Senior Manager of Government Affairs (Defense Advocacy)

About the Job

AUVSI is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Manager of Government Affairs to drive our defense advocacy efforts, particularly within the Department of Defense (DoD), the legislative branch, and service branches. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with Capitol Hill experience and a background as a registered federal lobbyist to play a pivotal role in expanding AUVSI’s influence on defense policy, defense acquisition processes, and the integration of uncrewed systems within the DoD.

The Senior Manager will be responsible for fostering relationships with key Members of Congress, Congressional Committees, and their staff while working on advancing critical legislation, policies, regulations, and funding priorities for uncrewed systems. If you’re a proven advocate with Hill experience, a strong understanding of defense issues, and the ability to influence key decision-makers, we want you to join our team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary lobbyist for AUVSI’s Defense Advocacy Committee, representing AUVSI on Capitol Hill and within the Executive Branch, particularly within the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key lawmakers, defense committees (HASC, SASC, House/Senate Defense Appropriations), and their staff.
• Track and advocate for legislation, regulations, policies, and funding related to uncrewed systems and defense priorities.
• Drive improvements in the DoD’s acquisition process to support faster adoption of uncrewed systems and ensure they align with the rapidly advancing technology in the sector.
• Provide AUVSI advocacy committee members with real-time intelligence and counsel on defense priorities, ensuring the organization remains a key player in advancing its defense agenda.
• Collaborate with members to foster consensus-based positions on key defense policy issues.
• Respond to Congressional requests for feedback on pending or draft legislation and assist in drafting, gathering feedback on, and submitting regulatory comments.
• Support the creation and execution of strategic advocacy plans and tactics to influence DoD decision-making and the broader defense industry.

Qualifications:

• Must be a registered federal lobbyist, with demonstrated experience working directly with elected officials, government agencies, and defense-related policy issues.
• Capitol Hill experience is essential, particularly as a staffer on defense-focused committees such as HASC, SASC, or the House/Senate Defense Appropriations Committees, or as a Military Legislative Assistant in a personal office of a Member of Congress. Experience in the Pentagon in legislative affairs or defense acquisition is also highly desirable.
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience in government affairs, with a focus on defense and national security.
• Must be DC/DMV based and able to regularly commute to Capitol Hill.
• Proven ability to build relationships at all levels within government and defense sectors.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a keen ability to draft compelling briefs, letters, and advocacy materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

AUVSI is at the forefront of the uncrewed systems sector, and the Senior Manager of Government Affairs – Defense Advocacy will play a key role in shaping policy, legislation, and funding that impacts this growing field. This position offers the opportunity to work with high-level defense and legislative leaders, advocate for cutting-edge technologies, and influence national security and defense strategies.

If you have Hill experience, lobbying expertise, and a passion for defense advocacy, we want to hear from you!

Apply Now and take your career to the next level by helping to drive the future of uncrewed systems within the defense sector. Please send us submit your current resume to [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

As we lead our industry to new heights, our core values keep us grounded. They describe the shared beliefs and commitments that bring us together and make us a powerful advocate for autonomous technology. When we operate from our values, they inspire our daily actions, including the way we work with each other and the way we serve our members. AUVSI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our team, partners, and members. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.