0123 - Director of Market Development

Electra is a rapidly growing aerospace startup company devoted to delivering feasible, innovative solutions at the nexus of advanced air mobility and the decarbonization of aviation. Electra’s first commercial product is a turbine hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to have the operational flexibility of a helicopter with the superior payload, range, and low operating costs of conventional fixed wing aircraft. We have an insanely talented team who has accomplished what others said was impossible before, and we’re not afraid to disrupt the status quo as we do it again. Headquartered in northern Virginia, we're on a quest to change aerospace, and the world, for the better. 
Electra is seeking an experienced Director of Market Development as part of the Product team to support market strategy and development efforts to grow the roster of customers who want to operate our 9-passenger eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) aircraft. This position plays a significant role in directing the company’s commercial and some governmental business strategies. You'll be responsible for the development of new customers, including industry research, relationship building, market development, event participation, and sales and marketing tool creation.
Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Develops key business relationships in the commercial marketplace, with a primary responsibility for identifying and developing opportunities for business expansion.
• Supports the development of customer or market penetration strategies and individual opportunity win strategies, account plans, technology development plans, and partnering strategies.
• Acts as liaison with commercial/government agencies and offices. Ensures that the business development strategy is implemented.
• Makes recommendations for change or modification to strategy.
• Develop and deliver various professional services solutions to include whitepapers, demonstrations, proposals and other internally developed products used to identify, qualify and capture new business.
• Build customer relationships across various market segments and customer types, as directed.
• Modeling of Electra aircraft, both cost and performance, within customers networks as defined by the customer.
• Participate in working sessions with customers to assist their understanding of the Electra Product.
• Plan and participate in trade shows and other industry events as needed.
• Collect and organize feedback from customers as needed to mature the product requirements and product use cases.
• Participate in the creation of marketing materials for social media, web site, trade shows, and other media outlets.
• Collaborate with other functional groups to accomplish team goals. Succinctly communicate customer needs to senior executives of the company and participate in regular internal and external presentations.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• A strong work ethic and ability to independently meet and lead the areas described in the responsibilities and essential functions.
• Expert experience establishing and managing customer relationships, preferably in the aerospace industry - particularly with modern electric aircraft prospects, regional air carriers, and mainline air carriers.
• Expertise in managing and maintaining a formal CRM pipeline tool along with others in the organization.
• Expertise in managing own travel accommodations and submit expense reports.
• Possess expert research skills, interpersonal communication skills, and fluency in the art of sales and customer relationships.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures (especially Part 23), and relevant industry standards.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt well to change.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Finance, Engineering, Communications or related discipline; and
• 6+ years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.

Additional Desired Skills:

• Ability to develop mathematical models simulating customer use cases and operating networks.
• Technical Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Working knowledge of government programs and contracting.
• Demonstrated breadth of knowledge of the current electric aircraft industry.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.
• Licensed Pilot Preferred (FAA, EASA, PPL, CPL, etc.)

Location: Remote work is acceptable for the first few years with an expectation to move to Manassas, VA
Travel: >50%, Domestic & International Travel
Electra’s salary range for this position is: $81,250.00 - $181,250.00
Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position. Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.