Legislative and Government Affairs Sr. Director

NODA AI•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

NODA is a Veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company developing autonomous orchestration solutions for heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space, with applications in defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. The company’s government affairs work helps shape the policy, budget, and regulatory support that enables its technology to reach warfighters. The Legislative and Government Affairs Sr. Director will build and lead NODA’s government relations function, develop and execute legislative strategy, and represent the company before Congress, the Department of Defense, and other policy stakeholders. The role works directly with the CGO, CEO, leadership, and Business Development team to align government affairs with capture and program priorities, including authorization, appropriations, autonomy policy, unmanned systems, and defense acquisition reform. The position is based in the Washington, DC area, requires working from the DC office three days per week, and involves some travel to Austin, Texas. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, or policy, including experience on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, or in a defense-industry government affairs role.
Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative and budget process, including the NDAA and defense appropriations cycles.
Established relationships with congressional offices and committee staff, particularly on defense-focused committees.
Understanding of DoD budgeting, requirements, and acquisition processes (PPBE).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technology to non-technical audiences.
Working knowledge of the Lobbying Disclosure Act and federal ethics requirements.
U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Strategic thinking and the ability to connect policy and budget developments to business impact.
Credibility and relationship-building skills across both sides of the aisle.
Builder’s mindset and comfort establishing a function where none exists.
High judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information and relationships.
Collaborative approach with leadership, Business Development, and Program teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience as professional staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, or SAC-D, or in a DoD legislative affairs office.
Government affairs experience at a defense technology, aerospace, or venture-backed startup company.
Familiarity with autonomy, unmanned systems, AI policy, or emerging technology in defense.
Experience securing funding for programs through authorization or appropriations.
Familiarity with nontraditional acquisition pathways such as OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and DIU programs.
Prior military service or government experience.
Existing security clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop, inform, and execute NODA’s legislative and government affairs strategy in alignment with company priorities, capture plans, and program growth.
Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and personal office staff, particularly on the House and Senate Armed Services and Defense Appropriations committees.
Engage with the Department of Defense, military services, and other Executive Branch stakeholders on policy, requirements, and budget priorities related to autonomy and unmanned systems.
Lead NODA’s engagement in the NDAA and defense appropriations cycles, including drafting and advocating for report language, plus-ups, and program support.
Monitor, analyze, and brief leadership on legislation, budget requests, regulations, and policy developments affecting NODA and the broader defense technology sector.
Translate NODA’s technology and mission impact into materials for policymakers, including white papers, one-pagers, testimony support, and briefings.
Plan and manage Hill visits, site visits, demonstrations, and engagements with policymakers and government stakeholders.
Partner with Business Development, Capture, and Program teams to support pipeline and program execution through government affairs activity.
Represent NODA within industry associations, coalitions, and think tanks, and build strategic alliances that strengthen its policy positions.
Manage relationships with external government affairs consultants and lobbying firms as needed.
Engage with state and international stakeholders, including Texas state government and allied partners, as NODA expands.
Track engagement activity and report outcomes, priorities, and impact to leadership.