Director, Government Affairs

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Are you ready to shape the future of defense policy and strategy on Capitol Hill? We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as our Director of Government Affairs, driving key legislative initiatives and fostering strong relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committees, and industry stakeholders. This critical role serves as the bridge between our global defense business and the ever-evolving political landscape, ensuring our interests are represented at the highest levels of government.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. (KDA Inc.), a global defense leader, is seeking a Director Government Affairs to join our team in Alexandria, VA. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining close working relationships with Members of Congress, staff, congressional committees, and industry on behalf of a global defense business. This position is responsible for developing and executing congressional strategies, working with business leaders in both the US and Norway and supporting the company’s growth. This position reports to the Vice President Corporate Affairs.

Responsibilities:

* Build strong, effective, credible, and trusted relationships with key Congressional Members and staff, industry coalitions, and allied organizations
* Uphold a reputation as a trusted, credible source of information among congressional members, staff and other key stakeholders
* Demonstrate an ability to anticipate, understand, react, shape, and influence Congressional actions that impact the company’s interests
* Draft position papers, legislative summaries, and correspondence
* Work collaboratively with global business leaders to develop and execute a congressional plan that supports and achieves priority business goals and strategic objectives
* Provide in-depth legislative and budget analysis to leadership team and key stakeholders
* Monitor annual appropriations and authorization legislation, attend hearings, and participate in activities that impact programs and policies
* Attend/facilitate congressional engagements, including briefings, visits to company facilities and events
* Participate as requested in regular business meetings, strategy reviews and business development planning
* Interface with executives in both the US and Norway regularly; develop and maintain excellent internal partnerships and provide proactive legislative insight and support
* Prepare senior leadership for meetings with Members of Congress and key staff
* Manage and lead advisory consultants
* Represent KDA Inc. at political fundraisers, industry and trade association events

Qualifications:

* Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a related field and 8+ years of relevant experience, of which the majority should directly involve Capitol Hill/legislative experience. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree requirements
* Understanding of legislative procedures, especially the federal budget and appropriations processes
* Ability to establish and maintain relationships with elected officials and industry partners
* Strong social and interpersonal skills with the ability to establish relationships with elected officials, trade associations and think tanks, and industry partners
* Strong written and oral communication, research, and leadership skills
* Highly proactive, entrepreneurial, and able to develop successful solutions
* Ability to work collaboratively, and engage comfortably with senior executives, highly skilled in the use of persuasion and influence
* Organized, self-motivated, and accountable; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
* Ability to work collaboratively at all levels, and to engage comfortably with senior executives

U.S. Person Requirement:

“To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.”
OR
“Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.”
“A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

About Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R\&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations.

In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type:

Full-time

Benefits:

* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Flexible schedule
* Flexible spending account
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Sick time off
* Tuition reimbursement
* Vision insurance

Schedule:

* Day shift
* 9/80 Schedule

Training:

* 6 months (+)

Learn more here