Director, Government Relations

Director, Government Relations

At BAE Systems, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important. We are currently looking for a Director, Government Relations to join the team. The individual will serve as an integrated team member of the Government Relations function for development and execution of strategies. The Director, Government Relations will work closely with Government Relations counterparts, sector business leaders, program managers, and business development teams to help devise and implement strategies to meet company goals and objectives, support strategic planning, and proposal and pursuit strategies.

Travel and local commute between BAE Systems Falls Church campus and other major campuses across the United States will be required; monthly travel possible for durations of 3 - 5 days. Availability for some early morning and evening hours for work-related functions.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure coordination between headquarters and business sectors, consistent with company and business goals
• Generate and sustain enduring relationships with key Congressional committee staff and Members of Congress (especially relevant program/account monitors) and relevant personal office staff
• Meet regularly with sector leadership to collaborate on priorities and provide advice/recommendations on how the Government Relations function can assist with their priorities/objectives
• Help devise and implement government relations strategies consistent with the BAE Systems overall strategic business plan, including advocacy documents, letters, and white papers to advance sector initiatives
• Offer strategic input to the Integrated Business Planning Process (IBPP) relative to business development strategy, programs, and budget
• Understand the priorities of executive branch customers as it applies to Congressional and committee areas of interest with the ability to communicate those issues within relevant business areas
• Attend/facilitate congressional engagements, including briefings, visits to company facilities, and events
• Develop an environment that encourages open communication and collaboration among sector leadership and the Government Relations function
• Provide the Vice President of Legislative Affairs and sector leadership with timely legislative updates
• Coordinate strategies and activities with primes and partners outreach activities
• Anticipate, understand, react, shape, and influence Congressional actions that impact the company's interests
• Collaborate with and provide updates to the Executive Branch team within Government Relations, attending functions or events where necessary
• Prepare senior leadership for meetings with Members of Congress and key Committee staff
• Represent BAE Systems at local and out-of-state political fundraisers, industry events, and trade association events
• Develop, manage, and execute BAE Systems USA Political Action Committee (BAE PAC) objectives in coordination with an integrated government relations team
• Participate in local and out-of-state BAE PAC fundraising efforts and provide advice on BAE PAC support
• Manage and work in partnership with advisory consultants as required
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree and 12 years work experience or equivalent experience
• Thorough understanding of the defense authorization and appropriations budget process
• A strong background and experience working with the defense community
• Demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in relevant business environments with collaboration skills
• Ability to understand highly technical aerospace products and services under contract with the Executive Branch; grasp of product offerings with respect to customer needs; ability to understand how Congressional dialogue and actions impact those offerings
• Ability to obtain Congressional language and products, and to distill the impacts of those products for the consumption of the sectors
• Ability to obtain Executive Branch budgets and glean insights for programs of interests to the sectors
• Ability to use various legislative tools effectively, including on-line databases, news services, directories, hearing transcription, etc.
• Effective in working with people at all levels of an organization and willing to contribute wherever needed, providing leadership to operational activities as well as senior executives
• Ability to navigate conflict in high-stakes engagements with customers, stakeholders, and policymakers; ability to influence the same, in difficult situations
• Effective written and oral communication skills; ability to work effectively with teams of varying skill sets

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills:

• Security Clearance
• Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field
• 10 years' experience in legislative affairs at the federal level
• Experience working on Capitol Hill for a defense authorizing or appropriating committee
• Existing relationships with relevant Congressional oversight staff, personal office staff, and Aerospace industry government relations staff

Full-Time Salary Range: $173023 - $294137

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.