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Director of Business Development - Defense

BlackFern RecruitmentMcLean, VA🇺🇸United States

Why this role stands out

You will drive significant growth and shape market strategy within the U.S. defense sector, influencing national security by delivering innovative counter-drone technology. This hybrid role is ideal for a strategic leader with a strong defense network, eager to make a measurable impact and expand a company's footprint. Apply now to leverage your expertise and advance your career in a critical and evolving field.

Quick overview

SeniorityLeader
Work modeHybrid
LocationMcLean, VA, United States
Business Development

Job description

Director of Business Development Department of War (DoW)

U.S. Defense Market | Strategic Growth | Business Development

Lead Strategic Growth Across the U.S. Defense Market

Why Join Us?

  • Influence National Security: Help deliver innovative technology addressing evolving unmanned aircraft threats.

  • Shape Market Strategy: Drive growth across a broad defense customer base rather than managing a single account or service branch.

  • Leverage Your Network: Build strategic relationships and partnerships that create long-term business opportunities.

  • Make a Measurable Impact: Play a pivotal role in expanding the company s defense footprint and advancing its growth strategy.

    The Role:

Help shape the future of airspace security by expanding the adoption of advanced counter-drone technology across the U.S. defense market. Our company develops innovative solutions to address evolving unmanned aircraft threats and support critical national security missions.

We re seeking a Director of Business Development to drive strategic growth across the Department of War (DoW), build senior-level customer relationships, and identify opportunities spanning multiple military services, commands, and programs.

This is a high-impact role for a defense business development leader who understands the DoW landscape, brings an established network, and knows how to turn strategic relationships into meaningful growth.

What You ll Do

  • Drive Business Development Strategy: Develop and execute a DoW growth strategy aligned with company objectives and emerging defense priorities.

  • Expand Strategic Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with senior military leaders, acquisition professionals, program offices, decision-makers, and industry partners.

  • Identify New Opportunities: Develop opportunities across the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and other defense organizations.

  • Accelerate Sales and Capture: Partner with Sales Executives to develop accounts, qualify opportunities, shape requirements, and advance complex pursuits toward contract awards.

  • Connect Opportunities Across the DoW: Identify cross-service and cross-command opportunities, coordinating business development efforts to maximize market penetration.

  • Build Strategic Partnerships: Establish teaming agreements, industry relationships, and channel partnerships that strengthen competitive positioning.

  • Deliver Market Intelligence: Monitor defense budgets, acquisition strategies, procurement timelines, program priorities, and competitive activity to identify emerging opportunities.

  • Align Internal Teams: Collaborate with Sales, Pre-Sales, Product, and executive leadership to develop customer strategies and position solutions effectively.

  • Inform Executive Strategy: Maintain visibility into the DoW pipeline and provide leadership with forecasts, market insights, and actionable growth recommendations.

  • Represent the Company: Engage with defense customers and industry stakeholders at executive meetings, demonstrations, conferences, and key industry events.

What You Bring

  • 7 10+ years of business development or sales experience in the U.S. defense market.

  • An established network of relationships across DoW organizations, military services, acquisition communities, and defense industry partners.

  • A demonstrated track record of developing strategic opportunities across multiple commands, services, or defense programs.

  • Strong understanding of defense acquisition / budgeting / procurement and contracting processes.

  • Experience supporting complex sales cycles, capture strategies, and cross-functional business development efforts.

  • Strategic vision and the ability to identify opportunities beyond individual accounts or military branches.

  • Excellent executive communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and presentation skills.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively across commercial, technical, and executive teams.

  • Willingness to travel approximately 50%.

Preferred Experience

  • Background in counter-UAS, UAS, electronic warfare, airspace security, or related defense technologies.

  • Experience developing strategic partnerships and positioning emerging technologies within the defense market.

  • Familiarity with defense modernization priorities, program funding, and acquisition pathways.

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