Senior Director, Business Development – Defense & National Security

About the role

ACT1 Federal is seeking a strategic, execution‑focused Senior Director of Business Development to drive growth across Defense and National Security markets. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will shape opportunities before RFPs, build trusted customer relationships, and lead disciplined capture efforts.

Key responsibilities

• Execute strategic growth initiatives in targeted DoD and National Security sectors.
• Maintain a qualified pipeline aligned with ACT1’s long‑term objectives.
• Identify and shape opportunities in acquisition support, program management, financial management, engineering, logistics, and FMS/security cooperation.
• Build and sustain relationships with government officials, acquisition leaders, program offices, and industry partners.
• Lead capture activities, including competitive assessments, customer engagement, teaming, and win‑theme development.
• Contribute to compliant, compelling, and differentiated proposals.
• Collaborate with Operations to align growth strategies with execution capabilities.
• Represent ACT1 at industry events, conferences, and executive forums.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
• Prior senior military officer service plus 5 years of business development experience, or 15 years of progressive leadership in Business Development or Capture Management supporting the Defense market.
• Demonstrated success winning competitive Federal opportunities and shaping pre‑RFP opportunities.
• Deep understanding of FAR/DFARS, Federal acquisition lifecycle, and Defense procurement processes.
• Experience with organizations such as F‑35 JPO, OSD, DSCA, USAF, USN, US Army, USSF, Combatant Commands, or Defense Agencies.
• Proven ability to build customer and industry relationships and lead pursuits exceeding $50 M.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hybrid work environment with 25% travel.
• Opportunity to influence high‑impact defense programs.
• Collaboration with senior leadership and industry experts.