Business Manager, Aerospace and Defense in Richmond, Virginia at Virginia Economic Development Partnership

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 brokers
• Contribute to VEDP’s annual lead generation calendar by recommending lead generation activities for assigned industries
• Lead cold and warm outreach to secure key meetings with target accounts
• Identify new projects in market through conducting lead generation campaigns, attending call trips, trade shows and events, and developing client relationships
• Build and maintain a business development pipeline of aerospace and defense opportunities and nurture leads toward successful handoff to the Business Investment team
• Consistently monitor pipeline status of potential projects and provide progress summaries as needed
• Prepare pitch decks, briefings, and marketing presentations
• Identify 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 stakeholders
• Communicate insights from industry engagements to inform industry strategies for VEDP
• Develop an understanding of industry trends, business drivers, technology developments, contracting environments, and growth strategies influencing aerospace and defense companies
• Maintain strong relationships with VEDP’s economic development partners, clients, and other stakeholders

Skills:

• 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 partners
• Ability to quickly understand complex aerospace, defense, technology, and national security markets and communicate Virginia's value proposition to executive audiences
• Familiarity with federal government, defense, aerospace, space, or dual-use technology ecosystems is highly desirable
• Skilled in initiating and nurturing relationships through cold outreach and continued engagement
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks
• Work well under pressure and within tight deadlines
• Make decisions based on logical analysis and sound judgement
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite required
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus
• Strong relationship management skills and ability to quickly develop trusting working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to sell and develop deals, while providing client support
• Ability to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home office
• Frequent out-of-state travel (25%) required

Experience:

• 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 sectors
• Experience working within or supporting aerospace, defense, space, national security, federal contracting, or dual-use technology organizations, paired with a deep understanding of aerospace and defense industries is highly desired
• Comprehensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in the principles and practices of economic development, sales, business development, and lead generation is a plus
• Valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport required

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

This is a hybrid role, with most in-office activity based in Richmond, Virginia.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a résumé and a cover letter. Candidates with substantial relevant experience may be considered for a senior-level role. Salary range: $90,000-$125,000. Salary commensurate with experience and qualification level of applicant. Application deadline: September 18, 2026.

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@VEDP.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.