VP, Strategic Development

Apply Description Due to the nature of our work in defense, Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which usually requires US citizenship. About Darkhive: Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human-machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritable uncrewed systems alongside our government partners. At Darkhive, we are a high-growth team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, and DevSecOps professionals. Above all, we are a mission-first culture. We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high-quality, intelligent tools that ensure safety when each second counts. If you are a free-thinking problem solver looking to build cutting-edge robotics in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, apply with Darkhive today! The VP of Strategic Development Role: We are looking for a VP of Strategic Development to own and accelerate our growth across DoD, IC, and allied government customers. This is a senior, high-impact role reporting to the CSO. You will be the primary driver of our go-to-market strategy, pipeline development, and key partnerships to help translate our technical capabilities into mission outcomes and contract wins. This role is ideal for someone who combines deep defense sector relationships with a builder's mentality and comfort operating in a fast-moving startup environment. Business Development & Revenue Growth: You will own the full BD pipeline from opportunity identification through contract award, with a focus on DoD programs of record, OTAs, and SBIRs/STTRs. Develop and execute a multi-year growth strategy aligned to company ARR and headcount targets and drive expansion across existing customers while opening new accounts within priority commands and agencies. Strategy & Market Positioning : You will shape the company's go-to market strategy, including customer segmentation, competitive positioning, and pricing. Identify adjacent markets, partnerships, and M&A opportunities that accelerate growth. Provide market intelligence to inform product roadmap and R&D investment decisions. Partnership & Capture : Build and manage relationships with prime contractors, SIs, and channel partners to expand reach and accelerate capture. Lead and support major capture efforts including teaming agreements, proposal strategy and execution engagement. Represent the company at key industry events, conferences, and customer engagements. Team & Process: Build and lead the BD/growth team. Establish repeatable BD processes, CRM discipline, and pipeline reporting for the board and executive team. Work cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Finance, and Legal to ensure successful program execution post-award. This is a full-time, exempt, non-supervisory role. This role is Remote in the United States with travel up to 20% of the time. Qualifications you bring: 10+ years of experience in defense, national security, or government technology, with at least 5 years in a BD, strategy, or capture leadership role Deep understanding of the DoD acquisition ecosystem (OTA, FAR/DFARS, SBIR, POM process) Demonstrated track record of winning and growing government contracts ($5M–$100M+) Existing relationships with relevant program offices, commands, or agencies (e.g., SOCOM, OSD, Service Acquisition Executives, or IC) Strong executive presence and ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical government stakeholders Comfort operating in an ambiguous, fast-moving startup environment Preferred Qualifications: Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain Prior military service or experience as a government civilian / program manager Experience scaling a defense tech company from early-stage through Series C and beyond Familiarity with relevant technology domains (AI/ML, autonomy, ISR, etc.) Physical and/or Mental Requirements Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations Ability to maintain awareness during business hours Ability to lift up to 15 pounds Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language Learns and memorizes routine tasks Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position Selection Process: Hiring team reviews applications 20-minute pre-screen with Darkhive recruiter 30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager Take home project In-person or video interview with hiring team Benefits Darkhive offers: Comprehensive medical plans 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums Automatic 401k employer contribution with vesting Vacation and personal time off 11 Paid holidays 5 days of sick leave Stock options Welcoming and friendly work environment Respect of work-life balance Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.