Director of Government Relations

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Washington Operations Director will develop, coordinate, and implement business development and government relations strategies to acquire, maintain, and increase U.S. Government and International support for AeroVironment (AV) programs. They will work in support of cross-functional teams who are responsible for the identification and strategy of capturing new business and executing current business.Position ResponsibilitiesRepresents AeroVironment to the Executive and Legislative Branches of the U.S. GovernmentCoordinates and supports AV U.S. Government and International customer interaction in Washington D.C.Develops and maintains relationships with the Department of Defense and associated offices and branches, in particular, the United States Space Force, Space Development Agency, Space Rapid Requirements Office, and US Space CommandDevelops and maintains relationships with the Intelligence Community, including the National Reconnaissance Office, National Geospatial Agency, National Security Agency, and US Cyber CommandDevelops and maintains relationships with Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, Justice and State; identifies and coordinates opportunities for AV leadership interaction with these DepartmentsWhen required, develops and maintains relationships with Members of Congress, congressional committees and personal staff members; identifies and coordinate opportunities for AV leadership interaction with CongressPlans and implements AV business development and congressional engagement strategies; manages resources and consultants and fully complies with lobby laws and lobby disclosureMonitors and assures AV awareness of annual U.S. Government funding requests and Department of Defense reprogramming requestsProvides annual U.S. Government Program and Budget Justification documents to AV leadership and Business Development teamRepresents AV interests to Aerospace, National Defense and International professional organizationsRegularly interacts with senior management or executive levelsOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor's degree is required in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience12 - 15 years of relevant experience in aerospace, national defense activities5 + years experience working congressional activitiesDemonstrated understanding of the Department of Defense resource allocation processDemonstrated understanding of congressional oversight processDemonstrated expert knowledge of government proposal and program requirementsDemonstrated knowledge of international procurementsDemonstrated understanding of regulatory requirements for US government programs, as well as international salesOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesAdvanced degree, MBA or MS is preferredExcellent written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationshipsAble to perform in a rapidly growing organization with rapidly changing requirements and sales targetsDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesUses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstancesInspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employeesBrings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared visionChampions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of changeTakes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasksIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyFocuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office environment (Constant)Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)Occasional travel requiredClearance LevelTop SecretThe salary range for this role is:$153,308 - $217,140AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR Requirement:This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.About AV:AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.ITARU.S. Citizenship required