VP, Government Affairs

Operations Tysons, Virginia


Description

Summary

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations. 

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced VP of Government Affairs to join our growing team. Reporting to the SVP of Business Development & Strategy, the VP of Government Affairs will work closely with other colleagues focused on developing and executing strategies to enhance the company’s relationships with government entities, secure government contracts, and influence public policy in favor of the company’s interests.  The senior-level individual sought for this position will be Congressional and Senior Government, as well as customer-facing, helping grow revenue for TO within the US DoD/IC and promote policies favorable to Terran Orbital’s business objectives.  This role requires a deep understanding of Congressional and Executive Branch government processes, excellent networking skills, and a strategic mindset to identify and capitalize on political and programmatic opportunities within the public sector.   

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Develop and implement strategies to engage with Congress, the White House, other government agencies, and officials at local, state, and federal levels to advance the company’s business objectives.
  • Serve as the lead representative for the company on Capitol Hill and in Washington D.C. trade associations.
  • Manage outside lobbyists supporting the company’s government affairs strategy.
  • Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments that impact the company. Advocate for policies that benefit the company and its stakeholders.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with senior-level management.   
  • Work closely with other departments, including Legal, Compliance, Marketing, and Operations, to align government affairs strategies with overall business goals.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key government officials, policymakers, and industry associations.
  • Identify and support the pursuit of business opportunities within the public sector, including government contracts, grants, and partnerships.
  • Promote within the government customer base – current and future capabilities, architectures, applications, and data products that support mission requirements and gaps. 
  • Provide support to the TO Proposal/Capture teams as an advisor.
  • Actively engage within the "defense space community" through presentations, panels, working groups, and participation at applicable conferences to promote TO business objectives.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences, public hearings, and other events to promote the company’s interests and initiatives. 

Qualification And Skills 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. 
  • Minimum of 10+ years of experience in government related roles, with employment as Congressional staff and/or senior U.S. Government staff experience highly valued. Preferred candidates will have substantial professional experience working within the aerospace and/or defense sector.
  • Strong understanding of Congressional legislative processes and Executive Branch budget, programming, and policy processes.  
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and industry stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
  • Experience with legislative proposal writing and government contracting.
  • Ability to travel as needed.

Additional Differentiators   

  • Experience as a registered lobbyist.
  • Experience developing and running a company’s lobbying and advocacy campaigns.
  • Practical understanding of U.S. Executive Branch and Congressional program, budget, authorization, and appropriations processes, particularly as it relates to space and national security.
  • Existing network of contacts on Capitol Hill and within government agencies that work on space.  
  • Understand the solicitation process and selection criteria for US government entities.
  • Proven track record of success on Capitol Hill with authorization and appropriations.   
  • Experience in a fast-paced aerospace environment and DoD/IC. 
  • Outgoing, friendly, trustworthy, hard-working, and highest integrity. 
  • Capable of working independently and in a team environment. 
  • Must possess multi-tasking skills and excellent leadership and organizational abilities. 
  • Impeccable attention to detail and a sense of urgency. 
  • Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Security Clearance 

  • This position requires the candidate to have an active US TS/SCI Security Clearance and the ability to maintain the clearance. 

Benefits

  • Employee Equity Incentive Program
  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(K) Match
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Cross-training and professional development opportunities 

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com. 

Physical Demands 

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require lifting or moving objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds.  

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based but may require travel to meet with government officials, attend industry events, and visit project sites. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners. 

Disclaimers

To comply with US Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. 

 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].