Vice President, Marketing

The posting, as Saildrone wrote it

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.

Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

THE POSITION

Saildrone is seeking a Vice President of Marketing to join our DC Capture team. Reporting directly to the Chief Government Relations Officer, you will play a critical role in realigning our marketing apparatus to Washington, DC, and establishing the strategic architecture needed to transition Saildrone from early-stage growth to defense market maturity. We are looking for a seasoned executive leader who creates clarity from ambiguity, possesses a relentless energy to drive revenue growth, and has a proven track record of successfully dragging high-growth tech firms through the defense pivot into enterprise-level operational maturity.

THE TEAM

The Marketing Team is responsible for shaping Saildrone’s global brand, driving strategic demand generation, and positioning our platform to win major defense and federal contracts. We are focused on delivering sophisticated, scalable marketing solutions that differentiate Saildrone within a high-stakes national security and defense environment. Operating at the intersection of policy and technology, the marketing team serves as a high-discretion partner to Sales, Government Relations, and external agencies to ensure marketing directly accelerates mission success, sales and business growth.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute the Defense Heavyweight Pivot: Develop and own the overarching marketing strategy to transition Saildrone from an early-growth brand to a mature, dominant player within the national security and defense ecosystem.
• Drive BD Alignment: Architect and execute comprehensive campaign plans and marketing strategies that directly align with macro-level Business Development (BD) objectives, moving far beyond day-to-day communications to influence long-cycle federal acquisitions.
• Optimize External Agency Partnerships: Direct and orchestrate relationships with top-tier external public relations, public affairs, and crisis communication firms; selectively leverage outside counsel to maximize impact and ensure high-fidelity deliv

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BENEFITS

At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.