Director, Government Relations & Public Policy

Battelle • ARLINGTON, VA

6h • $125,000 - $175,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Government Relations & Public Policy supports the development and execution of Battelle's federal government relations and public policy strategies. Reporting to the Vice President, Government Affairs, the Director advances Battelle priorities through engagement with Congress, federal agencies, coalitions, and other stakeholders. The role provides policy analysis, supports legislative and appropriations strategies, and coordinates advocacy efforts across Battelle business sectors and affiliated organizations.

The position requires knowledge of the federal legislative process and the ability to analyze complex policy issues, communicate recommendations, and collaborate across business and technical organizations. Experience supporting defense, intelligence, homeland security, or other national security-related research and development programs is desirable but not required. The role may require eligibility to obtain and maintain any required security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 8–12+ years of experience in government relations, congressional affairs, public policy, federal agencies, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of the federal legislative process, appropriations, authorizations, and policymaking.
• Demonstrated experience engaging congressional offices, committees, federal agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex policy issues and translate them into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse business and technical organizations.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain any required security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.
• Experience supporting defense, intelligence, homeland security, or other national security-related research and development programs.

Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of federal government relations and public policy strategies aligned with Battelle priorities.
• Manage relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committee staff, federal agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative, regulatory, authorization, and appropriations developments affecting Battelle programs and growth opportunities.
• Provide policy analysis and recommendations to the Vice President, Government Affairs and business leaders.
• Develop briefing materials, talking points, congressional engagement plans, stakeholder analyses, and policy memoranda.
• Support appropriations and authorization strategies for assigned business sectors and affiliates.
• Coordinate advocacy activities across Battelle sectors and functions to ensure consistent messaging and engagement.
• Represent Battelle in meetings, conferences, coalitions, and public policy organizations as assigned.
• Support engagement with federal agencies regarding budget priorities, research initiatives, and strategic programs.
• Maintain awareness of emerging federal policy issues and identify opportunities and risks impacting Battelle.

Benefits

• Flexible compressed work schedule, with every other Friday off for most of the team.
• Hybrid work flexibility: 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits, plus optional supplemental benefits.
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan; for most employees, Battelle contributes 5% whether or not the employee contributes and matches employee contributions.
• Tuition assistance for higher education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director