Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Red Cell Partners is an incubation firm focused on building technology-led companies in healthcare, cyber, and national security. The Head of Federal Growth will lead efforts to create AI-powered solutions for the U.S. Department of War and federal government, focusing on mission problem-solving and venture scale.
Responsibilities
- Define and operationalize Red Cell Federal’s public sector and DoW growth strategy across priority missions, agencies, and acquisition pathways
- Lead “left-of-bang” shaping with mission owners, program offices, contracting offices, and other acquisition stakeholders before solicitations exist
- Set bid/no-bid decisions and prioritize opportunities across the portfolio
- Architect creative solutions that may include leveraging capabilities from multiple portfolio companies with a focus on solving hard mission problems and accelerating adoption
- Build and run a scalable BD → Capture → Close growth engine that portfolio companies can plug into
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a high‑ownership growth team spanning BD, capture, proposals, and contracts
- Translate pipeline and program traction into the GTM narrative and metrics that fuel venture growth
Skills
- 12+ years of private sector experience selling to public sector, at least some of that time in an executive position in either business development, capture, or federal sales, and ideally with a focus on defense or national security
- Demonstrated ownership of the full lifecycle from early shaping ('left of bang') through capture, award, and post-award expansion
- At least $100M+ in cumulative contract value influenced, captured, or closed over the course of a career
- History of moving efforts from prototype / pilot / SBIR / OTA into enduring programs of record
- Strong working knowledge of DoW and federal acquisition pathways, including hands-on experience with FAR / DFARS-based contracts (FFP, CPFF, T&M, hybrids)
- Hands-on experience with OTAs (both prototype and follow-on production)
- Experience with IDIQs / GWACs / BPAs (e.g., task order strategy, on-ramping, teaming)
- Experience with innovation-focused mechanisms such as SBIR/STTR, BAAs, CSOs, and rapid acquisition authorities
- Ability to creatively navigate acquisition constraints and identify non-obvious paths to award and scale
- Deep familiarity working with DoW stakeholders and mission owners, such as Program Executive Offices (PEOs) or Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs)
- Experience with PMOs / Requiring Activities
- Experience with Combatant Commands, services, or defense agencies
- Track record of engaging credibly with operators, acquisition professionals, and senior government leadership
- Experience selling or scaling technically complex capabilities, such as software platforms, AI/data systems, cyber, EW, autonomy, advanced sensing, or mission-critical infrastructure
- Proven experience acting as a player-coach - setting strategy while personally driving the most important deals
- Experience building or leading BD, capture, proposal, and contracting teams, either directly or in matrixed environments
- Demonstrated ability to establish discipline without bureaucracy: clear bid/no-bid decisions, win themes, pipeline rigor, and accountability
- Current U.S. security clearance strongly preferred
- Strong preference for the Washington, DC metro area (or willingness to relocate)
Benefits
- Career track opportunity with potential for rapid advancement with strong performance as the firm grows
- 100% employer paid, comprehensive health care including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family.
- Paid maternity and paternity for 14 weeks at employees' normal pay.
- Unlimited PTO, with management approval.
- Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
- Optional 401K, FSA, and equity incentives available.
- Mental health benefits are available through [Tara Mind](https://www.taramind.com/).
- Cost effective GLP-1 solutions available through [Crux](https://soon.getcrux.com/).
Company Overview