Director, Government Relations

Rocketdyne•,

1d•$220,000 - $260,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocketdyne’s Government Relations Director will shape federal policies, priorities, and investments that support the company’s growth and mission. The role connects Rocketdyne’s national security, space, and exploration programs with decision-makers across Congress, the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, NASA, and other federal agencies. The Director will independently develop and execute government relations strategies while building trusted relationships with senior policymakers. They will anticipate legislative, budgetary, and policy developments, identify potential opportunities and risks, and translate insights into coordinated action. Working across Business Development, Strategy, Communications, program leadership, and senior executives, the director will align government engagement with critical programs and long-term growth objectives. The ideal candidate has strong Washington relationships, sound political judgment, and deep expertise in federal authorization, appropriations, and budgeting.

Requirements

Progressive experience in government relations, Congressional or legislative affairs, federal public policy, aerospace and defense, national security or a related field.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing government relations or advocacy strategies with a high degree of independence.
Experience engaging directly with Congress, Congressional committees, federal agencies and/or senior government stakeholders.
Strong understanding of the Congressional authorization and appropriations processes, federal budgeting and the broader legislative and policy environment.
Demonstrated ability to translate policy and government developments into implications and recommendations for business leaders.
Experience developing relationships and influencing stakeholders across complex organizations without direct authority.
Demonstrated experience developing advocacy strategies tied directly to business, program, capture or growth objectives.
Experience advising and preparing senior executives for engagements with policymakers and government leaders.
Ability to navigate complex and evolving policy environments, exercise sound political judgment and determine when and how an organization should engage.
Experience working cross-functionally with Business Development, Strategy, Communications, Program Leadership, Legal and Compliance.
Strong executive presence and exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the organization with senior internal and external audiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the aerospace, defense, space or national security sectors, including an understanding of the intersection between government policy, federal funding and business priorities
Established relationships across Congress, relevant Congressional committees, the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, NASA, the Administration and/or other federal organizations relevant to Rocketdyne
Prior experience working on Capitol Hill, within the Executive Branch or at a federal agency, combined with subsequent government relations experience in industry
Knowledge of U.S. national security, defense, space and aerospace policy and associated federal budget priorities
Active or previous security clearance

Responsibilities

Develop and execute federal government relations strategies aligned with Rocketdyne's business objectives, growth priorities, key programs and strategic initiatives
Build, maintain and leverage relationships with Members of Congress, Congressional staff and committees, federal agencies, Administration officials and other influential government stakeholders
Serve as a senior external representative for Rocketdyne, advocating for company, program and industry priorities with policymakers and government leaders
Develop and lead Congressional engagement strategies related to authorization, appropriations and other legislative priorities
Identify opportunities to shape federal policy and funding outcomes in support of Rocketdyne's strategic objectives
Anticipate, monitor and assess legislative, budgetary, regulatory and policy developments affecting Rocketdyne and the broader aerospace, defense and space markets
Translate government developments into clear business implications, strategic recommendations and engagement plans for senior leadership
Develop engagement strategies across the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, NASA and other relevant federal agencies based on Rocketdyne's business and program priorities
Partner with Business Development, Strategy, Communications and program leadership to support critical pursuits, existing programs, market development and long-term growth
Advise and prepare senior executives for engagements with Members of Congress, Administration officials, agency leaders and other senior government stakeholders
Develop executive briefing materials, talking points, position papers and strategic recommendations that enable effective external engagement
Identify emerging policy, funding and stakeholder developments that may create opportunities or risks for Rocketdyne and proactively determine how the company should respond
Build internal alignment around government relations priorities, bringing together business and functional stakeholders to establish clear positions and coordinated external messaging
Plan and lead visits and engagements with elected officials, government leaders and other external stakeholders at Rocketdyne facilities
Represent Rocketdyne with relevant industry associations, coalitions and external organizations, helping shape industry positions where appropriate
Build and maintain an effective network across the aerospace, defense, national security and space communities to strengthen Rocketdyne's visibility and influence
Ensure all government relations and lobbying activities comply with applicable lobbying, ethics, disclosure and company requirements