Partnerships and Innovation (PI)

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Partnerships and Innovation (PI) Directorate is seeking a transitioning Service member for a six-month SkillBridge internship as a Program and Management Analyst. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in research, program analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, or project management who are preparing to transition to a civilian career in government or mission-driven organizations.DPAA’s mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting of U.S. personnel missing from past conflicts — from World War II through recent operations. The PI Directorate serves as a critical force multiplier for this mission, managing a global network of more than 120 academic, nonprofit, commercial, and government partners across more than 20 countries. The SkillBridge participant will be embedded directly in this operational environment, gaining hands-on experience in program analysis, partnership management, and strategic innovation in support of a high-visibility national security mission.

The Program and Management Analyst SkillBridge intern will complete a structured, six-phase training program designed to build progressively from orientation and observation to independent project execution. Under the supervision of Dr. Jesse W. Stephen, Chief of Innovation (PhD, Anthropology/Archaeology; 14 years DPAA experience), the participant will develop core competencies in program analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications directly applicable to civilian Program Analyst, Management Analyst, and Partnership Manager roles in government and the nonprofit sector.Phase 1 — Orientation and Directorate Familiarization (Weeks 1–4)The participant will complete DPAA and PI onboarding, review foundational agency materials, and attend introductory sessions with PI program leads across Innovation, Research, Terrestrial Operations, Underwater Operations, Integration, Development, Technology Systems, and Quality Assurance. The participant will gain a working understanding of the agency’s organizational structure, mission priorities, and cross-directorate coordination mechanisms.Phase 2 — Shadowing and Observation (Weeks 5–6)The participant will shadow senior PI personnel and attend the PI Partner Field Orientation to observe partnership management, stakeholder engagement, and program operations in practice. Key observations will be documented and presented to the PI supervisor.Phase 3 — Peer Mentorship (Weeks 7–10)Working alongside an assigned peer mentor, the participant will begin contributing to internal and external communications, conduct peer review of program products, and develop practical knowledge of product generation and quality control standards within the PI Directorate.Phase 4 — Action Plan Implementation (Weeks 11–16)The participant will execute a structured set of short-term work assignments under the Phase 4 Action Plan, with bi-weekly performance feedback from the supervisor. Responsibilities will increase progressively, culminating in the collaborative development of a final action plan for Phase 5.Phase 5 — Complex Project Work (Weeks 17–24)The participant will take full ownership of assigned projects, operating with increasing independence. Key deliverables during this phase include:• A written program analysis assessing the effectiveness and strategic alignment of a key PI program area, with actionable recommendations for program enhancement tied to the MIA Center Concept initiative.• Weekly written strategic updates summarizing key stakeholder engagements and their implications for PI Directorate priorities.Phase 6 — Completion and Integration (Weeks 25–26)The participant will complete a formal Mid-Year Check-in with PI leadership, finalize all onboarding documentation, and deliver a capstone briefing to DPAA leadership and key stakeholders summarizing lessons learned, partnership opportunities identified, and recommendations aligned with the PI Directorate mission.

Transitioning Service members with experience or demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: program or project management, research and analysis, interagency or multinational coordination, strategic communications, or science and technology programs. A background in history, social sciences, international affairs, or national security is a plus but not required.

• Strategic partnership program analysis and management• Stakeholder engagement and relationship development• Research synthesis and program assessment• Strategic written communications• Government program operations and cross-directorate coordination• Mission-driven project planning and independent execution

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