Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager – Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University

The Software Solutions Division (SSD) is a major component of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) operated by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Arlington, VA. SSD teams engage in groundbreaking software research, development, and transition for the U.S. Government.

As the primary SSD Pittsburgh‑based Business Development Manager for DoD & Federal Agencies, you will actively identify, qualify and pursue new research opportunities within the DoD (focusing on Headquarters) and Intelligence Community (IC) and other federal government agencies. You will analyze acquisition and research needs, build trusted relationships with the acquisition and research community, and cultivate connections that bring SSD value to the forefront.

You will coordinate with SEI technical staff to develop effective approaches to the target customer, leading to long‑term, funded relationships, and provide key inputs to SSD leadership to shape strategic business goals for the SEI’s federal research program.

• Assist the SSD Director, Strategic Initiatives & Program Development as a strategic advisor, developing strategies and market analysis for the DoD Headquarters & IC and other Federal groups.
• Establish strategic business development goals and objectives focusing principally on the DoD Headquarters & IC and other Federal Agencies.
• Develop and implement action plans to achieve goals.
• Represent SEI products and services at forums, seminars, technical programs and trade shows.
• Participate in technical and professional associations; keep informed about developments in the government, military, and economic, scientific, political, and industrial fields relevant to SEI products and services.
• Coordinate business development action plan implementation with program development teams across the SEI to ensure achievement of business development goals.
• Assist the SSD Director in working with SSD Technical Directors to develop market strategies and product plans communicating technologies, knowledge, and core competencies into viable offerings to the Federal Government and industry.

• BS in a technical/engineering discipline or a technically-oriented business degree.
• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in business development activities related to software engineering technologies and research across the Federal Government, emphasizing the DoD & IC.
• Successful business development experience in pursuit of large government projects involving engineering support, applied research/development or similar activities.
• Recent experience working closely with DoD HQ, IC, and Federal Agencies acquisition offices or similar activities is critical.
• Willingness to travel to support the SEI’s overall mission (average 5–6 days per month).
• Subject to a background investigation; must obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.

• Working knowledge of software and systems development and defense acquisition.
• Experience leading projects and medium to large technical teams.
• Ability to assess initiatives against programmatic, technical, and operational goals.
• Ability to develop business development and technical work plans.
• Experience with CRM systems to track opportunities through the sales funnel.
• Ability to prepare and conduct management and entry-level technical briefings with senior government leaders and technologists.
• Ability to engage customers to elicit and distill capability gaps and needs and translate those needs to SEI technology focus areas.
• Desire to work with technical staff to establish tailored approaches, goals and schedules.
• Ability to recognize and handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Extraordinary written and oral communication skills.
• Strong reasoning and analytical skills; capable of presenting to diverse military, governmental, and academic audiences.
• Ability to work independently with an emphasis on team goals and teamwork.
• Ability to combine technical aptitude with a business perspective and effectively interact with SEI technical staff and customer organizations.

Arlington, VA;
Pittsburgh, PA

Program, Project and Operations Management

Staff – Regular

Full time

Salary

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• to view a listing of employee benefits.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance.