Director, Defense Relations & Business Growth

Bascom Hunter; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Bascom Hunter seeks a Director of Government Relations & Business Development to represent our interests before DoD, Congress, and federal stakeholders while supporting defense business development and capture activities.

The role builds relationships with DoD offices, members of Congress and staff, and industry partners, translating Bascom Hunter's capabilities into federal funding and acquisition opportunities. A strong DoD/Capitol Hill background is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, engineering, or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, DoD acquisition, defense business development, or capture management.
• Experience with DoD and Capitol Hill strongly preferred.
• Established relationships with defense-focused congressional offices, committee staff, and relevant DoD organizations.
• Strong understanding of the federal budget cycle, defense authorization and appropriations process, and DoD acquisition system.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for senior leadership and government audiences.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Bascom Hunter facilities, Washington, D.C., and customer locations.
• Must be a U.S. citizen eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a government relations strategy to advance Bascom Hunter's priorities.
• Build and sustain relationships with congressional members/staff, defense committees, and DoD offices.
• Monitor defense authorization, appropriations, budget, and acquisition developments; advise leadership.
• Educate policymakers on Bascom Hunter's capabilities; coordinate briefings and demonstrations.
• Align congressional outreach with growth priorities with the Chief Growth Officer.
• Represent Bascom Hunter in industry associations and coalitions (NDIA, AFCEA, AIA).
• Identify and pursue congressional add requests and program funding opportunities; prepare briefs and position papers.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure, ethics, and export-control requirements.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities across DoD/federal agencies; cultivate relationships.
• Support and lead capture efforts: customer engagement, opportunity assessments, win strategies, capture plans.
• Coordinate with engineering, program management, pricing, and proposals on bid/no-bid decisions.

Skills

DoD acquisition knowledge

Capitol Hill experience

Defense industry relationship building

Written and verbal communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Bascom Hunter seeks a Director of Government Relations & Business Development to represent our interests before DoD, Congress, and federal stakeholders while supporting defense business development and capture activities.

The role builds relationships with DoD offices, members of Congress and staff, and industry partners, translating Bascom Hunter's capabilities into federal funding and acquisition opportunities. A strong DoD/Capitol Hill background is required.