Senior Growth Lead - Coast Guard

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China—from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.

Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego, and staying power doesn’t mean standing still.

About the role

We're looking for a Strategic Growth Leader to pursue go-to market strategies and deliver major growth outcomes at Vannevar. This position is aligned to one of our greenfield growth initiatives and includes significant scope and responsibilities.

We're looking for someone who brings experience and intuition growing defense product deployments from small-scale pilots into larger projects with the US Coast Guard. Growth strategists know how to launch foothold pilots, convert pilots into larger projects, and embed those projects within existing programs or invent new ones within the national security space.

We're looking for someone who has firsthand experience fielding new technology and is committed to getting better tools into the hands of American servicemen and women. They can creatively problem solve around roadblocks to do so, and catalyze organizational change, if necessary. They are curious, visionary, and determined.

We believe that a necessary foundation for the ability to sell and build programs is domain expertise in national security technology, a sense of urgency, and relentless ground game. If you are successful, you will ultimately lead a business line for Vannevar that delivers on major growth outcomes within 12-18 months of joining the company.

U.S. Persons status with at least a current Top Secret US DoD or IC clearance is required.

What you’ll do

• Set strategy with mission team leadership. Create a go-to market strategy that will create new footholds to embed in current defense programs and develop into new category-defining programs.

• Deliver growth outcomes. Execute on this strategy to deliver growth from concept through contract close.

• Lead mission teams. You will build a team around the footholds you develop in your first year.

What we’re looking for

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7+ years of experience working with U.S. government leaders across defense, homeland security, or national security missions, including experience in acquisition, program management, intelligence, or operational policy

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Direct experience working with the U.S. Coast Guard, ideally in or alongside:

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Coast Guard Headquarters organizations such as CG-2 (Intelligence), CG-3 (Operations), or CG-7 (Mission Support)

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Innovation or rapid capability organizations (e.g., DIU, Raptor, RDC, or equivalent CG innovation teams)

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A strong understanding of major Coast Guard mission initiatives, with the ability to tailor technology narratives to priorities such as maritime domain awareness, maritime domain dominance, coastal security, and operational intelligence

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Demonstrated ability to start net-new business within a federal organization — identifying entry points, shaping early pilots, and guiding them toward sustained, funded programs

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Experience (or strong intuition) translating existing products into new mission contexts — taking a proven capability and tailoring it to fit Coast Guard operational needs, constraints, and procurement realities

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The ability to connect credibly with operational end users, speak the Coast Guard’s language, and build trust with stakeholders ranging from field operators to senior leadership at CG HQ

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A well-established network across the Coast Guard ecosystem, including relationships within HQ, districts, acquisitions, intelligence, and innovation communities

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Experience launching and scaling pilots with federal customers, including shaping scope, defining success criteria, and converting successful pilots into paid engagements

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Experience or demonstrated judgment in building a holistic, greenfield growth strategy for a new federal vertical

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Mission-domain experience in national security technology, especially where software or data platforms support operational decision-making

What we offer

Competitive Salary

The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $230,000 + equity. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.

Comprehensive Benefits

We’re proud to offer competitive benefits that support our employees. Some key highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Remote friendly with WeWork access

• Unlimited PTO, shared downtime during the federal holiday calendar, and company-wide off time at the end of each year

• 401(k) match

• Lifestyle & wellbeing stipends

• Salary top-up during military reserve duty

• Fully paid parental leave

• Child and pet care reimbursement during travel

Vannevar is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!

IMPORTANT NOTICE
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all applicants. Official emails from the company will come from an @vannevarlabs.com domain. Under no circumstances will a legitimate representative from our company contact you to request passwords, financial information, or other sensitive personal data. Please be vigilant of potential scams.