Head of Government Relations

Head Of Government Relations

Cape is seeking a dedicated Head of Government Relations to map and engage federal stakeholders and to forecast policy-based risks and opportunities. While Cape's federal business development team engages end-user organizations, the Head of Government Relations will navigate complex policymaking to unlock national level relationships and funding. This role will also be key in setting milestones, forecasting policy changes, and anticipating regulatory requirements that could affect the company and its customers. This position will select and directly manage external advising and lobbying parties, requiring the right candidate to be able to both navigate human terrain and to clearly organize the company's government strategy. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in legislative affairs, federal budget alignment, government contracting, policy planning, or similar arenas. This role reports to Cape's Head of Federal and will have an outsized impact on the success and growth of the company.

We are seeking a high-ownership Head of Government Relations to serve as a critical driver of Cape's growth. In this role, you will take full accountability for government engagement and policy-based results through your management of external stakeholders. In addition, you will develop and maintain organized tracking systems to ensure cross-functional alignment on key lines of effort. Your mission is to bridge the gap between the company's most pressing intragovernmental challenges and the government institutions that can solve them. You will optimize external engagement through clearly communicated long-term strategies, while remaining responsive to the fluid nature of technology and defense policy.

Developing a long-term milestone-based government strategy

Mapping key government stakeholders to company needs

Forecasting political, policy, budgetary, and regulatory changes and volatility

Shaping new policies beneficial to the company and its customers

Forming and maturing partnerships with third parties in the federal ecosystem

Optimizing relationships with external advisors, experts, and lobbyists

Engaging resource sponsors to achieve established strategic endstates

Establishing, attending, and managing events that cross between industry and government affairs

Operational Pedigree: Prior experience in fast-paced environments. We value a background of "ownership" where you've been responsible for end-to-end outcomes.

External Relationship Development: Ability to network among a diverse set of external stakeholders, build connections with them, and maintain strong ties.

Executive Communication: Clear and concise professional correspondence and awareness of protocol in political and bureaucratic offices.

Knowledge of the Legislative Process: First hand knowledge of the federal legislative process through experience in lobbying, Congressional fellowship, PSM/MLA, or similar.

Strategic Planning: Ability to establish a multi-year government engagement plan that aligns company goals with government cadences.

Professional Background: Relevant background in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or similar professions.

We offer competitive compensation that is geo-adjusted based on your location, along with meaningful equity so you share in the value you help create. Salary range for this role in Arlington, VA is $250,000-$350,000 depending on experience and interview performance.

Our benefits include:

401(k) match

100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents

12 weeks paid parental leave (for all parents, no waiting period)

Stipends for

Family-forming needs

Gender-affirming care

Unlimited PTO

We hire excellent people, give them outsized responsibility, and trust them to execute. Every person at Cape has a proven track record of tackling hard problems and winning.

We believe that personal privacy and national security are not at odds, and that they can be reconciled through strong technology.

We believe that a stronger company and a better product are built by people from all walks of life. We hire without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or Veteran status. If you are great at what you do, you belong here.