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Vast · 2 months ago

Director, Government Affairs and National Security Programs

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$185K/yr - $226K/yr

8+ years exp

Vast is focused on contributing to a future where billions of people can thrive in space by building artificial gravity space stations. The Director of Government Affairs and National Security Programs will lead the company’s engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense and national security stakeholders, driving policy and advocacy strategies to support Vast’s initiatives in commercial space operations.

Defense & Space

Culture & Values

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive DoD and national security engagement strategy aligned with Vast’s government affairs and policy objectives

Collaborate across internal teams including Legal, Programs, Engineering, and Business Development to align advocacy efforts with mission and programmatic priorities

Build and maintain strong relationships with key offices within the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, Air Force, Space Development Agency (SDA), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and other defense-related organizations

Engage with relevant Congressional committees and staff, particularly those overseeing defense, space, and appropriations matters

Coordinate with the National Security Council (NSC), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and others in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) when cross-agency alignment is required

Monitor, analyze, and interpret U.S. defense and national security policy, legislation, and appropriations developments impacting commercial space capabilities

Prepare policy briefs, talking points, and legislative summaries to inform internal leadership and support strategic decision-making

Develop recommendations and written submissions for defense-related requests for information (RFIs), trade reports, and industry-government engagements

Collaborate with Vast’s business development team to support DoD-related contracting opportunities, cooperative agreements, and partnerships

Identify emerging defense needs where Vast’s commercial capabilities can contribute to resilience, mission assurance, and space domain awareness objectives

Provide policy support for defense-related technology initiatives, security reviews, and regulatory engagement

Qualification

Government AffairsDOD Space ProgramsGovernment ContractingNational Defense Authorization ActAnalytical SkillsCommunicationCollaboration SkillsInterpersonal SkillsTime ManagementAdaptability

Required

8+ years of professional experience in government affairs

Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance to support DOD space programs

Preferred

Experience working on DOD space programs and policies

Experience with government contracting and government procurement

Experience with Congressional appropriations and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process

Proven ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules with ease and grace

Ability to simplify complex concepts into straightforward and concise explanations

Comfortable operating outside of areas of expertise and in new territory

Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills

Self-starter with excellent time-management and prioritization skills

Benefits

100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents

Flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff

Paid parental leave

Short and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Access to a 401(k) retirement plan

One Medical membership

ClassPass credits

Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health

Other discounts and perks

Exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge

Lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees

Company

Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers.

Founded in 2021

Long Beach, California, US

501-1000 employees