Ardent is hiring a
Development Associate

Summary

Join Ardent and make a difference with us. We are seeking a Capture Development Associate to join our team. This is a hybrid/on-site position located in Tyson's Corner-Vienna, VA. The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of the Federal IT Full and Open services market, a proven track record and understanding of how to run capture on federal opportunities, and customer engagement and management experience.

Requirements

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in business development, capture management, or a related role within the federal government contracting space with effectiveness in securing significant deals in the unrestricted competition
• Understanding of the federal contracting process and procurement regulations, FAR, DFAR, Shipley Method, etc
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful capture development and capture strategies and understanding of tools used to research federal procurement opportunities
• Experience running capture on federal contracting opportunities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical solutions clearly and persuasively
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess market opportunities and develop strategic plans
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and internal teams
• High level of self-motivation and accountability, enthusiasm, hustle, and competitive spirit
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including federal agency representatives, industry partners, internal and external teams
• Identify and qualify new business opportunities through market analysis, networking, and industry events
• Develop and execute strategic plans to capture new business with a one (1) to three (3) year outlook, including identifying target opportunities, assessing competitive positioning, and developing win strategies
• Lead and manage the capture process for identified opportunities, including the development of capture plans, winning proposal strategies, and value propositions - ensuring capture plans are executed effectively to maximize win probabilities
• Collaborate with technical and subject matter experts to develop compelling solutions and proposals that address customer requirements and differentiate the company from competitors
• Manage the proposal development process, including writing, editing, and reviewing proposal content to ensure compliance with solicitation requirements and alignment with capture strategy
• Build and sustain strong relationships with federal government customers, understanding their missions, challenges, and needs
• Serve as a trusted advisor to customers, providing insights and recommendations on how the company’s geospatial intelligence, digital transformation, and AI/ML capabilities can address their needs
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify potential business opportunities within the federal government sector, focusing on geospatial intelligence, digital transformation, and AI/ML
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer needs to inform business development strategies
• Utilize GovCon opportunity tools such as GovWin, FPDS, and others
• Work closely with internal teams, including technical, project management, and executive leadership, to ensure alignment and support for business development and capture efforts
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous improvement – possessing a team player mentality

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with geospatial intelligence technologies and applications
• Experience with DevSecOps, cloud, and enterprise IT solutions initiatives within federal agencies
• Knowledge of AI/ML technologies and their applications in government settings
• Demonstrated success in winning federal contracts and managing large, complex proposals
• Ability to leverage current customer relationships that you already possess