Chief Growth Officer

REPORTS TO:  Austal USA, LLC (AUSA) President

SUPERVISES:  Washington Operations and Government Relations Team

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Chief Growth Officer is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing government and stakeholder relations, customer engagement and advocacy, and business development. This role leads integrated efforts in marketing, media affairs, external communications, and event management to advance the company’s mission, reputation, and competitive standing within the defense shipbuilding sector.  Additionally, the VP oversees enterprise-level intelligence and reporting to ensure informed decision-making and alignment with corporate objectives, while fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders across the Department of Defense, industry partners, and the broader defense ecosystem.

• Government & Stakeholder Relations
  • Build and maintain relationships and grow with DoD, Navy, Coast Guard, and Congressional stakeholders
  • Act as AUSA’s primary liaison in Washington D.C. for appropriations, budget priorities, and acquisition strategies
  • Track and influence legislative and regulatory developments affecting shipbuilding and defense
  • Ensure that appropriate strategic alliances are formed with other organizations to the advantage of AUSA in support of business objectives
  • Build strategic relationships with key contacts within customer and government organizations to understand opportunities for new or expanded sales and gain support for strategic business interests 
• Customer Engagement & Advocacy
  • Represent AUSA in discussions with customer leadership to include but not be limited to:  NAVSEA, PEO Ships, PEO Submarines, PEO Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), MIB, US Coast Guard, etc.
  • Advocate for AUSA’s programs, ensuring they remain visible and well-supported in budget cycles
  • Provide early intelligence on program shifts, funding priorities, and upcoming requirements
• Strategic Positioning & Business Development
  • Serve as an extension of AUSA leadership in Washington, D.C.
  • Collaborate with AUSA leadership on capture strategy for new programs and modernization initiatives
  • Identify partnership opportunities and synergies with Austal affiliates and with other primes, suppliers, and technology partners in D.C. 
  • Actively shape the submarine and surface ship module market through direct engagement with the Navy, Congress, and the administration. Position Austal as the leading modules manufacturer for the Navy. In coordination with Austal Program VPs, win module manufacturing work.
  • In conjunction with the Chief Strategy Officer and other stakeholders as appropriate, develop a business strategy for growth in defense and commercial markets, with priority being defense for both new construction and post-delivery support. Collaborate to identify markets and opportunities that best fit business goals, both short term, mid term and long term.
  • Provide in-depth knowledge of defense industry needs and proactively develop market opportunities for AUSA products with all levels of government.
  • Lead gate review process for identified markets and developing alliances that are aligned with the business strategy. Ensures effective collaboration and communication with other functions having responsibilities in this area.
  • Lead bid and proposal efforts utilizing multiple cross-functional resources through collaboration.
  • Develop robust models of potential opportunities for new business in targeted markets.
  • Facilitate process to develop, maintain, and execute the business strategy through an annual business plan. Develop fact-based marketing plans, forecasts and budgets necessary to achieve plan and manage execution of said plans.
  • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize organic and inorganic growth opportunities including partnerships, acquisitions, and new business models.
• Intelligence & Reporting
  • Deliver regular reports to leadership on political, funding, and customer landscape
  • Flag risks/opportunities early (budget cuts, shifts in force structure, new RFPs
  • Provide strategic recommendations to align AUSA’s bids with emerging defense priorities and/or declining defense priorities
  • Manage and lead market assessments to ensure timely understanding and communication of the targeted defense and commercial markets and opportunities, including government needs, technology and program roadmaps, priorities, budgets, industry players, and Austal USA’s competitive position.
• Communication and Representation
  • Augment AUSA’s President presence and voice in industry associations, trade shows, and national industry meetings (e.g., Shipbuilders Council of America, NDIA, AIA). 
  • Shape AUSA’s reputation with policymakers—trusted, innovative, reliable
  • Support Austal Limited CEO, AUSA President, and AUSA Board of Managers visits to Washington, D.C., ensuring consistent messaging and effective engagements
  • Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, and social media platforms to drive brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation.
  • Manage media relations and external communications, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets.
  • Monitor and analyze marketing performance metrics to evaluate campaign effectiveness and inform strategy adjustments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  • Oversee community affairs and outreach initiatives, building partnerships with local organizations, coordinating events, and promoting positive community engagement.
  • Executive-level oversight of events planning, coordinating, and management, including Christenings and other shipbuilding milestone events, press conferences, community activations, and promotional campaigns to enhance public visibility and stakeholder engagement.
• Other responsibilities
  • Support the Estimating Business System initiative in response to RFP or RFQ requirements to ensure adequate supervision and sound proposals, to protect from duplication and omissions, in accordance with DFARs Cost Estimating System Requirements.
  • Establish and manage budget and goals for department 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Maritime Studies, or a related field required
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategic planning, business development, operations, or executive leadership, preferably in the maritime, defense, or manufacturing industries, with strong demonstrated knowledge of the U.S. Navy customer and major PEOs required.  Former U.S. Navy acquisition officer or Capitol Hill experience with defense appropriations/authorizations experience preferred.
• Preferred candidate will have a knowledge of shipbuilding, naval engineering, or defense contracting
• Prior relevant military experience a plus
• Experience with U.S. federal acquisition programs either on the budget or requirements teams and International experiences in Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) required
• Experience in the proposal process, from managing the initial RFI through final proposal submission required
• Ability to develop, negotiate, interpret and communicate key business interests in multiple forums.
• Advanced knowledge of strategic business development and market research methods
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills with a track record of driving business growth and transformation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively at the executive level and across diverse stakeholders
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels and distill complex concepts for varied audiences. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of government agencies, consultants, media, public, politicians and other interested parties.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change and strategic direction, with demonstrated experience managing large-scale projects
• High level of discretion and integrity in handling sensitive company information.
• Strong knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) requirements, particularly in naval shipbuilding or sustainment
• Ability to navigate both the political and customer side of the DoD business

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

• The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities.

• Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

• 18 years of age or older at time of application
• Able to provide proof of US Person Status
• No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
• No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
• Willing to submit to a drug screen
• Willing to submit to a background check

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold.  The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, + 90 dB.

SAFETY

Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks. 

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.

Austal’s commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.