Director, Government Relations

Job Description

What’s a career like at BAE Systems? Remarkable.

At BAE Systems, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important. We are currently looking for a Director, Government Relations to join the team. The individual will serve as an integrated team member of the Government Relations function for the development and execution of strategies. The Director, Government Relations will work closely with Government Relations counterparts, sector business leaders, program managers, and business development teams to help devise and implement strategies to meet company goals and objectives, support strategic planning, and proposal and pursuit strategies.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Ensure coordination between headquarters and business sectors, consistent with company and business goals.
• Generate and sustain enduring relationships with key Congressional committee staff, Members of Congress (especially relevant program/account monitors), and relevant personal office staff.
• Meet regularly with sector leadership to collaborate on priorities and provide advice/recommendations on how the Government Relations function can assist with their priorities/objectives.
• Help devise and implement space and intelligence government relations strategies consistent with BAE Systems’ overall strategic business plan, including advocacy documents, letters, and white papers to advance sector initiatives.
• Offer strategic input to the Integrated Business Planning Process (IBPP) relative to business development strategy, programs, and budget.
• Understand the priorities of executive branch customers as they apply to Congressional and committee areas of interest and communicate those issues within relevant business areas.
• Attend/facilitate congressional engagements, including briefings, visits to company facilities, and events.
• Develop an environment that encourages open communication and collaboration among sector leadership and the Government Relations function.
• Provide the Vice President of Legislative Affairs and sector leadership with timely legislative updates.
• Coordinate strategies and activities with primes’ and partners’ outreach activities.
• Demonstrate an ability to anticipate, understand, react, shape, and influence Congressional actions that impact the company’s interests.
• Collaborate with and provide updates to the Executive Branch team within Government Relations, attending functions or events where necessary.
• Prepare senior leadership for meetings with Members of Congress and key Committee staff.
• Represent BAE Systems at local and out-of-state political fundraisers, industry, and trade association events.
• Develop, manage, and execute BAE Systems USA Political Action Committee (BAE PAC) objectives in coordination with an integrated government relations team.
• Participate in local and out-of-state BAE PAC fundraising efforts and provide advice on BAE PAC support.
• Manage and work in partnership with advisory consultants as required.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of experience.
• Thorough understanding of the defense and intelligence authorization and appropriations budget process.
• Strong background and experience working with the defense and intelligence community.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with strong collaboration abilities.
• Ability to understand highly technical aerospace products and services under contract with the Executive Branch.
• Ability to distill Congressional language and products for sector consumption.
• Ability to obtain Executive Branch budgets and glean insights for programs of interest.
• Proficiency in legislative tools, including online databases, news services, directories, and hearing transcription services.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills at all organizational levels.
• Ability to navigate conflict in high-stakes engagements with customers, stakeholders, and policymakers.
• Travel and local commute between BAE Systems Falls Church campus and other major campuses across the U.S. will be required.
• Availability for early morning and evening hours for work-related functions.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Security clearance preferred.
• Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field desirable.
• 10 years’ experience in legislative affairs at the federal level preferred.
• Experience working on Capitol Hill for a defense authorizing, appropriating, or intelligence-related committee preferred.
• Existing relationships with relevant Congressional oversight staff, personal office staff, and Aerospace industry government relations staff are highly desirable.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $154,815 – $263,185

This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors, including business considerations, local market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits

At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings accounts
• 401(k) savings plan
• Disability coverage
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Legal plan and discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and additional leave programs
• Parental leave, military leave, and bereavement leave
• Company recognition program
• Other incentives based on position level and job specifics

About BAE Systems, Inc.

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace, and security company that delivers a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions, and customer support services.

Improving the future and protecting lives is our mission at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts—defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At BAE Systems, we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where employees are valued and feel like they belong. We recognize the need for all employees to see themselves reflected at every level of the company. To unlock the full potential of our workforce, everyone must feel confident being their most authentic selves and be equipped to thrive.

We provide impactful professional development experiences and invest in social impact partnerships to uplift communities and drive purposeful change. Here, you will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment designed to be one where you will learn, grow, and belong.

Learn more here