Sr. Government Affairs Manager (National Security)

SpaceX
Washington, DC
On-site

Who this role is best for

Candidates with federal policy experience and a passion for national security with telecommunications expertise will find this strategic and coalition-focused role in Washington, DC.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 10+ years of legislative experience in defense and classified appropriations
    — “10+ years of professional experience working on legislative matters in the private sector or a government organization”
  • Individuals with experience in shaping legislative strategies and policy development for defense committees
    — “Shape legislative strategies, tactics, and policy development for the federal government, particularly with defense appropriations committees”
  • Professionals skilled in building relationships with federal officials and intelligence community members
    — “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 significant travel commitment, exceeding 25% of time
    — “Willing to travel more than 25%”
  • Candidates must be U.S. citizens or have specific immigration status to comply with ITAR 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”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with legislative outcomes and coalition-building in national security contexts
    — “Direct experience in achieving definitive legislative outcomes”
  • Demonstrate expertise in policy drafting and testimony preparation for federal audiences
    — “Draft legislative language, attend hearings, draft hearing testimony, and develop policy positions”
  • Showcase ability to analyze and present national security policy developments effectively
    — “Monitor and analyze relevant national security policy and funding developments”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Company

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

What success looks like

  • support SpaceX and Starlink’s business and growth objectives through direct federal lobbying efforts
  • develop, maintain, and build-upon a network of relationships with federal government officials
Typical background
10+ years of professional experience working on legislative matters

Skills & requirements

Required

Federal LobbyingStrategic Coalition BuildingDraft Legislative LanguageMonitor Policy DevelopmentsPrepare Presentations

Preferred

Defense AppropriationsClassified AppropriationsPolicy DevelopmentCoalition Building

Stack & domain

Federal LobbyingTelecommunicationsBroadbandNational SecurityDefense AppropriationsIntelligence AuthorizationNetworkingPolicy DevelopmentLegislative LanguageHearing TestimonyPolicy PositionsMonitoringAnalysisPresentationResearchCollateral MaterialsCommunicationProblem-solvingTeamworkLeadershipStrategic ThinkingCoalition BuildingGovernment AffairsDefenseIntelligencePolicy

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.

SR. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER (NATIONAL SECURITY)

As a member of the SpaceX Government Affairs team, you will support SpaceX and Starlink’s business and growth objectives through direct federal lobbying efforts and strategic coalition building on a range of issues, including telecommunications, broadband, and national security.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support Government Affairs by serving as a front-line advocate for SpaceX on key policy areas, including national security and defense and Intelligence Community matters, artificial intelligence, satellite communications, and other national security capabilities

Shape legislative strategies, tactics, and policy development for the federal government, particularly with defense appropriations committees and intelligence authorization committees

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

Oversee and manage consultants and third-parties engaged in SpaceX government affairs matters

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

Monitor and analyze relevant national security policy and funding developments

Prepare presentations for key audiences for SpaceX 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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Direct experience with federal appropriations, especially defense and classified appropriations

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

Outstanding written and verbal communications skills

Direct experience in achieving definitive legislative outcomes

Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems

Demonstrated ability to forge coalitions and partnerships

Passion for SpaceX's mission and goals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to travel more than 25%

Willing to attend political and industry events on behalf of SpaceX

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 3: $155,000.00 - $220,000.00

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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