Director of Business Development - Defense Sector

Keller Executive Search; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established technology company is seeking a Director of Business Development to expand into the defense sector. This fully remote role requires proven DOD sales experience and a strong network within the Department of Defense. The successful candidate will build a new market and drive strategic initiatives while enhancing the company's offerings in the defense technology realm.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Fully remote position

Growth Opportunity

Regular travel to DOD locations covered by the company

Qualifications

• Proven DOD sales experience with a demonstrable track record in the defense sector.
• Hunter mentality with ability to build business from scratch.
• Established network of contacts within the Department of Defense.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships and opportunities within the DOD ecosystem from scratch.
• Execute proactive business development strategies.
• Establish groundwork for upcoming defense-oriented product launches.

Skills

Relationship Building

Business Development

Networking

Job description

Our client is a well-established, Series B-funded technology company expanding their proven success from the public safety market into the defense sector. They are an 11-year-old company with a strong regulatory advantage in tethered drone technology, seeking a results-driven Director of Business Development to spearhead market expansion into the Department of Defense.

This position offers the opportunity to build a new market from the ground up, with plans to develop and launch defense-oriented products within 12-18 months. You'll have the autonomy to execute strategic business development initiatives while building the foundation for future team growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Market Development: Build relationships and opportunities within the DOD ecosystem from scratch
• Strategic Business Development: Execute proactive business development strategies (not order-taking)
• Relationship Building: Leverage existing DOD network and develop new strategic partnerships
• Foundation Setting: Establish groundwork for upcoming defense-oriented product launches
• Team Building: Transition from individual contributor to team leader after initial 6-month period
• Revenue Generation: Drive uncapped commission opportunities through new business acquisition

• Proven DOD sales experience with demonstrable track record in the defense sector
• "Hunter" mentality with ability to build business from scratch
• Execution-focused approach with strong business building capabilities
• Established network/contacts within Department of Defense
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of drone/aerospace technology
• Experience with defense contractors and government sales processes
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements in defense sector

• Competitive Compensation: ~$200,000 base salary (with uncapped earning potential through a commission and bonus structure)
• Flexibility: Fully remote position (US-based)
• Growth Opportunity: Build and lead the DOD division as the market develops
• Established Platform: Join a profitable, Series B-funded company with regulatory advantages
• Travel: Regular travel to DOD locations and DC area (company-covered)

Company Culture & Growth

Our client offers the stability of an 11-year-old established company combined with the growth potential of expanding into new markets. With 78% of business in the US and current limited DOD presence with Air Force, Army, Customs, and DHS, there's significant opportunity for market penetration and career advancement.

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