Manager, Government Relations

Position Summary

The Manager, Government Relations serves as a registered lobbyist and advisor supporting the company's engagement with the U.S. Congress, executive branch agencies, and relevant state/local governments. This role advances the company's legislative and regulatory priorities through education and advocacy with government stakeholders while ensuring full compliance with all federal and state lobbying disclosure and ethics laws. The position works closely with Business Development, Program Management, Legal, Compliance, and Communications to align government engagement with corporate strategy.

• Reports to: SVP, Government Relations
• Location: Arlington, VA (position is hybrid, in office on Tues/Wed/Thurs)
• Travel: 25–40% (Capitol Hill, agency offices, state capitals, industry events)

Key Responsibilities

Legislative & Regulatory Advocacy

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance company positions on defense authorization/appropriations bills (NDAA, defense appropriations) and relevant regulatory matters.
• Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committee staff (e.g., House/Senate Armed Services, Appropriations), and executive branch officials (DoW, service branches, DHS, State Department, etc.).
• Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative and regulatory developments affecting company programs, contracts, and the broader defense/industrial base.
• Draft authorization and appropriations requests, position papers, one-pagers, leave-behinds, and talking points for executives and lobbying activities.
• Support congressional site visits, facility tours, and engagement events for elected officials and staff.

Lobbying Compliance & Registration

• Register and file as a lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA); maintain accurate, and timely LD-203 semi-annual federal filings.
• Track and comply with applicable state lobbying registration and reporting requirements in jurisdictions where the company engages.
• Monitor gift, meal, and travel rules (House/Senate ethics rules, executive branch ethics regulations) for all company personnel engaging with government officials.
• Maintain recordkeeping systems for lobbying contacts, expenditures, and disclosures; support internal and external audits.

PAC & Political Engagement (if applicable)

• Support administration of the company/employee political action committee (PAC), including compliance with FEC regulations, solicitation rules, and contribution tracking.
• Coordinate approved political engagement activities (fundraisers, campaign events) consistent with company policy and legal guidance.

Coalition Building & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the company in industry associations (e.g., NDIA, AIA, state defense/industry coalitions) and coalition advocacy efforts.
• Coordinate with trade associations and coalition partners on shared legislative priorities.
• Represent the company at policy Think Tank events and activities (e.g., CSIS).

Internal Coordination & Reporting

• Brief Business Development and Program teams on legislative/regulatory risks and opportunities.
• Prepare regular government relations activity reports, budget trackers, and ROI/impact summaries for leadership.
• Coordinate messaging with Corporate Communications to ensure consistency across public policy, media, and government-facing communications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Affairs, Communications, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 2-4 years of experience in Congress, lobbying, legislative affairs, or a related role — ideally within the defense, aerospace, or federal contracting sector.
• Working knowledge of the federal legislative and appropriations/authorization process (NDAA cycle, defense appropriations).
• Demonstrated understanding of the Lobbying Disclosure Act, congressional ethics rules, and federal/state disclosure requirements.
• Established relationships with congressional offices, committee staff, and/or relevant executive branch agencies preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting policy documents, authorization/appropriations requests, and briefing materials.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, or with a trade association/lobbying firm.
• Existing LDA registration/reporting experience.
• Familiarity with defense acquisition processes (FAR/DFARS) and the broader national security policy landscape.
• Experience supporting a corporate PAC

Core Competencies

• Political acumen — ability to understand legislative dynamics and build and maintain bipartisan relationships.
• Compliance discipline — meticulous with filings, disclosures, and ethics rules.
• Strategic communication — able to translate technical/programmatic content into policy-relevant messaging.
• Cross-functional collaboration — works fluidly with Legal, Compliance, BD, Programs, and Communications.
• Discretion and judgment — handles sensitive, high-visibility engagements professionally.

Working Conditions

• On-site presence in Washington, D.C. metro area required.
• Frequent travel to Capitol Hill, agency offices, and occasional state/local travel.
• May require attendance at evening/weekend events (receptions, PAC related events, conferences).

Compliance Note

This role requires ongoing compliance training on the Lobbying Disclosure Act, gift/ethics rules, FCPA (if applicable), and company code of conduct. All lobbying activities must be pre-cleared and logged per corporate policy.