Communications Program Manager III - Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: KY

Department:

Location:

Non-Campus Other

Time Type:

Full time

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Req ID:

R107941

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a related field and eight (8) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Grade 10 (Salaried)

Position Description:

The University of Louisville is seeking to hire a Communications Program Manager III. The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub Communications and Data Manager plays a dual strategic role in supporting Kentucky’s Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub at the University of Louisville. This position combines marketing and communications expertise with data management and performance analysis to enhance the Hub’s regional and national visibility, ensuring data-informed decision-making.

The ideal candidate is experienced in web design, digital marketing and data analytics—capable of amplifying the Hub’s impact through compelling content via social media, email, and newsletters. This position is essential for promoting Hub activities, driving stakeholder engagement, and demonstrating measurable outcomes to the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the state of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and the broader defense innovation ecosystem.

This is a grant funded position with funding through August 15, 2027. Continued employment is contingent upon availability of funding.

This position is located in downtown Louisville on the JD Nichols Campus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Key Responsibilities:

Branding & Communications

• Work closely with DIU and the University of Louisville to develop and implement DIU-compliant marketing strategies that elevate Kentucky’s OnRamp Hub’s presence throughout the state and beyond.

• Design and maintain OnRamp Hub: Kentucky-branded materials, including newsletters, digital campaigns, social media, and a dedicated website.

• Ensure consistent visual and messaging alignment across all Hub-related facilities and platforms.

Digital Engagement & Outreach

• Build and maintain a compelling and engaging OnRamp Hub: Kentucky website.

• Manage and grow the Hub’s social media presence; track and report key engagement metrics (followers, impressions, shares, etc.).

• Coordinate with DIU’s national marketing team to align campaigns and amplify regional success stories.

• Target diverse stakeholders—startups, defense contractors, academic researchers—with tailored outreach efforts.

Event Marketing

• Create and execute promotional strategies for events, including tech showcases, workshops, summits, and industry engagement sessions.

• Collaborate with program and event staff to maximize participation from the DoW, industry, academia, and other key audiences.

• Develop online informational resources easily accessible to DoW, industry, and academia

Success Storytelling

• Identify, document, and share success narratives from Hub participants (e.g., DoD contract awards, technology maturation, venture growth).

• Support in producing case studies, press releases, and media assets in collaboration with DIU’s communications team and UofL’s media office.

Data Management & Analytics

• Support UofL’s Sales Force engineer to develop and maintain the CRM database.

• Guide data integration projects connecting CRM, ERP, and marketing platforms using programs such as Python, SQL, and API automation.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess performance against DIU-defined success indicators (e.g., TRL/MRL advancements, DoD contracts, startup scaling).

• Support the PM in creating accurate weekly SITREP updates, monthly performance summaries, and financial data reports to meet contractual requirements.

Data Security & Compliance

• Ensure all data practices align with DoD cybersecurity standards, leveraging UofL’s NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

• Uphold high standards of data integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the Program Manager and Ecosystem Engagement Lead to embed data collection into daily operations with minimal disruption.

• Translate data insights into communication materials and program refinements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with:

  • Web design and management

  • Social media content creation

  • Data analysis and visualization platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Excel, Tableau, cloud-based dashboards)

  • Content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress)

• Experience working with the Department of War (DoW), federal agencies, or within defense innovation ecosystems.

• Familiarity with DoD branding and cybersecurity standards.

• Strong writing and editorial skills for technical and non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and present data in engaging, accessible formats.

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.

Consistent with applicable law, demographic information is collected for aggregate reporting requirements. Demographic information provided through this application is not available to hiring managers/committees and is not considered in hiring or employment decisions.

Assistance and Accommodations

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 215 Central Avenue, Ste 205 - Louisville, Kentucky 40208.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at employment@louisville.edu or by phone 502-852-6258.