Director of International Business Development and Strategic Initiatives

THE OPPORTUNITY

As Silvus Technologies continues to grow, we are seeking a Director of International Business Development and Strategic Initiatives to help us scale our efforts, address critical market opportunities, and support strategic growth initiatives. This individual will play a pivotal role in balancing the tactical demands of our current sales team with long-term strategic initiatives, ensuring that we maintain our competitive edge in the defense communications space.  This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated professional with significant experience in the defense and security communications industry. This individual will have the opportunity to lead key initiatives, forge strategic partnerships, and drive success in global markets while also coordinating cross-team efforts to advance Silvus’ overall mission.

The Director of International Business Development and Strategic Initiatives will report directly to the Senior International Sales Director. This role is ideal for a highly motivated professional with significant experience in the defense and security communications industry. This position has the opportunity to lead key initiatives, forge strategic partnerships, and drive success in global markets while also coordinating cross-team efforts to advance Silvus’ overall mission.  At Silvus Technologies, we pride ourselves on empowering our employees and fostering a culture of innovation, allowing talented professionals to see the direct impact of their work. This position offers the potential for 100% remote work, depending on location.

The following is a list of at least some of the current essential job functions of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time within its discretion.
 
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Drive Strategic Growth Initiatives
•    Identify and pursue new market opportunities to expand Silvus’ presence internationally.
•    Build and strengthen relationships with key organizations, such as the UN, NATO, and COCOMs, and advance efforts within FMF/FMS markets.
•    Collaborate with defense manufacturers to integrate Silvus products into their offerings, fostering long-term partnerships.

Provide Cross-Regional and Cross-Team Support
•    Act as a central resource for coordination across global markets, supporting sales efforts, proposals, and engagements with major programs.
•    Lead efforts to navigate complex USG (United States Government) sales processes, including foreign military sales (FMS) and foreign military financing (FMF).
•    Support strategic initiatives across multiple regions, ensuring alignment with Silvus’ overarching goals.

Fill Knowledge Gaps and Expand Market Expertise
•    Leverage expertise in defense communications to navigate FMF/FMS markets effectively and address gaps within the current team.
•    Develop strategies to accelerate progress in foreign military markets, in coordination with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Advocacy Center, and bilateral defense agreements.

Scale for Growth
•    Build the bench strength necessary to support team changes, potential restructuring, and expand market coverage.
•    Ensure Silvus stays competitive against larger defense companies by addressing missed opportunities and scaling resources appropriately.

Key Focus Areas
•    Foreign Military Sales (FMS) - Lead initiatives to leverage FMS for selling advanced defense systems to allied nations, ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and enhancing interoperability with U.S. forces.
•    Foreign Military Financing (FMF) - Promote FMF as a mechanism to help allied nations acquire Silvus products, especially in developing or strategically significant countries.
•    Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) - Partner to navigate sales processes under U.S. law.
•    Advocacy Center - Work with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Advocacy Center to gain U.S. government support for international contract bids.
•    Bilateral Defense Agreements - Leverage U.S. defense agreements to promote interoperability and the integration of Silvus products into allied defense systems.

Travel Requirement 
              Up to 50% of the time, as needed, to maintain strong customer engagement and relationships.
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•    Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, International Relations, or Engineering from an accredited institution plus a minimum of 12 years’ experience in international business development within the defense and/or security communications industries; or High School Diploma/GED with 16 years of experience in international business development within the defense and/or security communications industries.
•    Strong knowledge of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) markets, US government processes, and defense partnerships with allied nations.
•    Proven track record of building relationships with key stakeholders such as NATO, UN, and regional organizations.
•    Deep familiarity with defense communications products and their integration into global defense systems.
•    Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and provide leadership across teams and regions.
 
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
•    Solid understanding of RF technology, IP networking, and/or tactical communications systems.
•    Experience using CRM tools to actively manage a diverse portfolio of accounts and associated opportunities.
•    Ability to conduct and direct competitive product analysis using market research, combined with a strong technical understanding of service/agency needs and requirements.
•    Master’s degree in Business, Communications, International Relations, or Engineering.
•    Proven business development experience in Mobile Ad-hoc Networking (MANET) and/or radio solutions, with a comprehensive understanding of alternative MANET technologies and their relative strengths.
•    Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging effectively at all organizational levels internally or externally.
•    Demonstrated relationship-building abilities and expertise.
•    Strategic thinker with a proven ability to balance tactical and long-term initiatives.
•    Highly organized and comfortable managing complex, multi-faceted programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•    Office environment.
•    Trade shows.
•    Outdoor environment for demonstrations.
•    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do the following:
-    Lift equipment up to 20lbs. for the set-up of demonstration and testing.
-    Extended periods of sitting.