Director/VP of Government Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director/VP of Government Partnerships

🔹 Company: Outpost

🔹 Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site

🔹 Category: Aerospace & Defense

🔹 Date Posted: August 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Forge strategic relationships with U.S. government partners
• Secure multi-year contracts for Outpost’s reusable orbital delivery platforms
• Champion flagship missions showcasing Outpost’s AirDrop, FerryAll, and CarryAll solutions
• Shape Outpost’s presence in defense, civil, and national security programs
• Drive large-scale adoption of Outpost’s orbital logistics solutions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of experience and expertise in government partnerships and sales within the aerospace and defense industry. A strong understanding of federal acquisition processes and space policy is crucial for success in this position.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Drive strategic engagement with U.S. and allied government agencies to establish Outpost as the premier partner for scalable, reusable orbital logistics solutions

✅ Lead efforts to secure large-scale adoption of Outpost’s AirDrop units, cultivating relationships with decision-makers and delivering mission-critical cargo delivery capabilities

✅ Champion the successful manifestation of FerryAll and CarryAll missions, aligning government customer needs with Outpost’s technical roadmap and launch schedules

✅ Develop and negotiate high-value, multi-year government contracts that enable recurring missions and long-term revenue growth while supporting profitability goals

✅ Manage and scale the government business development function, setting priorities, mentoring team members, and ensuring resources are focused on high-impact opportunities

✅ Serve as the key interface between government customers and Outpost’s product teams, influencing platform specifications and future capabilities to meet defense, civil, and national security needs

✅ Build strategic partnerships that expand Outpost’s presence within government programs and position the company for significant growth in the U.S. space logistics market

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication and negotiation skills to succeed.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Engineering, or a related discipline) is required. An advanced degree (MBA, Master's, or Ph.D.) would be an asset.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in sales, business development, or partnerships in aerospace and defense, with a proven track record of developing and closing large-scale contracts with U.S. government agencies (DoD, NASA, or related national security organizations).

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of federal acquisition processes, space policy, and government contracting mechanisms
• Strong relationships within defense, civil space, and national security communities, with the ability to build trusted partnerships at senior levels
• Experience leading business development or government partnerships teams in aerospace, defense, or a related high-technology sector
• Ability to influence product roadmaps and translate complex government requirements into actionable commercial solutions
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated success in shaping multi-year growth plans and achieving transformative revenue milestones
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with a proven ability to secure high-value, multi-year agreements
• Active U.S. security clearance (or ability to obtain one) strongly preferred

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with international government partners
• Familiarity with commercial space launch and satellite operations

ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of this role, candidates should possess a strong understanding of the aerospace and defense industry, as well as the U.S. government acquisition process.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $175,000 - $225,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits:

• Incentive Equity
• Annual Performance-Based Bonus
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 401k with Company match
• Subsidized daily catered lunch, snacks and coffee

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for meetings and events

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the aerospace and defense sector. The total compensation package may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Outpost operates in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing on reusable orbital logistics solutions for space.

Company Size: Outpost is a small to mid-sized company with 11-50 employees, providing a dynamic and agile work environment.

Founded: Outpost was founded in 2021, making it a relatively new player in the aerospace industry.

Company Description:

• Outpost is rewriting the rules of global logistics with its CarryAll™ platform, which launches on commercial rockets and glides back from orbit to deliver tons of cargo anywhere on Earth in under 90 minutes
• The same reusable vehicle ferries high-value products made in microgravity back to customers, opening a new era of just-in-time space manufacturing
• The company was founded by aerospace innovator Jason Dunn, whose earlier work put the first 3D printers on the International Space Station and proved orbital fiber-optic production

Company Specialties:

• Reusable orbital logistics solutions
• Space manufacturing
• Government partnerships and contracts

Company Website: outpost-vfx.com

ASSUMPTION: Outpost's focus on innovative, reusable orbital logistics solutions positions it at the forefront of the growing space economy, offering exciting opportunities for growth and impact.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior leadership level, reporting directly to the CEO or another C-level executive.

Reporting Structure: The Director/VP of Government Partnerships will likely have a team of business development professionals reporting to them, with a matrixed reporting structure to other departments such as product and operations.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with a requirement to be present in the Playa Vista office five days per week. Some flexibility may be available for remote work, depending on the candidate's needs and the company's policies.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Outpost continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the successful candidate to expand their team and take on additional responsibilities
• With experience and success in this role, the candidate may be well-positioned for future C-level or other executive leadership opportunities within the company

ASSUMPTION: Given Outpost's rapid growth and focus on innovation, this role offers significant potential for career growth and impact.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Outpost's office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): Playa Vista, California

Geographic Context:

• Playa Vista is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, known for its tech industry and vibrant community
• The office is located near numerous amenities, including restaurants, shops, and parks
• The area offers a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm, dry summers

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for meetings and events. The role may require occasional travel to meet with government partners and attend industry events.

ASSUMPTION: The Playa Vista office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to amenities and a pleasant climate.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the HR team or a hiring manager
• In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with cross-functional teams
• Final interview with the CEO or another C-level executive
• Background check and reference check for the final candidate

Key Assessment Areas:

• Understanding of federal acquisition processes and space policy
• Relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Communication and presentation skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of Outpost's mission and the importance of government partnerships in achieving it
• Prepare examples of your past successes in securing large-scale contracts with government agencies

ATS Keywords: Government Partnerships, Sales, Business Development, Aerospace, Defense, Federal Acquisition, Space Policy, Contract Negotiation, Strategic Thinking, Team Leadership

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will be comprehensive and rigorous, focusing on the candidate's technical skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit with Outpost's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for business development and sales professionals in the aerospace and defense industry.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Outpost values creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo
• Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of teamwork and mutual support
• Integrity: Outpost is committed to acting with honesty and transparency in all its endeavors

Work Style:

• Outpost values a dynamic, fast-paced work environment, with a focus on execution and results
• The company encourages initiative and autonomy, with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability
• Outpost values a growth mindset, with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
• Are you comfortable working independently and taking initiative?
• Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with government partners?

ASSUMPTION: Outpost's culture values innovation, collaboration, and a strong work ethic, with a focus on execution and results.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The competitive nature of the aerospace and defense industry may present challenges in securing government contracts
• The complex and evolving nature of federal acquisition processes may require ongoing learning and adaptation
• The role may require occasional travel, which could be demanding for some candidates
• The fast-paced and dynamic work environment may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges associated with this role are inherent to the aerospace and defense industry and the nature of government partnerships and contracts.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique within Outpost, as it focuses specifically on government partnerships and contracts for reusable orbital logistics solutions
• Similar roles in other companies may focus on different aspects of business development or sales, or may be focused on different industries or markets
• Career progression in this role may involve expanding the government partnerships team or taking on additional responsibilities within Outpost's business development function

ASSUMPTION: The unique nature of this role within Outpost offers significant potential for career growth and impact, as the company continues to expand its government partnerships and contracts portfolio.

📝 Sample Projects

• Securing a multi-year contract with a U.S. government agency for the use of Outpost's AirDrop units in a critical mission
• Developing a strategic plan for expanding Outpost's government partnerships portfolio in the defense, civil, and national security sectors
• Negotiating a complex contract with an international government partner for the use of Outpost's FerryAll and CarryAll missions

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are representative of the types of initiatives the successful candidate may be expected to undertake in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's long-term vision for its government partnerships portfolio, and how this role fits into that strategy?
• How does Outpost support the professional development and growth of its business development team members?
• Can you provide examples of how Outpost has successfully navigated the complex and evolving federal acquisition processes in the past?
• How does Outpost approach collaboration and knowledge-sharing between its business development, product, and operations teams?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions listed above are designed to provide insight into Outpost's strategic priorities, company culture, and the specific requirements of this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/outpostspace/jobs/4591097006
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your track record in government partnerships and contracts
• Prepare for your interviews by researching Outpost's mission, values, and recent projects, as well as the specific requirements of this role
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.