March 16, 2023

Vice President, Defense Development

Position: Vice President, Defense Development

Reports to: Senior VP, Operations

Status: Exempt

Date: January 1, 2023

Salary: $90,000 to $100,000 per year

Position Scope

A vice president leads and directs projects, programs, and people with little supervision and full autonomy according to set goals and budget. The Vice President (VP), Defense Development reports to and works at the direction of the Senior VP (S. VP) of Operations. This position provides key support to the CSCEDC’s economic development initiatives. In the economic development support role, the VP, Defense Development communicates defense development opportunities associated with economic development projects and plays a vital role within our business community, specifically our community’s Aerospace & Defense industry, through intake meetings, membership support, and the planning, coordinating, and execution of key defense development initiatives. This role works closely with our military installations, military leadership, and serves as a liaison between key leaders, the CSCEDC, and businesses within the Pikes Peak Region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Recommends strategic objectives and tactical actions pertaining to the Chamber & EDC’s engagement with and growth of the defense industry.
Supervises the Military Affairs and Defense Development Associate, develops and refines quarterly and annual goals, and conducts a professional development program for the employee.
Leads the Defense company partner development program as well as the future partner outreach program. Develops partner care standards, tracks progress and timelines, and communicates monthly action items to the S. VP Operations and the Military Affairs and Defense Development Associate. Prepares quarterly update and reports out to CSCEDC CEO, COO, and S. VP Operations as required.
Advises the CEO, senior staff, Board of Directors, and volunteer councils on defense industry issues.
Coordinates relationship with the Military Affairs Council leadership to ensure complementary CSCEDC/MAC messaging, deconflicted event coordination (synchronizes MAC efforts for Military Affairs and Defense Development Associate).
Advises and manage volunteers, including those serving on the Military Affairs Council and Defense Mission Task Force, to achieve Chamber & EDC objectives.
Advises the S. VP Operations on defense industry issues and trends.
Represents the Chamber & EDC in community-military events and meetings such as Areas Chiefs of Staff, installations’ Community Relations, Hail and Farewells, and similar activities.
Works with CSCEDC Membership to identify non-defense partners requiring defense consultation and assigns engagement work within the Defense Development team.
Advances the organization’s economic development strategy by cultivating relationships with existing businesses and support of recruitment of new businesses in the defense sector.
Works with military liaison counterparts in Denver Metro and Aurora Chambers of Commerce as well as other Chambers of Commerce in the vicinity of the Colorado Springs Front Range.
Represents (primarily virtually) CSCEDC at state-wide Aerospace and Space Coalition meetings and keeps S.VP Operations posted on key developments.
Act as CSCEDC’s primary representative to the Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s Aerospace and Defense Industry Manager.
Develop and enhance relationships with veteran, military and military spouse-supporting organizations in town with an emphasis on impacts to CSCEDC partners (i.e., talent acquisition, upskill grant opportunities, etc,)
Participates in Chamber & EDC’s programs, events, and activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with senior executives and military leaders, stakeholders, and the media.
Familiarization with local military missions, organizations and support relationships.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to represent the Chamber & EDC in public forums and effectively convey critical military and business issues to target audiences.
Strong working knowledge of military protocol.
Understanding of economic development sales and service.
Possess high energy, strong organizational skills, and time management skills to handle competing priorities and multiple concurrent projects.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Note: Exceptional candidates with unique experience and background outside these requirements may be considered.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of 9 years’ experience in military and/or defense industry organizations with leadership or management responsibilities.
Honorable military service.
Experience preferred in private sector companies, including experience interacting with senior executives.
Experience preferred working with senior-level leaders in the Department of Defense.
Experience preferred in public policy, including experience interacting with local, state, and federal elected and appointed officials.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Typical office environment for daily operations, and typical physical demands required in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Participation or attendance may be requested occasionally at events during evenings and on weekends.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. These may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed and should not be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in this position. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment.

Please send your resume to Vincent Persichetti to apply.