Senior Vice President, International Sales (International Defense Market)
About Us:
BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.
We are seeking sales executive to define and execute the international growth strategy and position BlackSky as the premier provider of geospatial and ISR solutions to global defense and government customers. You will be responsible for leading BlackSky’s global sales and business development strategy to achieve sustained international growth and go-to-market leadership in defense and intelligence sector.
This position requires an accomplished executive with deep experience managing long, complex sales cycles and a proven track record of closing high-value contracts with international government organizations. Reporting directly to the Head of the Imagery and Analytics business you will oversee the full international sales organization and ensure alignment between customer engagement, product strategy and corporate growth objectives for the imagery and analytics line of business. We are open to candidates located in certain US states, the United Kingdom, and Dubai. Please note the benefits will vary by location.
Responsibilities:
- Define and execute a unified global sales strategy to achieve or exceed revenue and profitability targets across international defense and intelligence markets.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing international sales and business development organization that delivers measurable, sustained growth.
- Oversee pursuit and capture of complex, multi-stakeholder opportunities across defense and intelligence customers.
- Demonstrate a consistent record of closing major international contracts ($10M+) through disciplined, long-cycle capture management.
- Partner cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, and Program Management teams to align evolving customer requirements with BlackSky’s capabilities.
- Drive penetration strategies in priority markets and cultivate executive-level relationships with defense and intelligence organizations, commercial partners, and system integrators.
- Establish accurate forecasting and reporting mechanisms that provide data-driven insights into international pipeline performance.
- Implement standardized global sales processes, metrics, and accountability frameworks to ensure consistency and operational excellence.
- Represent BlackSky at key global industry events, strengthening the company’s visibility and thought leadership in the defense, ISR and geospatial sectors.
- Monitor competitive activity, market dynamics, and emerging technologies to guide strategic planning and positioning.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related technical field.
- At least 15 years of progressive experience in international sales, business development, or capture management, including at least five years in a senior executive leadership role.
- Demonstrated success leading and scaling global sales organizations in the defense, ISR or geospatial sectors.
- Proven ability to manage long, complex sales cycles and close large, high-value international contracts with government customers.
- Deep understanding of international procurement, contracting, and defense procurement processes, including Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and direct commercial sales (DCS).
- Strong executive presence with outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Financial acumen with the ability to forecast, budget, and analyze global sales performance.
- Exceptional leadership, organizational, and cross-cultural management skills.
- Established network across the international government market, specifically defense and intelligence organizations focused on ISR and geospatial missions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience integrating and managing enterprise-level CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Zendesk) to improve pipeline visibility and forecasting accuracy.
- In-depth familiarity with international trade compliance, export controls, ITAR/EAR, and FMS procurement.
- Proven ability to operate effectively across diverse geopolitical and cultural environments.
Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible (US-based) employees includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance
- BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
- 15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more
- 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
- Employer matching donations
- Professional development
- Mac or PC? Your choice!
- Awesome swag
Full-time, international employees are eligible for benefits as well within their region.
The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $200,000-250,000 per year with eligibility for variable pay as well. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Seattle, WA.
BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. #LI-Remote
EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf
