Executive Director, Government Affairs

About BlueForge Alliance (BFA)

BlueForge Alliance is an agile program integrator positioned to meet the demand to build capacity for the defense industrial base. We are a unifying organization converging technology, manufacturing, economics, and state and federal government to provide a forward-facing, federated umbrella with national visibility.

As a non-profit, neutral convener, BlueForge Alliance aligns strategy with execution to coordinate regional stakeholders, assess and propose high-value efforts, and rapidly establish and deploy U.S. Department of Defense investments. By streamlining competing priorities and viewpoints, we aim to increase manufacturing capacity and technology adoption, boost the number of available suppliers, and diversify investment into the defense industrial base.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Government Affairs will serve as the lead advocate for BlueForge Alliance, developing and executing congressional, state, and local engagement strategies to represent the organization’s interests effectively. This role is pivotal in advancing the organization’s mission, fostering relationships with key legislative and executive stakeholders, and influencing public policy to support organizational goals.

Additionally, the Executive Director will collaborate closely with the Marketing and Communications team to craft and deliver cohesive messaging and strategies that align with corporate Government Affairs objectives. In addition to the following details, by being a BlueForger, you will be expected to uphold and exemplify our values of Belonging, Selfless Service, Integrity, Leadership, Respect, and Excellence. We uphold these values upon a backbone of humility driven by a culture of safety, vulnerability, and purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Government Affairs Strategy and Advocacy

• Lead and ensure execution of comprehensive congressional and state/local engagement strategies to advance BlueForge Alliance’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Represent the organization’s interests in meetings with members of Congress, legislative staff, state and local officials, and other governmental entities.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and policy developments, identifying opportunities and challenges that may impact BlueForge Alliance’s programs and operations.
• Advocate for policy initiatives, funding opportunities, and regulatory changes that align with organizational priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain relationships with key government officials, industry associations, and defense-focused stakeholders.
• Facilitate strategic engagements, briefings, and events with policymakers, including congressional hearings, committee meetings, and public forums.
• Collaborate with state and local governments to align organizational objectives with regional economic and workforce development priorities.

Collaboration with Marketing/Communications

• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team and other internal teams to develop and deliver cohesive messaging that aligns with government affairs strategies and enhances BlueForge Alliance’s public profile.
• Provide input on the creation of communication materials, including policy briefs, press releases, talking points, and presentations tailored for legislative and public audiences.
• Support the coordination of public relations campaigns, ensuring consistency in messaging and alignment with organizational goals.

Policy Development and Representation

• Serve as a subject matter expert on legislative and regulatory issues affecting the defense contracting and non-profit sectors.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on government affairs and policy matters, including implications for organizational strategy and operations.
• Represent BlueForge Alliance in coalitions, industry groups, and advocacy organizations to promote the organization’s policy objectives.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare regular reports for the CSO and executive leadership on government affairs activities, policy trends, and engagement outcomes.
• Analyze and report on the impact of legislative and policy changes, providing recommendations to address emerging risks and opportunities.
• Support the development of metrics to assess the effectiveness of government affairs strategies and initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage, develop, and train Government Affairs staff.
• Provide guidance on the workflow of the department.
• Deliver constructive feedback and timely performance evaluations.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align government affairs activities with organizational goals.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials, industry stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and tools for policy research and analysis.
• Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS) and defense contracting principles.
• Demonstrated success in managing advocacy campaigns or initiatives with measurable outcomes.

Education, Certifications, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or advocacy, preferably within the defense or government contracting sectors.
• Proven track record of engaging with congressional and state/local officials to influence policy and legislative outcomes.
• Experience collaborating with marketing and communications teams to align messaging with advocacy efforts.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Travel Expectations

• Expected travel: up to 20% monthly.

Summary

BlueForge Alliance provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. The company prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158 or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. All roles are security sensitive, and employment is contingent on a criminal history check and credential verification.

The ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, is required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description outlines key responsibilities, but the position may include additional duties.

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