Army Portfolio Lead - Washington, D.C.

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solution ...

Job description

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems–the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.

Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.

About The Role

The Army Portfolio Lead will serve as the senior individual representing Valinor's Product Companies to the U.S. Army. This role is responsible for end-to-end business development, translating the U.S. Army's needs and Valinor's wide range of cutting-edge technologies into mission-relevant solutions. This role is for an experienced acquisition professional with a strong sense of ownership, who thrives in ambiguity, is the ultimate team player, and delivers results.

What You'll Do

• Own Army business development end-to-end: identify opportunities, shape deals, support proposals, and close contracts, with full accountability for results.

• Develop a deep understanding of the existing and prospective client base, know the current or planned programmatic and technical roadmaps, and understand the competitive landscape.

• Rapidly learn and deeply understand technical products across multiple product companies, translating complex capabilities into clear, compelling value for Army customers.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with critical U.S. Army program office stakeholders to identify new business opportunities, proactively communicate and resolve program issues, and provide strategic direction across Valinor's growth, delivery, engineering, and manufacturing teams.

• Work hands-on with distributed internal teams to align customer needs, product strategy, and execution across a broad Army footprint.

• Build and own a pipeline in an ambiguous, startup environment: move fast, unblock yourself, and drive deals forward.

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years of direct government sales or business development experience with the U.S. Army (required); experience in a defense technology startup environment is a strong plus.

• Technically curious and fast-learning; able to quickly grasp complex systems and confidently sell them to both technical and non-technical Army stakeholders.

• High-ownership, low-ego person who thrives with minimal structure, takes initiative, and follows through from first meeting to contract award.

• Demonstrated success leading acquisition, management, development, and/or capture of U.S. Army programs of record.

• Extensive knowledge of and experience working with program offices, acquisition executives, major defense acquisition programs, prime contractors, and other stakeholder organizations across the U.S. Army.

• Ability to identify, establish, and leverage key relationships with senior level officials and program stakeholders within the U.S. Army and broader DoD.

• Understanding of and experience navigating the Defense acquisition process.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to senior executives and customers.

• Ability to travel up to 30% for required meetings and conferences.

• This role is based in Washington, D.C., but strong candidates will be considered who live near select customer locations.

What Valinor offers

• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401K, development stipends, among others.

• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.

• We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.

• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

• Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional coworking spaces throughout the country. We also host team offsites and colocations around the U.S.

This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the SECRET level.

Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you