Commercialization Specialist

DEFENSEWERX-ERDCWERX is a neutral facilitator and trusted counselor, connecting a national network of individuals, businesses, educators and government organizations to enable creative and integrated solutions for our DOW customers.

This is a remote position. DEFENSEWERX (DWX) currently operates in and hires from the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia.

JOB SUMMARY:

As a part-time team member of the ERDCWERX (EWX) Innovation Hub located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, this position serves on the project team, reports to EWX Commercialization Manager, and is responsible to play an active role in establishing and strengthening industry-to-government relationships in order to promote awareness, support interest, and assist the active pursuit of technology transfer/transition with our government partner, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). This position is expected to work approximately 26 hours per week during business hours, Monday-Friday, 8-5.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Establish familiarity with ERDC intellectual property (IP) available for commercialization.
• Gain insight into market/industry applications of ERDC-developed IP

• Contribute to market research to identify industry trends and other demand signals, customer needs, and commercialization pathways.

• Identify and research target companies that align with ERDC technologies and capabilities; conduct due diligence on entities that are pursuing tech transfer opportunities.

• Utilize Hubspot and other digital platforms to maintain lists and monitor interactions with companies of interest; participate in tracking deal status and progression.

• Support EWX goals to establish rapport with industry representatives and consult with them to aid in the pursuit of technology commercialization relationships.
• Initiate and pursue engagements with business and various referral entities including APEX Accelerators to generate tech transfer interest.

• Communicate value propositions to industry and other target audiences.
• Provide coaching/consultation for interested parties regarding technology transfer and necessary action steps.
• Participate in the creation of technology promotion and commercialization marketing strategies; coordinate implementation of these strategies.

• Conduct outreach through email, phone, and LinkedIn.

• Attend and/or present at webinars; represent EWX at local/regional events.
• Gain and maintain working knowledge of: ERDC strategic goals regarding technology transfer and transition, ERDC laboratory capabilities and patented innovations, Government intellectual property commercialization processes, and ERDC technology transfer agreement pathways. 

• Participate in professional development and other necessary capacity-building activities.
• Coordinate with EWX team members and contribute to the success of EWX and DWX.
• Champion DWX core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in marketing, business, communications, economic development, or a related field; equivalent work experience and some college will be considered.
• Five years of experience in marketing, business development, sales, economic development, customer engagement, or related functions preferred.
• Must not have any conflicts of interest affecting DWX or the Department of Defense.
• Minimal travel required (less than 5%).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, and project management tools (Such as Hubspot, Trello, Submittable).

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass a background check prior to employment.
• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a DOW security clearance or successfully obtain and maintain ITAR license.
• Ability to understand and communicate technical concepts to industry and referral audiences.
• Ability to establish trust and credibility among industry contacts and generate interest in commercialization opportunities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Webinar presentation experience desired.
• Experience in marketing, sales, business development, customer engagement, or related functions, including direct and indirect marketing, lead generation, cold calling, email outreach, account management, customer relationship management, and relationship development.
• Experience representing an employer at meetings, conferences, trade shows, networking events, webinars, or other professional engagements.
• Experience in local, state, or federal economic development, federal contracting, or other government-related business activities is helpful but not required.
• Experience conducting market research and identifying potential business opportunities.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Have a genuine passion for working in a small, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization focused on mission and impact.

CONDITIONS OF WORK:

• Do whatever it takes to get the job done
• Be a servant leader willing to share credit and own accountability
• Be a part of a team
• Bring a growth mindset and be open to learning and coaching

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

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.