Director, Business Development (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space•Centennial, CO

10d•$208,092 - $286,127

About The Position

The Director, Business Development for National Security Space (NSS) focuses on securing high-value contracts with military and intelligence space agencies. This specialized role bridges the gap between cutting-edge space technology and critical national defense frameworks by providing strategic leadership for comprehensive business development. The person in this role will architect enterprise-level growth strategies and build a multi-million to billion-dollar pipeline by executing business development strategies that align with corporate objectives, directs major pursuit campaigns, and establishes key strategic partnerships. The role requires capturing competitive programs across vital space domains like Space Domain Awareness (SDA), MEO Missile Tracking/Missile Defense, high performance GEO missions, and on-orbit servicing. The person in this role will serve as a primary liaison to the U.S. Space Force (USSF), Space Development Agency (SDA), and the Intelligence Community (IC). The Director of Business Development maintains accountability for substantial business development budgets and serves as a catalyst for transformational change in how the organization identifies and captures new business. This position requires visionary leadership combined with practical business acumen to translate market insights into sustainable competitive advantage.

Requirements

15+ years of related experience with significant experience in senior leadership roles.
Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
Active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.
Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects.
In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices relevant to business development.
Strong financial acumen and budget management skills with demonstrated success in managing significant budgets.
Experience leading and supporting organizational changes.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to influence at executive levels.
Ability to build strategy and implement the steps needed to execute strategy over a business area/function.
Strategic thinking capabilities with demonstrated success in business growth initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.
Certifications: Advanced business development, leadership, or executive management certifications.
Experience directing business development activities in relevant industry sectors.
Proven track record of achieving significant revenue growth through strategic business development initiatives.
Experience developing and implementing go-to-market strategies for new products or services.
Experience with national defense and intelligence organizations within the U.S. Government to provide mission solutions for Space Superiority, Missile Warning, Missile Defense or Space Domain Awareness is a plus
Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated success in closing high-value deals.
Experience building and leading high-performing business development teams.
Extensive network of industry contacts and relationships.
Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

Build out and be responsible for establishing a comprehensive NSS capture strategy and tactical business plan for a specific division, program or function at the group level; identify and implement the steps needed to execute on the strategy across market segments ensuring alignment with overall corporate objectives, market analysis and competitive intelligence, lead full-lifecycle capture management to secure critical defense contracts for that group, including shaping requirements before requests for proposals (RFPs) are received.
Maintain active networks and establish and maintain trusting relationships with key decision-makers across the Department of Defense (DoD), USSF, and intelligence agencies to ensure mission responsiveness and customer intimacy.
Participate with executive level management on strategic matters related to business growth and objectives for the organization, including target markets, growth rates, and competitive positioning.
Negotiate teaming agreements and establish strategic partnerships with agile mission partners and research institutions that create significant business opportunities and market access across multiple segments.
Embody company culture and great leadership; serve as a catalyst for change in business development approaches and client engagement strategies.
Partner with internal engineering, software, and astrodynamics teams to architect technical space solutions tailored to classified mission sets.
Lead the professional development and provide mentoring of subordinates to ensure capabilities match strategic needs for successful operation of assigned business development areas, customer relationships as well as succession planning for critical business development roles.
Be accountable for meeting financial plans, goals and schedules for business development activities, maintaining a consistent focus on value creation, win rates and return on investment for pursuit resources.
Uphold and model company values, hold others accountable to values in all business development activities, strategic decisions and customer interactions.