Senior Director Government Relations

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Knowing what Thales does today means asking where technology is taking us tomorrow. We are creating the waves of digital transformation that will carry our customers into the future. Where these transformations intersect and interfere is where the most interesting and innovative tomorrows are being built. Thales operates at the intersection of these technologies to find every tomorrow.

Senior Director Government Relations

Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid)
Regulatory Compliance Requirements: Must be a US Person as defined in applicable law

Position Summary

Thales is currently looking for a Senior Director Government Relations lead for Thales USA (TUSA), who will be the interface between Thales Government Relations and Thales Group International Development. This role includes coordination and oversight of TUSA businesses’ engagements across all branches of US federal and state-level governments, oversight of the TUSA Political Action Committee (PAC), and management of TUSA interactions with think tanks, industry trade groups, embassies, and policy research organizations.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Build strong relations with TUSA Business Managers to identify and prioritize senior-level US Government engagement needs

Develop effective GR strategies to achieve business advocacy and development goals

Forge and maintain relationships with political and policy leaders in relevant US Administration Agencies

Lead TUSA business engagements with US Congressional Members, staffs, and committees

Advise Thales Senior Management on political and public policy

Supervise TUSA lobbyists at the federal and state levels

Administer the TUSA Political Action Committee, including giving strategy, membership growth, and FEC compliance

Develop, obtain approval for, and manage annual TUSA GR budgets

Represent Thales Group and manage TUSA support for, and ensure value from, relevant industry trade groups

Administer TUSA outreach and support for US think tanks and policy research organizations

Maintain strong working relationships with key Washington DC embassies of US allies and Thales’ major countries

Ensure timely analysis and communication to relevant Thales stakeholders of evolving US policies

Work closely with NORAM and Business Line leadership to integrate policy initiatives into major sales campaigns

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Engineering, Business, or Economics, or a related field, with at least 15 years of experience in government legislative/policy, aerospace & defense, or high technology industry; or 20 years of equivalent combination of education and experience

Prior experience working within an international, complex, and matrixed environment

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders

Strong presentation skills to internal and external stakeholders

At least 10 years of experience developing successful government engagement strategies

Experience in developing and executing government program capture plans

Strong organizational skills for managing direct and indirect teams across operating units

If you’re excited about working with Thales but don’t meet all the requirements, we encourage you to join our Talent Community.

Special Position Requirements

Travel: Up to 25% annually, both domestic and international.

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal, state, and local laws.

Thales champions inclusion and believes diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

If you need accommodation or assistance to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at
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Compensation Information

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and variable compensation target, is between:

(This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range also depends on factors such as career path, competencies, performance, salary budget, program requirements, and internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to protected status.)

(Internal candidates may reach out to HR Shared Service, 1st Point, for more info.)

Benefits

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30+ hours per week and their eligible dependents, including:

Elective: Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan: After 30 days of employment, includes a company contribution and a match, with no vesting period

Paid Time Off and Company-paid Holidays

Company-provided: Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program