Director, Government Operations

Saab

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Saab, Inc., a leading defense and security company, is currently seeking an experienced Director – Government Operations, to lead and elevate the company’s government affairs function in the U.S. This driven, detail-orientated individual will be responsible for leading senior executive-branch engagement and defense policy initiatives for a growing U.S. defense contractor. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President – Corporate Affairs, this new role has been created to enhance Saab’s position as the company delivers on robust growth plans in the U.S. market. The Director will work closely with internal stakeholders, including Legislative Affairs, Business Development, Contracts, and program leadership, to ensure alignment between government policy and company strategy. While collaborative with legislative affairs, this position is primarily focused on executive-branch policy and operations rather than Capitol Hill engagement. With a broad degree of autonomy, the Director must be able to anticipate needs and look for opportunities to use government affairs as a business tool across all defense business lines. The position is located in Saab’s Washington, D.C. Navy Yard office with 2 days/week work from home option.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• 15+ years of working with the executive branch, industry, Capitol Hill or similar position in defense
• Expansive network of relationships with the Department of War
• Strong and dynamic leadership; passionate advocate for effective and innovative government affairs integration at all levels of the company
• Highly organized and deadline driven
• Ability to deep dive quickly into the company’s broad portfolio and maintain a thorough knowledge of the company’s emerging offerings.
• Ability to provide in-the-moment strategic feedback and counsel to executives and business leaders
• Meticulous writing, editing and proofreading skills and demonstrated ability to write for a variety of different audiences
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate and work with senior executives
• Experience successfully managing multiple priorities and responding to urgent, near-term opportunities as well as meeting longer-term objectives
• Thrive under pressure and respond quickly and proficiently to stakeholders
• Consistently exceed expectations
• Work independently in flexible environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (active clearance preferred)
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Responsibilities

• Lead company engagement with OSW and senior leadership at the Department of War
• Monitor, analyze, and shape defense policy, acquisition policy, and regulatory developments affecting the company’s programs and growth priorities
• Develop and execute executive-branch engagement strategies aligned with corporate objectives and business development goals with a focus on industrial base
• Serve as a senior company representative in meetings with senior Pentagon officials, executive agencies and policy forums
• Coordinate closely with Legislative Affairs to ensure consistency between executive-branch policy efforts and congressional strategy
• Advise senior leadership on emerging defense priorities, budget dynamics, acquisition reform, and national security trends
• Support capture and program teams by providing policy insight and facilitating appropriate government interactions
• Help manage external advisors related to defense policy and operations
• Ensure compliance with ethics and government engagement requirements
• Build compelling presentations to communicate Saab’s strategic priorities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior federal officials and staff
• Utilize Government Affairs knowledge to impact communication to key internal and external audiences
• Travel to Sweden 1-2 times annually as needed to support business requirements. Domestic travel 25-50% as required.
• Support Saab’s global portfolio and trans-Atlantic link driven agenda

Benefits

• Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees