Business Manager, Aerospace and Defense

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute VEDP’s lead generation programs to target companies, key multipliers, and commercial real estate brokers
• Contribute to VEDP’s annual lead generation calendar by recommending lead generation activities for assigned industries
• Cold and warm outreach to secure key meetings with target accounts
• Identify new projects in market through conducting lead generation campaigns, attending call trips, trade shows and events, and developing client relationships
• Build and maintain a business development pipeline of aerospace and defense opportunities and nurture leads toward successful handoff to the Business Investment team
• Consistently monitor pipeline status of potential projects and provide progress summaries as needed
• Prepare pitch decks, briefings, and marketing presentations
• Identify and build strong working relationships across industry stakeholders, including business decision makers, trade associations, government organizations, affiliated economic development allies, higher education institutions, and other key stakeholders
• Communicate insights from industry engagements to inform industry strategies for VEDP
• Develop an understanding of industry trends, business drivers, technology developments, contracting environments, and growth strategies influencing aerospace and defense companies
• Maintain strong relationships with VEDP’s economic development partners, clients, and other stakeholders

Requirements

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and leverage partners in public and private sectors, including higher education partners, and local and regional economic development partners
• Ability to quickly understand complex aerospace, defense, technology, and national security markets and communicate Virginia's value proposition to executive audiences
• Familiarity with federal government, defense, aerospace, space, or dual-use technology ecosystems is highly desirable
• Skilled in initiating and nurturing relationships through cold outreach and continued engagement
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks
• Work well under pressure and within tight deadlines
• Make decisions based on logical analysis and sound judgement
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite required
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus
• Strong relationship management skills and ability to quickly develop trusting working relationships
• Skilled in selling and developing deals, while providing client support
• Ability to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home office
• Frequent out-of-state travel (25%) required

Experience:

• At least five years of business development, account management, market development, sales, economic development, consulting, government, military, or industry experience in a fast-paced professional setting; OR at least five years of experience working in, supporting, or serving clients in the aerospace, defense, space, national security, or dual-use technology sectors
• Experience working within or supporting aerospace, defense, space, national security, federal contracting, or dual-use technology organizations, paired with a deep understanding of aerospace and defense industries is highly desired
• Comprehensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in the principles and practices of economic development, sales, business development, and lead generation is a plus

Qualifications:

• Valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport required