Vice President of Defense & Security

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Vice President of Defense & Security based in United States.

This is a senior executive opportunity to lead and grow a high-impact defense and security professional services business. You will have end-to-end responsibility for the portfolio, including P&L, strategic growth, client relationships, and delivery excellence. The role spans critical government missions across defense, national security, homeland security, justice, and public safety. You will shape market strategy by understanding policy, funding, mission priorities, and evolving security challenges. You’ll build trusted relationships with senior government stakeholders, mission leaders, partners, and industry collaborators to unlock new opportunities. The position combines entrepreneurial leadership with hands-on engagement in business development, delivery, team building, and operational strategy. This is an opportunity to help modernize government services while building a high-performing, mission-driven organization focused on meaningful public outcomes.

Accountabilities:: Own the overall performance and growth of the defense and security portfolio as an independent business, including full P&L accountability and responsibility for client outcomes.

Research and interpret market dynamics, policy developments, funding trends, mission priorities, and evolving threat landscapes to identify strategic opportunities.

Develop a deep understanding of customer objectives, operational challenges, and requirements, translating these insights into differentiated service offerings.

Build and maintain strategic relationships with government stakeholders, military and civilian mission leaders, change agents, industry partners, and other key decision-makers.

Lead business development, opportunity capture, and bid and proposal activities to secure new client engagements and expand existing relationships.

Translate client objectives and constraints into tailored engagement strategies that deliver measurable impact, high-quality experiences, and efficient execution.

Assemble and lead multidisciplinary delivery teams, including internal talent and subcontractor partners, to achieve exceptional client outcomes.

Provide transparent oversight of engagement health, performance, risks, progress, and effectiveness across the portfolio.

Facilitate structured retrospectives with clients and internal teams to identify lessons learned, improve delivery practices, and implement actionable changes.

Step into hands-on client delivery and strategic problem-solving when needed to maintain quality and strengthen relationships.

Oversee core business operations, including people management and organizational planning, to support team performance and sustainable growth.

Coach and mentor other leaders and managers while cultivating a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture.

Requirements:

Significant experience working within defense, homeland security, justice, national security, or related government mission environments.

Demonstrated ability to manage and grow a multi-million-dollar professional services P&L, including multiple concurrent client engagements and subcontractor relationships.

Proven track record in business development, opportunity capture, proposal leadership, and growing a government contracting or professional services business.

Strong understanding of professional services operations, government contracting, financial management, business development, people operations, marketing, and organizational strategy.

Entrepreneurial mindset with strong resourcefulness, initiative, adaptability, and comfort operating in a rapidly evolving environment.

Exceptional general management, organizational, and people leadership skills, with experience building and managing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.

Strong business acumen and the ability to analyze financial, operational, and performance data and turn insights into effective business decisions.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities, with the confidence to engage effectively with senior government and industry stakeholders.

Collaborative and supportive leadership style with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Strong attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence.

Ability to coach and mentor leaders while creating an environment where teams can perform at their best.

Passion for improving public outcomes through better government services and technology.

Ability to work effectively in a professional services environment and communicate successfully with clients.

Ability and willingness to travel periodically for business.

Experience in civic technology and/or working effectively with distributed or remote teams is a plus.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

All work must be performed within the United States, excluding U.S. territories.

Some contracts may require U.S. citizenship, a public trust designation, or a security clearance.

Successful completion of applicable background checks may be required.

Certain federal contracts may require a degree or allow additional years of relevant experience as an alternative.

Benefits:

$210,000–$270,000 annual salary , depending on experience and qualifications.

Fully remote work environment with flexible, remote-friendly practices.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Short- and long-term disability insurance.

Life and AD&D insurance.

Dependent care FSA, healthcare FSA, and health savings account options.

Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) matching up to 10% of salary, with no vesting period.

Flexible paid time off, generally around 25 days per year, plus 11 paid federal holidays.

Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible new birth, adoption, or foster parents.

Performance rewards, including annual salary increases, performance bonuses, spot bonuses, and stock options.

Company performance and growth bonuses.

Employee referral bonuses.

$2,000 annual professional development allowance.

$750 annual allowance for technology-related purchases.

$100 annual merchandise allowance.

Dollar-for-dollar charitable donation matching of up to $500 per year.

A flexible environment designed to support autonomy, professional growth, and meaningful public impact.

The opportunity to work alongside mission-driven professionals focused on improving government services and public outcomes.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1