Play a critical leadership role in advancing the reach and impact of federally funded small business innovation by leading programmatic, strategic, and advisory functions for a high-visibility federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and Technology Transfer program. We are seeking a seasoned, results-driven SBIR Lead to provide comprehensive programmatic, analytical, and policy support to the Technology Partnerships Office (TPO). Working closely with the TPO program manager and senior leadership, you will oversee the full lifecycle of SBIR awards, spearhead national outreach initiatives, design economic impact frameworks, and serve as the office's primary interpreter of evolving SBA policy and Congressional mandates. This position requires deep familiarity with the federal SBIR/STTR ecosystem, exceptional organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex regulatory and programmatic requirements into actionable strategies that advance NOAA's innovation mission.

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with travel as needed 

SBIR Program Administration:

• Coordinate the full SBIR proposal evaluation process (pre- and post-award), including development of the annual federal funding opportunity announcement
• Process contract invoices and deliverables; complete all mandated reporting to the SBA and other entities
• Maintain project documentation, digital databases, and program timelines; ensure compliance with applicable federal specifications
• Execute daily administrative tasks and maintain positive vendor and client relationships

Program Coordination and Operations:

• Support strategic planning, management plan execution, and end-to-end coordination of assigned projects
• Facilitate communications between office and field staff; track and report program status updates directly to the program manager
• Identify operational issues and recommend process improvements to enhance program effectiveness

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Represent the program at SBIR conferences and events, including staffing exhibit booths
• Lead national-level outreach initiatives to recruit non-traditional defense and environmental technology firms, broadening the annual applicant pool
• Coordinate outreach activities with NOAA communications and partnerships personnel

Strategic Initiatives and Impact Assessment:

• Design a mixed-methods framework to measure program ROI, including an "Economic Impact" assessment of NOAA's historical SBIR investments, and present findings to OAR and NOAA senior management
• Lead a formal "Phase II to Phase III" transition strategy to identify high-potential technologies for acquisition by NOAA line offices or private industry, bridging the gap between research and commercialization

Policy Advisory and Regulatory Compliance:

• Serve as the primary advisor on evolving SBA policy directives and Congressional mandates, drafting internal operating procedures to align NOAA's SBIR processes with new federal regulations
• Advise senior leadership on the programmatic and long-term impacts of proposed legislative changes to the SBIR/STTR programs

Required: 

• The ability to obtain a public trust
• Education: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, English, marketing, or closely related field. A demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience can be used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 8 years of professional and/or academic experience in SBIR program management, federal grants and contracts administration, technology transfer, innovation policy, or a closely related field
• Comprehensive knowledge of the federal SBIR/STTR program structure, policies, and lifecycle (proposal, award, reporting, and transition phases)
• Demonstrated experience managing federal grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, including invoice processing and deliverable tracking
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to design and execute program evaluation frameworks, including ROI and economic impact assessments
• Proven ability to interpret federal regulations, SBA policy directives, and Congressional mandates, and translate them into agency-level operating procedures
• Experience developing and delivering strategic recommendations to senior leadership
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, deadlines, and priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accurate programmatic reports and briefings
• Proficiency with digital project management tools and databases
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate cross-functional coordination between internal staff, field personnel, and external stakeholders
• Experience supporting or leading outreach activities, including conference participation and stakeholder engagement
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive programmatic and contractual information appropriately
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Desired: 

• Familiarity with NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) mission and organizational structure
• Experience with Phase II to Phase III technology transition or commercialization strategies
• Background in environmental, climate, or defense technology sectors
• Experience recruiting non-traditional or underserved applicants to federal innovation programs
• Knowledge of federal plain language requirements and Section 508 accessibility standards

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

$80,000 - $112,000 annually salary