Director of Business Development - Defense Sector

Keller Executive Search; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Director of Business Development to expand into the defense sector. This role offers the opportunity to build a new market and requires proven sales experience in the DOD along with strong networking skills. The successful candidate will lead strategic initiatives and work with teams to develop defense-oriented products.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Flexibility

Growth Opportunity

Established Platform

Company-Covered Travel

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Sales Experience

Relationship Building

Networking

Business Development

Job description

Director of Business Development - Defense Sector

Director of Business Development - Defense Sector

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Keller Executive Search provided pay range

This range is provided by Keller Executive Search. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$180,000.00/yr - $200,000.00/yr

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.

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

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

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Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

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State-Specific Information:

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Business Development

• Industries

  Defense and Space Manufacturing

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