Overview

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a specialized or experienced business development professional to execute lead generation and pipeline development strategies for the Aerospace and Defense industries. The ideal candidate will bring experience working with, supporting, or selling into aerospace, defense, space, national security, dual-use technology, or advanced technology markets and be comfortable engaging senior corporate decision-makers.The Business Manager will promote Virginia to targeted corporate executives as the preferred location for new and expanding business facilities. This individual will work within the Knowledge Work team, which is responsible for lead generation and ecosystem development in the Aerospace & Defense Innovation, Business Services, Cybersecurity, Financial Services, and Software industries, which represent some of the Commonwealth's largest potential job growth opportunities.Responsibilities:Develop and execute VEDP's lead generation programs to target companies, key multipliers, and commercial real estate brokersContribute to VEDP's annual lead generation calendar by recommending lead generation activities for assigned industriesLead cold and warm outreach to secure key meetings with target accountsIdentify new projects in market through conducting lead generation campaigns, attending call trips, trade shows and events, and developing client relationshipsBuild and maintain a business development pipeline of aerospace and defense opportunities and nurture leads toward successful handoff to the Business Investment teamConsistently monitor pipeline status of potential projects and provide progress summaries as neededPrepare pitch decks, briefings, and marketing presentationsIdentify 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 stakeholdersCommunicate insights from industry engagements to inform industry strategies for VEDPDevelop an understanding of industry trends, business drivers, technology developments, contracting environments, and growth strategies influencing aerospace and defense companiesMaintain strong relationships with VEDP's economic development partners, clients, and other stakeholdersSkills: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 partnersAbility to quickly understand complex aerospace, defense, technology, and national security markets and communicate Virginia's value proposition to executive audiencesFamiliarity with federal government, defense, aerospace, space, or dual-use technology ecosystems is highly desirableSkilled in initiating and nurturing relationships through cold outreach and continued engagementExcellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skillsStrong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasksWork well under pressure and within tight deadlinesMake decisions based on logical analysis and sound judgementProficiency in MS Office Suite requiredExperience with Salesforce is a plusStrong relationship management skills and ability to quickly develop trusting working relationshipsDemonstrated ability to sell and develop deals, while providing client supportAbility to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home officeFrequent out-of-state travel (25%) requiredExperience: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 s