Director, Government Relations

Airbus•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Director of Government Relations executes a high-impact advocacy agenda to protect and promote Airbus’ interests across the aerospace industry. The position serves as a strategic liaison between Airbus and government stakeholders, translating business objectives into policy arguments and supporting program funding, regulatory frameworks, and political risk management. The role is primarily tactical, with strategic input, and acts as an official spokesperson on specific issues and programs in fast-moving political environments. The position works across Airbus businesses and with business development teams, particularly to support defense and helicopter opportunities. It directly lobbies on legislative goals related to appropriations and authorizations, which account for 75% of the role, and supports new business opportunities, accounting for 15%. The Director assists in managing external consultants and advisors and reports directly to the Senior Director Government Relations. This is not a people-manager role and has no direct reports. The position involves daily interaction with senior government officials, Members of Congress, and relevant associations and think tanks, as well as internal engagement with the Head of Government Relations, senior Airbus executives, and business unit leadership. It requires 20% domestic and international travel, participation in evening and weekend events, and the ability to travel independently and at short notice. Remote type is listed as Flexible. U.S. citizenship is required, and the candidate must be eligible to obtain a security clearance if business objectives require it. The role requires the ability and willingness to register with the U.S. Government as a lobbyist. Airbus Helicopters, Inc. states that qualified positions may include relocation assistance and that it offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. The company emphasizes integrity, compliance awareness, sustainable growth, and equal employment opportunity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, or Engineering.
At least 10 years of experience in Government Relations.
Experience working on Capitol Hill at the Member or Committee level and/or in a senior role within a federal agency or military service.
Demonstrated success developing and executing strategies and campaigns in support of corporate objectives.
Broad personal experience, relationships, and understanding of U.S. federal, state, and local government leaders, policies, procedures, and processes.
In-depth understanding of the global and U.S. aerospace industries.
Must be able and willing to register with the U.S. Government as a lobbyist.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Must be eligible to obtain a security clearance if business objectives require it.
Ability to think strategically while analyzing complex legislative and regulatory issues.
Must be an energetic self-starter capable of diplomatic interaction with senior executives and government officials.
Strong spoken and written interpersonal communication skills.
Proven ability to lead corporate advocacy efforts across diverse constituencies.
Must operate effectively in a fast-moving team environment and participate in evening and weekend events.
Ability to travel independently and at short notice.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or J.D.
Experience working on Capitol Hill or in a senior federal agency or military service, in addition to the stated required experience route.

Responsibilities

Develop positions on key issues and use Airbus’ reputation to influence policy discussions.
Support legislative business goals, especially appropriations and authorizations, across Airbus businesses.
Build and maintain contacts within government and among key industry stakeholders to amplify Airbus’ corporate voice.
Collaborate across Airbus businesses and with business development teams to generate and support new opportunities, particularly for helicopter and defense programs.
Provide real-time intelligence on political risks and opportunities and identify potential business risks or opportunities early.
Communicate updates on business priorities, political developments, and PAC solicitations to internal stakeholders.
Work with the Senior Director Government Relations to develop clear strategic policy objectives.
Recommend tactical engagement strategies concerning legislative barriers or opportunities affecting Airbus programs.
Act as an official spokesperson on specific issues and programs.
Assist in managing external consultants and advisors.