Senior Director, Business Development and Capture – Protective Services & Electronic Security Systems

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Business Development and Capture for our Construction and Security Solutions Group (CSSG). This high-impact role demands a self-motivated, multifunctional leader who can drive growth across the full business development lifecycle: opportunity identification, capture management, solution development, proposal creation and review, and the seamless transition of capture efforts to program execution.

The Director will play a pivotal role within the team, holding direct growth responsibilities for securing protective services, physical security, and electronic security systems (ESS) contracts across Federal Civilian and Defense sectors. Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, you will partner with CSSG leadership to spearhead the creation of a new corporate ESS competency, expand Akima’s protective services and physical security client base, and drive development of a unified security offering.

Near-term priorities will focus on domestic operations with the Federal Law Enforcement agencies (i.e., DHS, DoJ, ICE, CBP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Department of Energy (DOE) – clients with whom the ideal candidate possesses direct relevant experience. Additionally, you will focus future growth on global operations (CONUS and OCONUS) with the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of State (DoS), and North American Treaty Organization (NATO).

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a pipeline of opportunities that align with CSSG’s growth strategies.
• Lead new business pursuits across the business development lifecycle – from client engagement through capture and proposal submission – that drive step-function growth by maximally leveraging Akima’s complete portfolio.
• Establish, nurture, and expand close relationships with existing and prospective customers, internal stakeholders, industry partners, and market influencers.
• Develop and execute customer call plans, assess the competitive and market landscape, and implement differentiated win strategies.
• Represent Akima at industry groups, professional societies, conferences and trade events, and other outreach and networking events.
• Respond to Government market research inquiries (e.g. RFIs, Sources Sought Notices, etc.)
• Shape acquisition strategies using client relationships, company capabilities and experience, white papers, partners, and contracting vehicles.
• Leveraging strong business acumen, lead internal gate reviews, develop capture strategies, and prepare business cases for new opportunities.
• Support negotiation of teaming agreement and contract discussions.
• Collaborate with technical, program, and proposal teams to design, review, and publish proposal responses.
• Contribute directly to proposal development (writing, reviewing, and color team participation).
• Ensure pipeline accuracy, including probability of win assessments, revenue projections, and inputs to budget/forecasting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in a relevant discipline from an accredited university.
• Experience: 10-15 years of progressive business development experience in Federal contracting.
• Proven Wins: Demonstrated track record of major contract wins, including recent protective services, physical security, or ESS awards of at least $50M each within the last three years.
• Market Knowledge: Established relationships and knowledge of Government personnel, decision makers, programs, and strategies within Federal Law Enforcement agencies, DoD, DoS, and/or DoE.
• Acquisition Expertise: Deep knowledge of the Federal procurement process, current acquisition trends, and customer buying behaviors.
• Strategic Growth: Experience in market analysis, strategic planning, and capture leading to major contract awards.
• Leadership: Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams with varying levels of experience and manage multiple simultaneous captures under aggressive timelines.
• Skills: Exceptional communication, presentation, and proposal writing abilities; compelling sales presence; strong business acumen.
• Attributes: Strong work ethic, positive attitude, detail-oriented, adaptable, and thrives in an objective-driven environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• This Hybrid position requires that you live within commuting distance from Herndon, VA or Huntsville, AL
• Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to travel as business dictates.

Job ID

2025-19364

Work Type

Hybrid

Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima is not just another global enterprise and federal contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At Akima, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, Akima provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, Akima delivers agile solutions in the core areas of facilities, maintenance, and repair; information technology; logistics; protective services; systems engineering; mission support; furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E); and construction.

As an Akima employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability, or have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at job-assist@akima.com or 571-353-7053 (information about job applications status is not available at this contact information).

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