Director of Business Development - Government Contracts

The Director of Business Development plays a critical role in expanding GHGSat’s presence within federal, provincial, state, and international government markets. This role will drive the identification, pursuit, and acquisition of strategic contracts that align with GHGSat’s mission of providing high-resolution greenhouse gas monitoring from space. A key focus will be on leading compelling and compliant proposals for government funding programs, research initiatives, and service contracts, while building long-term relationships with public sector stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute GHGSat’s government contracting strategy to support revenue growth and funding diversification. 

• Identify, qualify, and prioritize opportunities with space agencies, environmental regulators, defense organizations, and climate-focused government initiatives. 

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with contracting officers, policy leaders, and industry partners within the climate, space, and defense ecosystems. 

• Anticipate government funding trends and ensure GHGSat is positioned as a preferred partner for climate monitoring solutions. 

Proposal Development & Leadership 

• Lead the full lifecycle of government proposals (RFI, RFP, RFQ, grants, and tenders), from capture planning through submission. 

• Write and edit proposals that clearly communicate GHGSat’s technical capabilities, scientific expertise, and value proposition. 

• Ensure compliance with government procurement frameworks (e.g., Canadian Space Agency, ESA, NASA, US DoD/DOE, Environment and Climate Change Canada). 

• Coordinate cross-functional contributions from technical, product, finance, and legal teams to deliver winning proposals. 

• Manage timelines, compliance checklists, and evaluation criteria to produce competitive submissions. 

Strategic Partnerships & Negotiation 

• Structure and negotiate teaming agreements, partnerships, and subcontractor relationships to strengthen GHGSat’s government bids. 

• Act as a liaison with government program managers and contracting officials throughout the bid, negotiation, and award phases. 

• Support contract management and compliance post-award in collaboration with legal and finance. 

Market Intelligence & Reporting 

• Monitor government procurement priorities in climate change, space observation, defense, and environmental sustainability. 

• Provide regular pipeline, win-loss analysis, and capture strategy updates to GHGSat’s leadership team. 

• Advise senior leadership on bid/no-bid decisions, highlighting risks and opportunities. 

Key Attributes 

• Mission-driven and passionate about climate action and space technology. 

• Exceptional persuasive writing ability with a focus on clarity, compliance, and impact. 

• Strategic relationship-builder with government stakeholders and partners. 

• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working under tight proposal deadlines. 

• Resilient, adaptable, and energized by competing in high-stakes contracting environments. 

Core Competencies / Skills 

• Government Procurement Expertise: Knowledge of Canadian, US, European, and international public procurement systems and compliance requirements. 

• Proposal Writing & Management: Skilled at crafting competitive proposals that translate complex science/technology into accessible narratives. 

• Capture Management: Ability to position GHGSat ahead of solicitations and develop winning strategies. 

• Contract Negotiation: Experience negotiating government contracts, funding agreements, and teaming arrangements. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to align technical, financial, and legal inputs for integrated proposal submissions. 

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple proposals simultaneously with precision and urgency. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Political Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field (Master’s preferred). 

• 8–10+ years of experience in business development, proposal management, or government contracting, preferably in aerospace, defense, or cleantech sectors. 

• Proven record of leading winning proposals for multi-million-dollar government contracts or grants. 

• Familiarity with procurement systems such as MERX, Buyandsell.gc.ca, SAM.gov, NASA NSPIRES, ESA EMITS. 

• APMP certification or equivalent an asset. 

• Competitive salary & bonus + stock options for all full-time employees  

• Full comprehensive benefits

• Statutory leave + paid time off

• Flexible work environment 
  

GHGSat offers a creative and highly-motivating work environment. We offer competitive salaries, health and social benefits including flex-time and continuing development. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. GHGSat is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other legally protected status. If you would like to request an accommodation, please notify your Recruiter.