0121 - Head of Government Business Development

Electra is a rapidly growing aerospace startup company devoted to delivering feasible, innovative solutions at the nexus of advanced air mobility and the decarbonization of aviation. Electra’s first commercial product is a turbine hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to have the operational flexibility of a helicopter with the superior payload, range, and low operating costs of conventional fixed wing aircraft. We have an insanely talented team who has accomplished what others said was impossible before, and we’re not afraid to disrupt the status quo as we do it again. Headquartered in northern Virginia, we're on a quest to change aerospace, and the world, for the better. 

Electra is seeking a trailblazing Head of Government Business Development to champion our pioneering initiatives in the government sector, driving the development, integration, and operationalization of our innovative eSTOL aircraft into defense and federal applications. You will embody the spirit of a founder – proactive, tenacious, and visionary – leveraging your substantial industry insight and network to forge significant government partnerships. Your role will demand a hunter-gatherer's zeal for identifying and seizing opportunities combined with the agility to thrive in challenging environments. As the face of Electra in complex government dialogues, you will navigate high-stakes scenarios to secure support and facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge hybrid-electric aircraft. 

What You’ll Do/Job Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Government Customer Engagement 

• Drive initiatives to identify, engage, and close deals with senior government leaders and industry executives to establish new and deepen existing strategic relationships. 
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive engagement strategy that includes regular interactions, briefings, transition, and partnership development with key government stakeholders. 

• Funded R&D Opportunity and Proposal Pipeline Leadership 

• Oversee all aspects of securing government contracts, from scouting and identifying new opportunities, to crafting compelling proposals and managing the review and submission process. This includes engaging with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Other Transaction Authority (OTA), and various state and federal procurement mechanisms. You will be able to leverage Electra’s large portfolio of existing contracts, and will be chartered with figuring out creative paths to extend and grow these efforts beyond their current form. 
• Work closely with the engineering team to align proposed projects with the company’s tech roadmap and strategic business growth objectives. 

• Government Affairs and Policy Management 

• Develop and execute a government affairs strategy that aligns with business goals and supports policy advocacy at federal, state, and local levels. 
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that could impact the business, advising on strategy and response. 

Required Education & Experience: 

• Relevant Technical Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Engineering or similar and at least 6 years of experience or equivalent. Must be able to effectively understand, synthesize, and communicate deeply technical topics with sophisticated government stakeholders and act as a translator to / from the internal engineering team. 
• U.S. Citizenship: The nature of this work requires being a U.S. Citizen.

Additional Requirements:

• Proven Experience: Extensive experience in business development, high-level customer engagement, government relations, or a similar field within the tech or aerospace sector. We need someone ready to go on Day 1. 
• Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategies that penetrate government markets and secure significant contracts. 
• Communication and Influence: Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to influence and engage diverse audiences and build strong partnerships. 

Desired Skills/Experience & Bonus Points For: 

• Startup Mentality: Experience navigating the fast-paced, ambiguous environments typical of startups, with a knack for wearing multiple hats and driving complex initiatives simultaneously. 
• Domain-Specific Technical Knowledge: Technical background or practical knowledge of relevant technology areas including electric propulsion, hybridization, blown lift, and batteries. 
• DoD Experience: Active duty service, or experience in DoD operations analysis or a similar role, providing you with a firsthand understanding of military operations. This experience is invaluable for anticipating needs and crafting solutions that are realistic and implementable within the DoD framework. 
• Being an Airplane Fanatic / Pilot: Whether you’re a hobbyist with a passion for flying, a private pilot, or have commercial or military aviation experience, your deep understanding of aviation dynamics and flight operations is invaluable in shaping and selling our product. 

Location: Strongly prefer candidates in (or able to relocate to) the northern Virginia / DC area that can primarily work onsite at Electra’s Manassas, Virginia headquarters, however, open to hybrid for exceptional candidates. 

Travel: As needed, but expected to be no more than 45% 

 

Electra is committed to a work environment that is inclusive to all and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other factors prohibited by law. Electra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Additionally, as part of our commitment to health and safety, we require all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Electra offers a reasonable accommodation process for individuals who are unable to meet our vaccination requirement due to a disability, medical condition, or sincerely held religious belief.

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