Director, Strategy Development (TS/SCI) {A}

ARKA Group L.P. (“ARKA”) is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today.

Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here. Discover your next career opportunity now!

Position Overview:

ARKA is seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Lead for the Advanced Communications and Mission Applications group to lead the strategic direction and growth of our next-generation solutions.

The ideal candidate is a systems-level thinker and business developer with strong leadership skills, and a track record of growth and delivering complex technical hardware and software solutions.

This role is primarily based at any of our Colorado Springs, CO, Aurora, CO, King of Prussia, PA, Chantilly, VA, or Washington D.C. locations, though frequent customer engagement travel will be required. Remote candidates will also be considered.

We offer generous relocation benefits for eligible candidates.

In support of work/life balance, many positions are available for a flexible schedule within the pay period.  Ask us about the opportunity for flex scheduling if that’s of interest to you.

Responsibilities:

Business Development:

• Lead high-priority business development and capture activities—from early opportunity identification and pursuit through proposal development
• Add government prime contract awards to existing subcontracting business

Customer Engagement:

• Serve as the primary liaison with key customers and partners, providing executive-level communication and support
• Translate customer requirements into technical and business solutions
• Ensure customer satisfaction and long-term relationship development

Strategic Leadership:

• Drive business growth, ensuring delivery excellence, and customer satisfaction
• Significantly increase backlog through larger multi-year contract awards
• Assist in building and managing the annual operating and long-range plans
• Lead regular business development reviews
• Work with engineering to drive innovation to maintain competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving satellite communications market
• Set vision and strategy with the leadership team for satellite ground and space communications solutions in alignment with broader ARKA goals
• Stay ahead of industry trends in virtualization, cloud-based operations, and software-defined ground stations and space radios

Execution:

• Drive adoption of cloud-based, AI-driven, or automated ground systems to improve efficiency and scalability
• Monitor timelines, budgets, risk, and compliance for major programs
• Ensure deliveries meet or exceed performance expectations and contractual obligations
• Ensure investments (IRAD and capital expenses) align with the most promising growth vectors for the group

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams, including program managers and capture leads
• Closely collaborate with systems, software, and hardware engineering teams
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability
• Communicate frequently to a team of 500+
• Be embedded with the team to maximize effectiveness, business decisions, and provide guidance

Required Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, driven, and mission focused. We are looking for someone who understands our customers’ missions and needs and can work with a group of industry leaders to create compelling solutions for these needs. This person has a proven track record of assembling partnerships that lead to winning business.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in relevant Business Development leadership roles within the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or communications industry
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance or ability to obtain one
• Deep customer relationships and understanding of customer missions and priorities—particularly within the DoD, Intelligence Community, or civil space agencies
• Experience winning and executing prime government contracts
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate across business units
• Demonstrated experience identifying growth opportunities and successfully executing complex business development and capture effor