Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Business Financial Manager (BFM) to provide support to The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a trailblazer in breakthrough technologies for national security. This individual will provide critical Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA). This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation, contributing to a portfolio of high-impact research and development (R&D) programs that are vital to our nation's defense. The BFM will be an integral part of a dynamic team, navigating the complex financial landscape of the DoW to ensure the successful execution of groundbreaking projects.

About the Role

As the Business Financial Manager, you will be entrusted with the financial stewardship of a diverse range of R&D initiatives. This position demands a deep understanding of DoW financial management processes and systems, with a particular emphasis on RDT&E contracting and program control. You will be responsible for the entire financial lifecycle of our programs, from the initial proposal stage through to successful closeout. Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that our research and development efforts are not only technologically ambitious but also financially sound and executed with the utmost efficiency and compliance.

Core Responsibilities

Your day-to-day responsibilities will be diverse and challenging. You will be expected to:

• Master Financial Management: Provide end-to-end financial management support, ensuring the seamless flow of our R&D programs.
• Leverage DAI Expertise: Become the go-to expert for the Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI) financial system, using it to meticulously manage program funds, process transactions, and generate insightful reports.
• Drive Procurement: Spearhead the initiation, processing, and tracking of Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPRs) and other procurement actions. Your keen eye for detail will be essential in preparing and reviewing DD Form 448 and all associated documentation.
• Support RDT&E Contracting: Play a pivotal role in the development of acquisition strategies and documentation for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) contracts. This includes lending your expertise to Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and Other Transaction (OT) agreements.
• Ensure Budgetary Control: Diligently monitor program budgets, track expenditures, and provide regular, comprehensive financial status reports to program managers and office leadership.
• Provide Programmatic Support: Be the backbone of the Portfolio, offering general administrative and programmatic support, including coordinating meetings, preparing high-impact briefings, and managing all essential documentation.

Qualifications for Success

To excel in this role, you must possess:

• An active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in a financial management role within the DoW or a related government agency.
• Demonstrated mastery of the Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI) financial system.
• A deep and thorough understanding of the Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR) process and the creation of purchase requisitions.
• Proven experience with DoW RDT&E contracting processes and funding mechanisms.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, with a particular emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint.

Desired Attributes

While not mandatory, the following qualifications will set you apart:

• Previous experience in a SETA or advisory capacity, supporting a government Program Manager, especially at DARPA.
• A strong familiarity with DARPA's organizational structure and its mission to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security.
• Experience with financial modeling and analysis, enabling you to provide deeper insights and strategic recommendations.
• A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, demonstrating your commitment to excellence in project management.