Government Affairs Director, X

SpaceX
Washington, DC
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward mid-level professionals comfortable with federal lobbying and coalition building, who have a background in legislative and policy work within the tech or communications industry and are based in Washington, DC.

Best fit for

  • Mid-level professionals with 10+ years in legislative matters and team leadership experience in the tech or communications sector
    — “10+ years of professional experience working on legislative matters in the private sector or a government organization
  • Candidates with a history of influencing policy at the federal level, especially in broadband and AI
    — “Shape X legislative strategies, tactics, and policy development for the federal government
  • Individuals with proven ability to build coalitions and manage external relationships
    — “Develop, maintain, and build-upon a network of relationships with federal government officials, lawmakers, and regulatory decision-makers

Things to consider

  • This role requires a U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident
  • Flexibility in work hours and willingness to work weekends is necessary for critical project timelines
    — “Flexibility required, including long hours and weekend work when necessary

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in drafting legislative language and shaping policy outcomes in your resume and interviews
    — “Draft legislative language, attend hearings, draft hearing testimony
  • Demonstrate your ability to manage third-party consultants and lead teams effectively
    — “Oversee and manage consultants and third-parties engaged in X Government Affairs matters
  • Emphasize your track record in monitoring and analyzing domestic policy developments
    — “Monitor and analyze domestic policy developments
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · CompanyLevel · Senior

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • successful legislative outcomes
  • network of federal government relationships
  • strategic policy development
Typical background
10+ years of professional experience in government affairs4+ years of direct people leadership experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Government AffairsLobbyingPolicy DevelopmentStrategic Coalition BuildingFederal LobbyingPolicy AnalysisLegislative StrategyTeam Management

Preferred

Advanced Degree In Science, Policy, Political Science, International Affairs

Stack & domain

LeadershipCommunicationGovernmentPolicyLobbying

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

We are seeking a Director of the X Government Affairs team to support X’s business and growth objectives through direct federal lobbying efforts and strategic coalition building on a range of issues including real-time news, social media and artificial intelligence. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own the support of the X Government Affairs team by serving as a front-line advocate for X on key policy areas, including broadband, artificial intelligence, and other related issues

Shape X legislative strategies, tactics, and policy development for the federal government

Develop, maintain, and build-upon a network of relationships with federal government officials, lawmakers, and regulatory decision-makers, as appropriate

Oversee and manage consultants and third-parties engaged in X Government Affairs matters

Draft legislative language, attend hearings, draft hearing testimony, and develop policy positions

Monitor and analyze domestic policy developments

Prepare presentations, deliverables and key metrics for X leadership

Perform research as needed, develop policy and collateral materials

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree

10+ years of professional experience working on legislative matters in the private sector or a government organization

4+ years of direct people leadership experience managing government affairs teams/ personnel

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Advanced degree (MA, JD, PhD) in science, policy, or political science, international affairs, or another relevant field

Outstanding written and verbal communications skills

Experience working on policy issues at federal regulatory agencies or legislative committees/bodies

Direct experience in achieving definitive legislative outcomes

Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems

Demonstrated ability to forge coalitions and partnerships

Passion for X's mission and goals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to travel, <25%

Must be willing to attend political and industry events on behalf of X

Flexibility required, including long hours and weekend work when necessary to support operations and critical project timelines

This position is based in Washington, DC and requires being onsite – remote work not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 3: $190,000.00 - $270,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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