Managing Director of Federal Affairs - Defense & Advanced Technology Practice (BioTech Focus)

About McAllister & Quinn

McAllister & Quinn is a grants consulting and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. We offer our 200+ clients a unique blend of comprehensive grant consulting, strategic advising, and government relations services. Specifically, McAllister & Quinn provides our clients with the knowledge and skills to seek federal and private foundation grant opportunities that strategically fit their organization’s priorities. We support our clients’ efforts in crafting competitive applications; developing or increasing funding streams through the congressional appropriations process; and facilitating public-private and international partnerships that further their mission.

We are committed to securing funds for our clients that are transformational for the companies who are awarded them, the people who work at these companies every day, and the communities that surround them. The social impact of our work drives us daily to succeed in securing funding for our industry clients and is a major component of why we do what we do. We know that our success leads to better outcomes, changed lives, and a more equitable society for generations to come.

Defense and Advanced Technology Practice

The Defense & Advanced Technology Practice helps engineering and technology companies—from startups to Fortune 500s—secure federal R&D funding to develop, commercialize, and scale innovation. We work across Defense, Emerging Technologies, Energy, and Biotechnology, with this role focused on biotechnology funding strategy and execution.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

We’re seeking a Managing Director to lead federal funding strategy and proposal development for biotechnology clients. You’ll manage the full lifecycle—from identifying opportunities to submitting competitive proposals—across agencies such as NIH, ARPA-H, NSF, DOD, FDA, and USDA.

This role combines client leadership, strategic advising, and hands-on proposal management for funding ranging from SBIR Phase I (less than $250K) to large-scale programs (greater than $20M).

Client Management & Strategy

• Serve as the primary advisor on federal funding strategy for biotech clients
• Lead client engagements, including regular agenda setting, updates, presentations, and strategic planning
• Build and manage relationships and deliver high-quality, deadline-driven results

Funding Opportunity Identification & Positioning

• Identify, track, and assess funding opportunities aligned to client goals
• Lead bid/no-bid decisions based on fit, competitiveness, and resourcing
• Develop strategic funding roadmaps across federal and complementary funding sources
• Monitor trends in biotechnology funding, policy, and agency priorities

Proposal Development

• Lead end-to-end proposal development (concept ? submission)
• Define proposal strategy, positioning, and messaging to improve win probability
• Build and manage cross-functional teams (SMEs, writers, reviewers, etc.)
• Develop white papers, concept papers, and briefing materials
• Establish timelines, processes, and quality controls

Strategic Consulting

• Guide clients on partnerships, consortium building, and stakeholder engagement
• Support interactions with federal agencies, program officers, and partners
• Advise on compliance, readiness, and post-award capacity building

Collaboration

• Partner with Vice Presidents and cross-practice teams on client strategy 
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and best practices 
• Mentor junior team members as needed
• Support business development and client growth initiatives 

Required

• Master’s degree in biotechnology, life sciences, bioengineering, or related field
  Public policy/health degrees with biotech experience also considered)
• 6+ years of relevant experience (R&D, federal funding, or proposal development)
• Strong project management and proposal leadership experience
• Excellent communication, client-facing, and analytical skills

Preferred

• Experience with NIH, NSF, DOD, or other federal agencies
• Background in industry R&D, academia, tech transfer, or federal agencies
• Familiarity with federal appropriations and grant processes
• PMP, APMP, or similar certification

Key Success Traits

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented and deadline-driven
• Confident communicator and client advisor
• Highly collaborative with a strong customer service mindset

• Normal work hours are 8:30 am through 5:30 pm Monday through Friday EST (for local staff)
• Location: In-office preferred (Washington, D.C.). 
• Hybrid work schedule - 3 days in the office as determined by supervisor and/or practice
• Competitive 401(k), healthcare, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, dependent care FSA, HSA/FSA, and transit benefits.
• Salary consideration will be commensurate with experience starting at $100,000.00 annual base salary and bonus eligible after one year of continuous service.
• Flexible vacation and leave policy.

At McAllister & Quinn, we’re challenging the status quo. When we connect different perspectives, we open ourselves to new possibilities, inspire innovation, and allow us to achieve the full potential of our people. We’re building an employee experience & engagement that includes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose for everyone in our team.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter and resume file along with your application through our careers page: https://jm-aq.com/careers/. The cover letter should speak to how your education and/or work experiences integrate with the role and why you are the best fit for the position.