Defense Growth Lead: DoW & Navy Proposals

Saildrone; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Shared Ownership in the Mission

Retirement Savings

Investment in Your Growth

Relocation Support

Job summary

Saildrone, a maritime defense company, is seeking a Manager, Defense Growth to join the DoW Business Development team. You will lead major proposal execution, campaign management, and engagement with DoW and Congress to support Saildrone's mission.

The role requires a strategic, fast-paced professional with DoD experience and a proven ability to coordinate across internal teams and external partners. Travel up to 30% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 5+ years of relevant experience in defense business development, strategic pursuits, or government relations.
• 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.

Skills

Defense business development

DoW/Navy experience

Security clearance

Proposal writing

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Saildrone, a maritime defense company, is seeking a Manager, Defense Growth to join the DoW Business Development team. You will lead major proposal execution, campaign management, and engagement with DoW and Congress to support Saildrone's mission.

The role requires a strategic, fast-paced professional with DoD experience and a proven ability to coordinate across internal teams and external partners. Travel up to 30% is expected.