Director, Tech Grove Operations and Sponsored Programs

Central Florida Tech Grove Director Of Tech Grove Operations And Sponsored Programs

The Central Florida Tech Grove is a nationally recognized hub for defense innovation, connecting the Department of War with industry, academia, and entrepreneurs. Located within Orlando's world-class modeling and simulation ecosystem, Tech Grove accelerates technology transition through collaboration, challenge-based programs, and startup engagement. It serves as both a physical space and virtual platform for solving mission-critical defense challenges. The Grove plays a key role in expanding the defense industrial base and driving applied research with real-world impact. UCF's leadership of Tech Grove helps advance national security, innovation, and regional economic growth.

The Director of Tech Grove Operations and Sponsored Programs provides strategic leadership, operational management, and external engagement for the Central Florida Tech Grove. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Research and Innovation, this role oversees partnerships with federal government agencies, industry, and academia to accelerate the development of innovative prototypes, proofs of concept, and collaborative research projects that strengthen national defense capabilities. This person is responsible for all Tech Grove operations, management of dedicated staff, and active management of all Collaborative Project Orders (CPOs) issued to UCFRF under the Tech Grove partnership.

Classification Title : Director, Research Programs

Responsibilities :

• Provides vision, direction, and oversight for Tech Grove operations.
• Develops and executes strategic plans, organizational goals, and policies in compliance with federal, state, and university requirements.
• Ensures alignment with UCF's mission and the priorities of government and industry partners.
• Serves as Principal Investigator (PI) and oversees sponsored research activities.
• Manages proposal preparation, award administration, and reporting for federal and non-federal funding sources.
• Ensures budgets are effectively planned, monitored, and reconciled in compliance with sponsor and university policies.
• Builds and sustains relationships with federal agencies, industry partners, academic institutions, nonprofits, and consortia.
• Strengthens UCF's role in Team Orlando and the national defense innovation ecosystem.
• Facilitates collaborative agreements to address sponsor needs and advance research and innovation outcomes.
• Directs technology transfer initiatives and innovation pathways to accelerate prototype and proof-of-concept development.
• Oversees technology scans, market research, and outreach to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses to support commercialization and transition.
• Leads execution of multiple CPOs totaling several million dollars annually.
• Ensures projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in alignment with customer objectives. Provides oversight for senior design teams, research prototypes, and cross-sector project collaborations.
• Plans, facilitates, and represents Tech Grove at national and local events including Tabletop Exchanges, Innovation Marketplaces, Research Portfolio Reviews, and major defense conferences (I / ITSEC, SOF Week, AUSA, Fed Supernova).
• Provides regular training and professional development for Tech Grove staff.
• Manages a portfolio of FAR- and non-FAR-based agreements, including PIAs and cooperative agreements.
• Establishes performance metrics, monitors compliance, and delivers reports and metrics to sponsors, the Technical Advisory Board (TAB), and UCF leadership.
• Ensures accountability, transparency, and effective stewardship of funds.
• Supports regional and national economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and startup activity.
• Identifies and advances opportunities for industry-university-government collaboration that reduce redundancy, address complex defense challenges, and generate lasting impact for warfighter readiness.

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor's or Master's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of leadership experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred qualifications : Proven leadership in innovation ecosystems experience guiding cross-functional teams in Defense, Research & Development (R&D), or Model, Simulation & Training sectors (MS&T), with a focus on delivering mission-aligned outcomes through strategic planning and execution.

Demonstrated success managing complex portfolios oversight of multi-million-dollar programs and concurrent initiatives, with expertise in varied funding sources, compliance, and impact reporting.

Background in military and government environments experience working with military personnel or federal agencies; former service (civilian, officer, or enlisted) is desirable.

Strong stakeholder engagement skills skilled at cultivating relationships with Department of Defense (DoD) sponsors, academic institutions, industry partners, and small businesses with the ability to translate needs into actionable, funded programs.

Track record in technology transition and commercialization experience leading or supporting initiatives that moved R&D toward deployment, including tech scans, market discovery, and outreach to startups and entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurial leadership mindset experience leading programs, departments, or initiatives with a high degree of autonomy and accountability, including responsibility for people, budgets, and operations, similar to managing a small business.