Director of Business Development

OKSI; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Three weeks of vacation

Automatic 401K contribution (5%)

Educational assistance and development

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

OKSI seeks a Director of Business Development to lead growth and strategic initiatives, aligning electro-optical and infrared sensor tech with national defense priorities. You will build relationships with key defense stakeholders and shape the company’s future direction.

The role requires deep defense domain knowledge, exceptional communication, and the ability to travel up to 50% to pursue opportunities and partnerships with government customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of government defense sales, development, or operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of warfighter requirements and defense needs.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and budgets.
• Proficiency with CRM tools and government procurement basics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies aligning OKSI technologies with national defense priorities.
• Build and sustain long-term relationships with defense and government customers.
• Monitor market trends and identify emerging program opportunities.
• Manage sales operations, including reporting, quoting, and funding vehicles.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align product offerings with market and operational goals.

Skills

Sales experience

Warfighter requirements knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Self-starter

Budget management

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

All Jobs > Director of Business Development

About OKSI:

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) develops cutting-edge electro-optical and infrared sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation technologies that support national defense missions. We're looking for people who want to help shape the future of these technologies alongside a close-knit, mission-driven team.

Job Summary:

The Business Development Director will lead growth efforts and strategic initiatives that align OKSI's technologies with customer needs and the National Defense Strategy. This person will build relationships with key stakeholders, identify new opportunities, and play a central role in shaping the company's future direction.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and execute sales strategies that integrate OKSI's technologies into national defense priorities


• Build and sustain long-term relationships with defense and government customers


• Monitor market trends and identify emerging program opportunities


• Manage sales operations, including reporting, quoting, and identifying funding vehicles


• Collaborate cross-functionally to align product offerings with market and operational goals

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Prior sales experience with strong understanding of military and defense needs


• Deep knowledge of warfighter requirements


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities


• Self-starter, comfortable working independently and collaboratively


• Understanding of basic business financial concepts and budget management


• Proficiency with CRM tools


• Familiarity with munitions, armaments, and weapon systems


• Working knowledge of government contracts and procurement


• Willingness and ability to travel (up to 50%)


• 5+ years of experience with government programs in sales, development, or operations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in commercialization, technology transfer, or product strategy


• Familiarity with DoW innovation pathways (SBIR/STTR, OTAs, Tech Transition)


• Educational background such as DAU, NDU (ICAF), or War College

Pay and Benefits

• $190,000–$235,000 annual salary


• Medical, dental, and vision employee coverage fully paid by the employer


• Three weeks of vacation to start


• Automatic company contribution to 401K, 5% of earned wages, no matching required


• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities

Additional Requirements

• You must have, or be eligible to obtain and maintain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. Obtaining and maintaining the required clearance is a condition of employment in this position; anyone unable to do so is ineligible for the role. The clearance process includes U.S. Government background investigation and vetting to determine eligibility for access to classified information.


• To conform to U.S. Government export control regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.