# Director of Business Development - California at Rainmaker

- Company: Rainmaker
- What the company does: Backed by Antler.
- Company website: https://www.rainmaker.co.id/
- Type: Startups (AI role)
- Level: Principal and up
- Location: El Segundo, CA
- Work setup: On-site
- Posted: 2026-09-24
- Apply by: 2026-11-08
- Apply: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/rainmaker/2513092e-1bdd-4f12-a314-343117f3fbd3
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/rainmaker-director-of-business-development-california/

## About the role

Drive New Business: Own a revenue target tied to state-funded programs in California. Build and manage a pipeline of opportunities including appropriations, grants, agency contracts, and pilot programs, and drive pursuits from identification through award.

## What they're looking for

- 5+ years of experience in business development, government relations, capture management, or public policy involving California state government — ideally in water, natural resources, agriculture, infrastructure, or environmental sectors
- Proven track record of winning state funding, contracts, or appropriations — or of shaping legislative and budgetary outcomes that translated into funded programs
- Strong understanding of how state budget cycles, grant programs, and procurement processes work, and how policy frameworks intersect with water supply, environmental protection, and agricultural needs
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with elected officials, agency staff, and external partners, and to navigate long, multi-stakeholder sales cycles
- Self-starter comfortable owning a pipeline and a number while working collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degrees in political science, business, economics, law, or related fields welcomed but not mandatory

Tags: Business Development