Director, National Security Partnerships & Strategy

Katalyst Space; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 175,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

Catered lunches

Job summary

Katalyst Space in Washington, DC is seeking a highly experienced Senior Government Affairs and Capture leader to drive national security opportunities. You will build strategic partnerships, shape capture strategies, and navigate complex government funding pathways to win multi-year defense and space programs.

The role requires a deep understanding of the U.S. defense acquisition landscape, robust stakeholder management, and the ability to communicate technical value to senior government and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field.
• 10+ years in national security acquisitions, business development, capture, partnerships, or related roles.
• Proven experience with US government partners and turning capability gaps into funded opportunities.
• Strong understanding of defense/intelligence acquisition processes and structures.
• Ability to lead capture activities from qualification through award.
• High technical and mission fluency in space systems, autonomy, and related domains.
• Excellent executive communication and writing skills.
• Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with U.S. national security space partners.
• Develop stakeholder strategies with agencies such as USSF, USSPACECOM, USAF, NRO.
• Shape opportunities by mapping gaps to Katalyst solutions and value propositions.
• Own capture strategy from qualification to award, including win themes and proposals.
• Navigate SBIR/STTR, OTA, IDIQ/BAA, FAR/DFARS pathways and other funding mechanisms.
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Programs, and leadership to scope and resource opportunities.
• Lead external briefings, white papers, proposals, RFIs, and executive-level engagements.

Skills

National security acquisitions

Business development

Capture management

Government programs

Executive communication

Security clearance

Autonomy in fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Technical or national security degree

Job description

Katalyst Space in Washington, DC is seeking a highly experienced Senior Government Affairs and Capture leader to drive national security opportunities. You will build strategic partnerships, shape capture strategies, and navigate complex government funding pathways to win multi-year defense and space programs.

The role requires a deep understanding of the U.S. defense acquisition landscape, robust stakeholder management, and the ability to communicate technical value to senior government and