Manager, Defense Growth

Saildrone • Washington, DC

3d • $113,878 - $133,974 • Onsite

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Manager, Defense Growth to join our Department of War (DoW) Business Development team. Reporting directly to the Senior Director, DoW Business, you will play a critical role in supporting our highest-stakes sales and business development pursuits, driving major proposal execution, strategic campaign management, and customer and Congressional engagement. We are looking for a dynamic strategist who adapts quickly to willingly support time-bound, high-stakes requests and has a proven track record of effectively engaging with government officials and key industry partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 5+ years of relevant experience in defense business development, strategic pursuits, or government relations (scaled from Director level).
• Strong foundational knowledge of maritime security technologies, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance payloads, and autonomous marine systems.
• Experience working with DoW and the U.S. Navy, including an active professional network within those organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling government proposals and deliver engaging presentations to military and civilian leadership.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Working knowledge of the federal budget process and familiarity with relevant DoW and U.S. Navy programs.
• Active US Security Clearance is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the full sales lifecycle across DoW and U.S. Navy, including lead generation, technical presentations, and contract coordination.
• Lead and support large, complex DoW RFI/RFP submissions and execute strategic campaigns, including developing messaging materials and delivering recurring briefings to key DoW stakeholders.
• Partner closely with Saildrone’s internal mission operations, product, and engineering teams to scope complex DoW requirements, ensuring the technical feasibility of proposed maritime missions.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key industry partners and DoW clients, ensuring a smooth transition from the sales and contracting phase to mission execution.
• Gather and report on agency feedback, federal budget trends, and competitor activities to assist leadership in refining government sales strategies.
• Support government relations engagements, representing Saildrone on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and at major defense industry conferences and events to build brand awareness and cultivate strategic networks.

Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave
• Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents
• Equity grants
• 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options
• Annual professional development reimbursement program
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior