Now Hiring - Cherokee Federal - Business Development Manager Army IT in McLean, VA

Full description of the position

The Business Development Account Executive (Army C4ISR, Cyber & IT and Defense IT) serves as a senior growth leader responsible for shaping, capturing, and expanding large-scale Department of Defense and U.S. Army opportunities across enterprise IT, C4ISR, cyber, digital modernization, and mission support portfolios. This role requires deep operational credibility with Army and DoD stakeholders , the ability to translate mission needs into executable capture strategies and demonstrated success operating across the full BD lifecycle --from early shaping and customer engagement through proposal development, award, and account expansion. The Account Executive will operate as a trusted peer to senior government leaders (CIO/G-6, NETCOM, PEOs, DISA, AFC, DHA) and as a strategic integrator internally , aligning operations, solution architects, capture managers, and executive leadership to deliver sustained growth.

Compensation

&

Benefits

Compensation

commensurate with experience and performance

• Full-time benefits including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, LTD, STD
• 401(k) match
• Additional benefits as provided by Cherokee Federal
• Core

Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development & Growth Leadership

• Establish, implement, and execute account-centric growth strategies aligned with Army and Defense priorities.
• Shape opportunities pre-RFP through mission understanding, requirements influence, and solution differentiation.
• Lead pipeline development, qualification, and prioritization across competitive, direct award, and small-business pathways.
• Drive growth across enterprise IT, cyber, cloud, data, analytics, automation, C4ISR, and modernization programs. Customer Engagement & Mission Alignment
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior government decision-makers, including:
• Army CIO/G-6, NETCOM, PEO EIS, DISA, Army Futures Command, TRADOC, and Combatant Commands.
• Engage customers as a mission partner , not a transactional seller, demonstrating operational fluency and credibility.
• Represent Cherokee Federal in executive-level briefings, strategic sessions, and capability discussions. Capture & Proposal Execution
• Lead or support large, complex captures (IDIQs, task orders, GWACs, 8(a), and full & open).
• Develop win strategies, teaming approaches, and solution architectures aligned to customer priorities.
• Partner with capture managers and proposal teams across Shipley BD lifecycle phases through orals.
• Ensure captures are financially sound , executable, and aligned with corporate risk posture. Contracting Strategy & Vehicles
• Leverage deep understanding of FAR/DFARS , Army contracting norms, and acquisition pathways.
• Utilize tribal, 8(a), and small-business strategies appropriately to accelerate awards.
• Shape pursuits across IDIQs, GWACs, BPAs, and task-order driven vehicles. Internal Leadership & Governance
• Serve as a senior integrator across:
• Operations
• Capture
• Finance
• Contracts
• Solution Architecture
• Brief executive leadership on pipeline health, capture posture, risks, and forecast accuracy.
• Document all BD activities, customer engagements, and pipeline data in Salesforce.
• Required Experience &

Qualifications

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in federal government business development , with a strong emphasis on Army and Defense IT markets.
• Demonstrated success capturing and growing $100M+ portfolios , including large IDIQs and enterprise programs.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in complex, matrixed organizations with senior government and industry leaders.
• Deep familiarity with Army Signal, C4ISR, cyber, enterprise IT, and modernization ecosystems.
• Experience working with or within tribal, 8(a), or small-business contracting environments highly desired. Leadership & Credibility
• Background demonstrating operational leadership , mission execution, or senior advisory roles within DoD or equivalent environments.
• Ability to translate operational requirements into acquisition-ready solutions.
• Recognized as a trusted advisor by government stakeholders. Education
• Bachelor's degree required (Business, Engineering, IT, or related field).
• Advanced degree or professional military education strongly preferred. Tools & Methods
• Expertise with the Shipley Business Development Lifecycle.
• Proficiency with Salesforce, Microsoft Office, Teams , and executive briefing tools.
• Strong financial acumen, including capture economics, pricing strategy, and risk assessment. Security & Travel
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active or prior Top Secret clearance strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 50% , including OCONUS as required.
• Key Competencies
• Army & DoD Market Intelligence
• Enterprise IT & C4ISR Growth Strategy
• Capture & Win Strategy Execution
• Executive-Level Customer Engagement
• Contracting & Acquisition Strategy
• Financial & Pipeline Discipline
• Integrity, Judgment, and Mission Focus
• Influence-Based Leadership CherokeeFederal #LI #LI-WD1

Company Overview

Cherokee Federal is the federal contracting arm of Cherokee Nation Businesses , supporting more than 60 federal customers across defense, civilian, and intelligence markets. As a tribally owned enterprise, Cherokee Federal delivers mission-critical solutions with purpose, integrity, and long-term stewardship. Cherokee Federal is a military-friendly employer. Veterans and transitioning service members are strongly encouraged to apply.