Director - Defense Programs

Clearance Requirement: A current, active TS/SCI security clearance is required.

Ball Aerospace is powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus. We pioneer discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely.

At our core, we're passionate, committed people who believe together we can achieve extraordinary things. We work collaboratively with each other, our customers and partners to solve the world's greatest challenges. That means listening to one another, providing feedback and partnering across all levels. We value our inclusive culture where everyone is heard equally and creativity thrives. Each team member is fully invested in our mission and we bring an energy to work every day that propels our business and motivates us all to Go Beyond.®

For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Strategic Operations (StratOps) Strategic Capabilities Unit, consists of Washington DC Operations, Marketing & Communications and Strategic Development. The StratOps team promotes and elevates the business within our markets, works with customers and competition to influence and drive the growth of Ball Aerospace and facilitates collaboration across the business enterprise to increase opportunities.

Director – Defense Programs

The Director, Defense Programs will drive strategy, contribute to business growth, and support multiple Strategic Business Units (SBU) focused on defense-oriented customers and markets. Customers and stakeholders include the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Rapid Capabilities Office, DARPA, and others. Business opportunities of interest range from spaceflight hardware development, ground infrastructure and operations, and engineering support services.

The Director, Defense Programs position is based in Washington, D.C. and reports to the Vice President, Strategic Operations.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop strategy for Ball’s defense pursuits and programs.
• Partner with SBUs to implement strategic priorities and execute campaigns.
• Create and maintain extensive and enduring customer and stakeholder relationships to gain insight into organization direction, priorities, and budgets, and to ensure Ball equities are well represented.
• Understand customer missions and technology needs and how they may impact Ball’s business goals.
• Provide analysis on opportunities and risks in the defense market. Advise and make recommendations to executives on strategies and direction for the defense community.
• Identify, assess, and qualify potential new business opportunities. Develop proposal and pursuit strategies.
• Develop, coordinate, and execute engagement plans for defense customers and stakeholders.
• Prepare the President, Vice President of Strategic Operations, and other executives for customer and stakeholder engagements.
• Participate in and represent Ball at various events and meetings.
• Operate with the highest level of professional integrity. 
• Be active in valuing diversity (of thought, background, gender, race/ethnicity) and inclusion for greater effectiveness and innovation.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

What You’ll Need:

• BS/BA in a related field plus 15 years or more related experience. Graduate degree preferred.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• A current, active TS/SCI security clearance is required.
• Specific experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense and in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is required.
• Ability to build respected and trusted relationships with key government customers across the defense community and the A&D industry.
• Working knowledge of the federal budget process.
• Solid programmatic background with the federal government and/or A&D industry preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit thought leadership.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, leadership ability, initiative and creativity, and a high degree of judgment while working within an environment that places a premium on collaboration and teamwork.
• The ability to work and be an integral part of an action-oriented, decision-making environment.
• Experience in managing in a matrix environment and developing professionals, staff members, and consultants effectively, as well as appropriately advising/influencing senior-
• Ability to travel approximately 30%.

Flexible On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site for three or more days per work week. Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Ball Aerospace is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment. 
• Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor. 

Verification that your current security clearance or government customer access meets the requirement for this position will be required.

Relocation for this position is available.

Compensation & Benefits:

• HIRING SALARY RANGE: $202,500 - $279,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
• Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.
• Subject to business and individual performance, and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in a long-term incentive compensation plan.
• This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.

US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED

Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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