Vice President, Defense & Gov Services - Investment Banking

Stout is seeking a Vice President to join its Investment Banking team, with a focus on the Defense & Government Services sector. The team advises founder-owned and privately held businesses, private equity firms, and corporate clients across the government contracting market, including companies serving Federal civilian, defense, national security, and intelligence customers.

Our Defense & Government Services team brings extensive transaction experience and relationships across the sector, with particular expertise in areas such as IT services, cybersecurity, defense technology, AI and data analytics, systems engineering and technical services, consulting, and mission support.

As a Vice President, you will have significant responsibility for executing M&A transactions, developing potential and existing client relationships to support origination efforts, and contributing to the continued growth of the Defense & Government Services practice. You will work directly with senior bankers, business owners, executives, private equity investors, and strategic acquirers to shape transaction strategy, lead deal execution, and advise clients throughout the transaction lifecycle.

You will also play an important leadership role within the team by developing junior professionals, strengthening relationships across the government contracting and investor communities, and taking greater ownership of business development and origination.

• Lead the execution of M&A and other investment banking engagements involving Defense & Government Services companies, with responsibility for transaction strategy, process management, client communication, and execution.
• Partner with senior bankers to develop and execute business development initiatives, including client coverage, prospecting, relationship development, idea generation, and transaction origination.
• Build and maintain relationships with founders, business owners, senior executives, private equity firms, strategic buyers, and other participants across the government contracting market.
• Advise clients on transaction positioning, valuation, process strategy, buyer and investor considerations, negotiations, and other factors that may affect transaction outcomes.
• Develop a strong understanding of clients’ contract portfolios, customer concentrations, end markets, capabilities, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities and incorporate those considerations into transaction strategy and positioning.
• Anticipate transaction issues, assess risks and alternatives, and provide recommendations that keep processes moving and support client objectives.
• Direct financial analyses, valuation work, client presentations, confidential information memoranda, management presentations, buyer materials, and other transaction deliverables, with accountability for the quality and substance of the team's work.
• Coordinate internal and external deal teams, including clients, attorneys, accountants, financing sources, consultants, and other advisors.
• Maintain informed perspectives on federal spending and procurement priorities, sector consolidation, acquisition activity, valuation trends, buyer appetite, and other developments affecting Defense & Government Services companies and investors.
• Develop perspectives on relevant subsectors, including IT services, cybersecurity, defense technology, AI and data analytics, systems engineering and technical services, consulting, and mission support.
• Manage and develop Associates, Analysts, and Interns through clear direction, active coaching, constructive feedback, and oversight of engagement responsibilities.
• Collaborate with professionals across Stout's industry and advisory capabilities to bring relevant expertise to client engagements.
• Use AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies appropriately to improve research, analysis, and workflow efficiency while maintaining standards for accuracy, confidentiality, and professional judgment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related field; MBA or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience, including significant investment banking, M&A advisory, or comparable transaction experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading M&A transactions through the full deal lifecycle, with a strong understanding of sell-side execution.
• Experience advising Government Services, aerospace and defense, technology-enabled services, or other businesses with…