Business Development Director

Posting date: 12/1/25

Location: NC, SC, GA, VA, or FL locations acceptable

ZAPATA is a full-service architectural and engineering company with operations throughout the Continental United States and the Pacific. Our primary focus is the Department of Defense, Government, and Industrial clients. ZAPATA is seeking a Business Development Director to work in the southeastern US.

Position Summary

This position will lead strategic growth initiatives for ZAPATA within the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security markets. This role is responsible for identifying, pursuing, and securing new business opportunities and contracts, while maintaining strong relationships with existing clients. The ideal candidate will have experience in Federal contracting, capture management, and proposal development within the A/E/C industry for targeted clients.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Develop and execute business development strategies targeting DoD and DHS.
• Work closely with senior leadership, marketing, and technical staff to align BD efforts with corporate goals.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities.
• Maintain awareness of federal procurement trends and agency priorities.
• Build and/or sustain relationships with key stakeholders at targeted agencies.
• Serve as liaison between clients, senior management, and internal technical teams to ensure alignment with client needs.
• Lead capture planning for targeted opportunities, including teaming strategies.
• Coordinate proposal development efforts, ensuring compliance and quality standards, working with the Marketing Manager and Marketing Coordinator as appropriate.
• Support responses to data calls, proposal calendars, and internal review processes.
• Mentor junior staff in BD/Marketing on best practices and market intelligence gathering.
• Represent ZAPATA at industry events, conferences, and trade shows relevant to DoD and DHS markets.
• Work with the Marketing Manager to plan and monitor Company Marketing Strategy.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering, architecture, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of Federal A/E/C experience and 5 years of experience in business development for Federal clients, preferably DoD and/or DHS
• Strong knowledge of federal acquisition processes and contract vehicles
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Adobe InDesign is a plus
• Ability to travel as needed for client engagement and industry events
• BS degree in a specific discipline of engineering, architecture, construction management, or related field
• Professional Engineer or licensed Architect preferred
• NAVFAC and/or other DoD or DHS facilities design and construction experience a plus
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to have a strong rapport with clients
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders
  
  

ZAPATA offers a competitive benefits package, including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, disability and life insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, and 401(k) participation.

All employment offers are contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check and drug screen. ZAPATA participates in E-Verify.

AA Disabled/Veterans

VEVRAA Federal contractor. ZAPATA desires priority referrals.

Drug-Free Workplace