysis for the Air Force/Space Force and other Federal groups as necessary.
• Assist the SSD Associate Director, Program Development in working with the SSD Technical Directors in developing Market Strategies and Product Plans that communicate their groups’ technologies, intrinsic knowledge, and core competencies into viable offerings to the Federal Government and industry.
• Establish strategic business development goals and objectives focusing principally on the Air Force/Space Force, as well as other Federal Agencies
• Develop and implement action plans to achieve goals
• Represent SEI products and services at meaningful forums, seminars, technical programs and trade shows
• Participate in technical and professional associations; keep informed about developments in the government, military, and economic, scientific, political, and industrial fields as they apply to SEI products and services
• Coordinate business development action plan implementation with program development teams across the SEI to ensure achievement of business development goals

Requirements:

• BS in a technical/engineering discipline or a technically-oriented business degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• We are looking for eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in business development and project management activities relating to software engineering technologies and research in related areas across the Federal Government (with emphasis on the Air Force/Space Force, and Intelligence Community).
• We value successful business development experience gained in pursuit of large government projects dealing with engineering support, applied research/development or other similar activities.
• Recent experience working closely with Air Force/Space Force and/or Federal Agencies acquisition offices or similar activities is critical to success.
• Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission. This includes within the SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Average Travel – 5-6 days per month.
• You will be subject to a background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

We are searching for creative, tech savvy, self-starters with:

• Working knowledge of software and systems development and defense acquisition
• Tried and true leadership skills with medium to large technical teams
• Ability to assess initiatives against programmatic, technical, and operational goals
• Ability to develop business plans, technical work plans, project management tracking and reporting systems
• Ability to prepare and conduct management and entry-level technical briefings with senior government leaders and technologists
• Ability to engage customers to elicit and distill capability gaps and needs and translate those needs to SEI technology focus areas
• Desire to work with technical staff to establish tailored approaches, goals and schedules
• Ability to recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information
• Extraordinary written and oral communication skills
• Strong reasoning and analytical skills; a solid presenter and very capable of communicating with and in front of internal and external customers including audiences from diverse military, Governmental and academic backgrounds
• Ability to work independently but with emphasis on team goals and teamwork
• Ability to combine technical aptitude with a business perspective, be comfortable with understanding technical products and services and able to interact effectively with technical staff at the SEI and in customer organizations.

Benefits:

• Join a world-class organization that has significant impact on software.
• Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
• Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself.
• Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and your dependent children.
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave.
• Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, childcare and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit System.
• Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies.
• Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.