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Applied IntuitionApplied IntuitionWashington, DC

Director of Strategic Growth - Defense

Leads strategic growth for DoD business by building senior government relationships, shaping defense programs 12-18 months ahead, and defining win strategies. Requires 15+ years DoD experience, PPBE expertise, and active security clearance.

175k – 225k
On-site15+ YOEBusiness Operations

About the role

Responsibilities

  • Cultivate senior-level trust-based relationships with PEOs, PMs, requirements officers, and CTO offices.
  • Shape opportunities 12-18 months in advance by influencing requirements and acquisition strategies.
  • Lead strategic customer discovery to understand long-term roadmaps, budget trajectories, and political dynamics.
  • Define win strategies, identifying competitive discriminators and making critical 'pursue vs. walk away' decisions.
  • Provide strategic direction to the Capture Manager to ensure execution is aligned with shaping work.
  • Author white papers and lead capability demonstrations that position our technology in the customer's thinking.

Requirements

  • BS or MS in Engineering, Political Science, National Security, or a related field.
  • 15–25 years of experience in or around the DoD (Military O-5/O-6, GS-15/SES, or senior Industry BD).
  • Expert-level knowledge of the PPBE cycle and the POM process.
  • Proven track record of shaping requirements for multi-million dollar defense programs.
  • Specific, 'warm' relationships within target commands (e.g., Army Futures Command, NAVSEA, or AFMC).
  • Experience operating in a "lean" environment, directly engaging in work rather than managing large support staffs.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Nice to Have

  • Former experience as a Program Manager at DARPA, DIU, or a Service Research Lab.
  • Established network within relevant Congressional staff or Authorization/Appropriation committees.
  • Deep understanding of autonomous systems, modeling & simulation, or Vehicle OS architectures.

Compensation

Base salary range: $175,000 - $225,000 USD annually, plus equity and benefits.

Skills

Ppbe CyclePom ProcessDod AcquisitionAutonomous SystemsModeling & SimulationVehicle OsBusiness DevelopmentCapture ManagementWhite PapersCapability Demonstrations

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