Senior Director, Business Development (Defense)

Position Title: Senior Director, Business Development (Defense) Location: Arlington, VA (Crystal City) Category: Funded Schedule (FT/PT): FT Travel Required: 25% Shift: Day Remote Type: Hybrid (preferred); remote possibilities available Clearance required: Secret / TS Eligible Preferred Division: Growth Salary: $200,000 - $230,000 - Plus generous cash incentive plan (GIP), and participation in LTIP & ESOP Who is ACT1 Federal? ACT1 Federal is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) professional services company delivering mission-critical support across the Defense, Space, Intelligence, Aviation, and International Security Cooperation sectors. ACT1 supports U.S. Government, allied, and partner nations’ missions through expertise in acquisition management, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), engineering, logistics, program management, financial management and operational support. Description: ACT1 Federal seeks a strategic, execution-focused Senior Director of Business Development to lead growth initiatives across the Defense markets. This individual will identify, qualify, shape, capture, and help win strategically aligned opportunities supporting ACT1’s long-term growth objectives. The successful candidate must be able to shape opportunities pre-RFP, build trusted customer relationships, executing disciplined capture processes, and maintain a strategic teaming ecosystem. This position reports to the CEO and works collaboratively with leadership, operations, pricing, contracts and proposal team. Responsibilities: Execute strategic growth initiatives across targeted DoD markets. Maintain a qualified pipeline aligned with ACT1’s strategic growth objectives. Identify and shape opportunities in acquisition support, program. management, financial management, engineering, logistics and FMS/security cooperation. Build and maintain trusted relationships with government officials, acquisition leaders, program offices, and industry partners. Lead capture efforts, including competitive assessments, customer engagement, teaming, and win themes. Contribute to the development of compliant, compelling, and differentiated proposals. Collaborate with Operations to align growth strategies and execution capabilities. Represent ACT1 at industry events, conferences, and executive forums. Requirements: The successful candidate’s mission is to help ACT1 become a premier mid-sized defense services firm by expanding in USAF Space, Security Cooperation, and AI-enabled mission support portfolio. Bachelor’s degree required. 10+ years of Federal business development, capture, or strategic growth supporting Defense or the Intelligence Community, demonstrated success winning competitive Federal opportunities. Proven experience shaping opportunities pre-RFP and influencing acquisition environments. Understanding of FAR/DFARS, Federal acquisition lifecycle, and Defense procurement processes. Experience supporting organizations such as USAF, USN (NAVAIR or NAVSEA), USSF, SSC, OSD, DSCA, or Combatant Commands. Demonstrated ability to build customer and industry relationships. Experience leading pursuits greater than $25M in total contract value. Strong communication and briefing skills. Active Secret clearance required; TS eligible preferred. Preferred Qualifications: Prior military service or direct experience supporting Defense acquisition organizations. Experience supporting Security Cooperation/FMS environments. Knowledge of major contract vehicles such as OASIS+, GSA MAS, SeaPort NxG, etc. Familiarity with Shipley method. Familiarity with OTAs, AI-enabled service delivery, engineering, or unmanned aerial systems. Desired Characteristics: The ideal candidate demonstrates high integrity, strategic thinking, disciplined execution, collaborative nature, operational credibility, and ability to operate within a lean-growth team. The successful candidate must be capable of building trust with customers, partners, and internal teams. Why ACT1 Federal: Why experienced growth leaders join ACT1: Direct access to the CEO and executive leadership. Ability to shape company strategy, not just individual pursuits. Established reputation with Exceptional CPARS across prime contracts. Existing portfolio provides significant recompete and expansion opportunities. Learn organization where decisions happen quickly. 100% employee ownership (ESOP). Opportunity to build a business beyond simply managing a pipeline. Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance ACT1 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance Company Paid Short-Term Disability Voluntary Long-Term Disability Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) 401K with employer match Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Parental Leave Military Leave Education, Training & Professional Development Voluntary Accidental Injury/Critical Illness/Hospital Care Voluntary Pet Insurance, Legal Resources, and Identity Protection Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of flexibility and collaboration, whether that happens in person or remotely. If this position is listed as remote or hybrid, you’ll periodically work from a ACT1 Federal or client site facility. If this position is listed as onsite, you’ll work with colleagues and clients in person, as needed for the specific role. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.