Business Manager, Aerospace and Defense

Virginia Economic Devel Partnership•Richmond, VA

2d•$90,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a specialized or experienced business development professional to execute lead generation and pipeline development strategies for the Aerospace and Defense industries. The ideal candidate will bring experience working with, supporting, or selling into aerospace, defense, space, national security, dual-use technology, or advanced technology markets and be comfortable engaging senior corporate decision-makers. The Business Manager will promote Virginia to targeted corporate executives as the preferred location for new and expanding business facilities. This individual will work within the Knowledge Work team, which is responsible for lead generation and ecosystem development in the Aerospace & Defense Innovation, Business Services, Cybersecurity, Financial Services, and Software industries, which represent some of the Commonwealth's largest potential job growth opportunities.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and leverage partners in public and private sectors, including higher education partners, and local and regional economic development partners
Ability to quickly understand complex aerospace, defense, technology, and national security markets and communicate Virginia's value proposition to executive audiences
Skilled in initiating and nurturing relationships through cold outreach and continued engagement
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks
Work well under pressure and within tight deadlines
Make decisions based on logical analysis and sound judgement
Proficiency in MS Office Suite required
Strong relationship management skills and ability to quickly develop trusting working relationships
Demonstrated ability to sell and develop deals, while providing client support
Ability to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home office
Frequent out-of-state travel (25%) required
At least five years of business development, account management, market development, sales, economic development, consulting, government, military, or industry experience in a fast-paced professional setting; OR at least five years of experience working in, supporting, or serving clients in the aerospace, defense, space, national security, or dual-use technology sectors
Valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport required

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with federal government, defense, aerospace, space, or dual-use technology ecosystems is highly desirable
Experience with Salesforce is a plus
Comprehensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in the principles and practices of economic development, sales, business development, and lead generation is a plus
Experience working within or supporting aerospace, defense, space, national security, federal contracting, or dual-use technology organizations, paired with a deep understanding of aerospace and defense industries is highly desired

Responsibilities

Develop and execute VEDP’s lead generation programs to target companies, key multipliers, and commercial real estate brokers
Contribute to VEDP’s annual lead generation calendar by recommending lead generation activities for assigned industries
Lead cold and warm outreach to secure key meetings with target accounts
Identify new projects in market through conducting lead generation campaigns, attending call trips, trade shows and events, and developing client relationships
Build and maintain a business development pipeline of aerospace and defense opportunities and nurture leads toward successful handoff to the Business Investment team
Consistently monitor pipeline status of potential projects and provide progress summaries as needed
Prepare pitch decks, briefings, and marketing presentations
Identify and build strong working relationships across industry stakeholders, including business decision makers, trade associations, government organizations, affiliated economic development allies, higher education institutions, and other key stakeholders
Communicate insights from industry engagements to inform industry strategies for VEDP
Develop an understanding of industry trends, business drivers, technology developments, contracting environments, and growth strategies influencing aerospace and defense companies
Maintain strong relationships with VEDP’s economic development partners, clients, and other stakeholders