Director of Business Development – BD

Salas O'Brien

Director of Business Development leading proposal development lifecycle for federal contracts. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive growth and secure new business opportunities.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $125,000 - $135,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in federal proposal management and business development, with a strong focus on opportunity identification, proposal development, and compliance within the federal sector. Proven leadership in managing cross-functional teams and executing strategic plans to drive growth and meet revenue targets.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Federal Proposal ManagementProposal Development ProcessLeadership and Team ManagementFederal Procurement KnowledgeProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Proposal DevelopmentOpportunity IdentificationContent CreationCompliance ReviewsWin Strategy DevelopmentMarket ResearchTeaming Partner CoordinationEditing and WritingSchedule ManagementBudget Management

Soft Skills

Detail-OrientedEffective CommunicationMentoringCollaborationAbility to Work Under Pressure

Industry Keywords

Federal ContractingFARDFARSProposal LifecycleStrategic PlanningMarket Presence ExpansionCapture ManagementSolicitation ProcessesJoint VenturesSBA Approved

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Director of Business Development (BD) leads and oversees each stage of proposal development lifecycle, from opportunity identification to post-submission activities.
Maintains responsibility for driving division growth by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, developing and executing strategic plans, and expanding market presence.
Leads or support the full business development lifecycle, from market research and opportunity identification through capture, proposal, and deal closure.
Oversees pipelines, guides teams, and ensures revenue targets and long-term strategic objectives are met.
Submits a prime bid from one of multiple Salas O’Brien entities, including Salas O’Brien, Inc., acquired Salas O’Brien entities (subsidiaries and affiliates), Small Business Administration (SBA) approved mentor-protégé joint ventures (JV), and other strategic JV firms.
This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented leader with extensive experience in federal government contracting, proposal development, and pursuit management.
A successful candidate manages a team of proposal coordinators and collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop compelling, compliant proposals that support Salas O’Brien’s growth objectives in the federal sector.
The Director of Business Development reports to the Division Managing Principal and coordinates with the Capture Director, Engineering Principals, Business Office, Engineering Directors, and Project Managers and Administrators as needed to produce high-quality proposals on time and within budget constraints.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree in business, communications, or related field.
10+ years of experience in federal proposal management, including federal contracting and proposal development process knowledge.
Proven record of supporting opportunity identification, proposal development, and post-submission activities within the federal sector.
Experience managing end-to-end proposal development for complex pursuits, including content creation, teaming partner coordination, and compliance reviews based on Shipley-writing principles.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor proposal coordinators and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
In-depth knowledge of federal procurement channels, solicitation processes, and relevant regulations (e.g., FAR and DFARS).
Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, persuasive proposals and articulate complex ideas effectively.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to track multiple proposals, manage schedules, and ensure on-time delivery.
Proven ability to develop and execute win strategies, focusing on value propositions, discriminators, and competitive positioning.
Experience leading and coordinating proposal-related initiatives across an organization.
Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and company holidays
Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
Professional development support