Head of Federal Strategy and Government Affairs

Head of Federal Strategy and Government Affairs

Department: Communications and Government Affairs

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington DC

Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer

Compensation: $180,000 - $240,000 / year

Description

BioMADE is seeking a Head of Federal Strategy & Government Affairs to lead its federal engagement and support developing business opportunities across the federal government, with a particular focus on defense and national security. This person will leverage BioMADE’s unique role partnering with the U.S. Government to connect federal needs with work that strengthens domestic bioindustrial manufacturing.

This leader will build on BioMADE’s record of securing substantial federal support, drawing on the organization’s bipartisan relationships and deep knowledge of federal processes. Working closely with senior leadership, this person will take a leading role in shaping and executing BioMADE’s Washington strategy in Congress and with the Executive Branch, exercising judgment and persistence in pursuing ambitious funding and business goals.

Based in Washington, DC, this person will work closely with BioMADE’s senior leadership and business unit leaders, combining strategic responsibility with independent engagement, high-impact, persuasive written work, and sustained follow-through to deliver on ambitious goals. This person owns the government affairs function and works across the organization to shape BioMADE’s external priorities and positioning, bringing federal insight into strategic and business decisions. The position reports to the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead federal engagement and funding strategy. Develop and execute BioMADE’s federal strategy with senior leadership, including efforts to secure ongoing congressional funding for BioMADE. Assess federal priorities and budget developments to determine where and how to pursue support, including policy issues where they materially affect BioMADE’s objectives. Set priorities that reflect BioMADE’s mission, business opportunities, and available resources.
• Lead BioMADE’s Washington engagement. Build trusted relationships with congressional staff and federal officials, with particular attention to congressional defense committees and the national security community. Analyze and assess proposed legislation or regulations affecting BioMADE. Develop and draft relevant policy or legislative proposals. Represent BioMADE independently and coordinate senior leadership engagement around clear objectives, ensuring effective preparation and follow-through.
• Develop federal business opportunities. Build Washington-based relationships and work alongside leaders of BioMADE’s Defense & Industrial Base Services and Pilot Plant Network businesses to develop opportunities for federally funded work. Help assess Government customer needs and strategic fit, and identify credible funding paths at the agency headquarters level.
• Execute necessary government-facing materials and responses. Write and coordinate substantive materials that explain BioMADE’s capabilities and make the case for its priorities, funding requests, and proposed actions. Lead responses to congressional and agency inquiries, drawing on technical expertise and business leaders across BioMADE. Work with communications colleagues to ensure these materials support BioMADE’s broader positioning.
• Direct outside government affairs support. Manage outside firms and other support resources, aligning their work with BioMADE’s priorities and internal efforts. Set clear expectations and evaluate their contribution to policy, funding, and business objectives.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• 10 years in government-facing business development, strategy, government affairs, or related public service. Candidates may bring particular depth in one area and the ability to grow across others.
• A record of personally developing and executing approaches that secure funding, advance business opportunities, or achieve other institutional objectives through sustained advocacy and targeted follow-through.
• Practical understanding of federal decision-making and funding processes, with the ability to navigate Washington independently and engage credibly with government counterparts. Experience in defense or national security is particularly relevant.
• Sound business judgment and the ability to work with technical and business colleagues to assess Government needs and develop opportunities aligned with an organization’s mission and capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment under short, externally imposed deadlines and produce high-quality work.
• Strong writing and analytical skills, including experience personally developing substantive materials for decision-makers. Initiative, discretion, and the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization.
• Experience with bioindustrial manufacturing is helpful but not required. The ability to learn BioMADE’s work and explain its relevance to government priorities is essential.

Because this position requires eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance, U.S. citizenship is required. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain the required clearance.

Job Benefits

BioMADE recognizes the importance of a happy and healthy staff that maintains a good work/life balance. BioMADE provides a comprehensive suite of health insurances, supplemental benefits, and paid time off to all regular full-time employees as outlined below. New employees become eligible for most benefits on the first day of the month following their hire date.

• 100% Employer paid options for medical insurance for BioMADE employees. Low-cost buy-up options also available.
• Generous cost-sharing for medical insurance for spouse and child(ren).
• Health Savings Account option for medical insurance.
• 100% Employer paid Dental and Vision insurance for BioMADE employees.
• Low-cost Dental insurance for spouse/child(ren) and with child ortho coverage.
• 100% employer paid Vision for employee, and spouse/child(ren) coverage.
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan options for Medical, Dependent Care, and Commuter Pre-Tax benefits.
• 100% Employer paid Life insurance with a 1x Annual Salary for Exempt staff and a Flat $50,000 benefit for hourly staff.
• 100% Employer paid Short Term Disability insurance and low-cost Voluntary Long Term Disability insurance available.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% match on plan compensation (no vesting period!).
• Discretionary Incentive Plan based on organizational and individual performance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) that begins to accrue from your hire date.
• 13 Paid holidays, including a winter break between Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Day.
• Paid Parental Leave- Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
• Full access to LinkedIn Learning’s Suite for professional development.
• Hybrid Work Policy for most positions; Stipend for Internet and personal cell phone use.
• Free Parking.
• Casual Dress Code.
• Free snacks and beverages at CA and MN office locations.
• Fun on and off-site employee activities sponsored by the Employee Engagement Committee
• On site gym access
• Pet Friendly office space