Aerospace & Defense Growth Manager

Virginia Economic Devel Partnership; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Economic Development Partnership in Richmond is seeking a Business Manager for Aerospace and Defense to drive lead generation and pipeline development. You will engage senior executives, build strategic relationships, and coordinate with education and industry partners to attract projects.

The hybrid role requires travel and deep knowledge of aerospace, defense, or dual-use sectors. A strong network, proactivity, and excellent communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Five+ years in business development or related field.
• Experience selling to aerospace/defense sectors is a plus.
• Ability to engage senior executives and decision-makers.
• Valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport required.

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.

Skills

Lead generation

Pipeline development

Executive outreach

Public-private partnerships

Communication skills

Travel readiness

MS Office

Salesforce

Team collaboration

Strategic thinking

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

Job description

Virginia Economic Development Partnership in Richmond is seeking a Business Manager for Aerospace and Defense to drive lead generation and pipeline development. You will engage senior executives, build strategic relationships, and coordinate with education and industry partners to attract projects.

The hybrid role requires travel and deep knowledge of aerospace, defense, or dual-use sectors. A strong network, proactivity, and excellent communication are essential for success.