Public Policy Manager

Istari Digital • Arlington, VA

2d • $80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Istari’s Government Affairs team advances the company’s federal strategy, secures funding, supports business development, and builds relationships across Congress, federal agencies, and industry. Reporting to the Director of Government and External Affairs and working closely with executive leadership, this role owns key policy issues, conducts independent research, and develops strategies that advance Istari’s priorities. The position requires analytical judgment, initiative, and the ability to translate complex policy developments into strategic opportunities at the intersection of national security, emerging technology, and federal policy.

The role manages policy portfolios and government affairs initiatives, analyzes legislation, budgets, programs, and regulatory developments, and develops policy positions and engagement strategies aligned with Istari’s business and technology objectives. It also identifies funding and market opportunities, builds stakeholder relationships, represents Istari in government and industry settings, and collaborates with business development, product, and engineering teams. The anticipated base compensation range is $80,000–$100,000 per year. Compensation may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and business needs; the role may also be eligible for bonuses, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, congressional offices, federal agencies, lobbying, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government, International Affairs, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of Congress, the Executive Branch, federal budgeting, and the policymaking process.
• Ability to independently research complex policy issues, assess implications, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing policy initiatives, legislative priorities, or research portfolios with limited oversight.
• Strong judgment, initiative, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Experience engaging with congressional staff, federal officials, senior executives, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Interest or experience in aerospace, defense, national security, artificial intelligence, or emerging technologies.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Nice To Haves

• CRM experience.
• Experience in a congressional office, federal agency, think tank, government affairs firm, or in-house policy team.
• Familiarity with federal appropriations, authorizations, defense budgeting, and acquisition policy.
• Experience developing legislative proposals, policy recommendations, or government engagement strategies.
• Experience connecting policy developments to business development opportunities and organizational strategy.

Responsibilities

• Manage key policy portfolios by monitoring developments, assessing implications, and recommending strategic actions.
• Lead research and analysis of federal legislation, appropriations, authorizations, executive branch initiatives, and regulatory developments.
• Develop policy positions, legislative proposals, and engagement strategies aligned with Istari’s business and technology objectives.
• Identify federal funding opportunities, emerging government priorities, and policy initiatives that support business development and market expansion.
• Analyze congressional and agency priorities, federal budgets, and defense programs to identify opportunities and risks.
• Lead government affairs initiatives, managing research, stakeholder engagement, and execution from start to finish.
• Build and maintain relationships with congressional offices, federal agencies, industry organizations, and strategic partners.
• Produce policy analyses, position papers, and strategic recommendations to inform leadership decisions.
• Represent Istari at congressional meetings, agency engagements, conferences, and industry events.
• Collaborate with business development, product, and engineering teams to connect policy priorities with customer needs and company strategy.
• Coordinate strategic engagements and cross-functional initiatives, ensuring accountability and follow-through.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for bonuses and equity.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

What This Job Offers

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