Venus Aerospace · 2 days ago
Director of Federal Government Relations
United States
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expVenus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion, aiming to build the next generation of propulsion platforms for aerospace applications. The Director of Federal Government Relations will lead the company’s engagement strategy with federal stakeholders, focusing on policy alignment, government-funded programs, and advocacy efforts as the company scales.
AerospaceProduct ResearchTransportation
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design and execute the company’s federal government relations strategy aligned with top business priorities, including U.S. government customers, program execution, policy and legislative developments, regulatory considerations, and future growth
Define and maintain clear policy positions, advocacy priorities, and engagement plans across defense, aerospace, national security, and technology stakeholders
Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on federal government engagement, policy risk, and public-sector opportunity
Ensure alignment between government relations efforts and internal teams including business legal, marketing and communications, operations, and product
Build internal processes to track policy developments, government interactions, and engagement outcomes
Support company leaders in understanding and navigating government processes, requirements, and expectations
Help leadership maintain clarity and alignment as government programs, contracts, and partnerships scale
Represent the company at key government, defense, and policy conferences, cultivating relationships, advancing company priorities, and elevating visibility with public-sector stakeholders
Serve as a core contributor to the Business Development team, partnering closely to shape and advance public-sector growth strategy
Align government relations and policy engagement with capture plans, customer pursuits, and long-term pipeline development
Support the pursuit and execution of government-funded programs, contracts, and cooperative agreements
Support identification, qualification, and prioritization of government opportunities through policy insight, stakeholder mapping, and strategic engagement
Contribute to shaping long-term government market strategy, including customer expansion
Contribute government and regulatory perspective to pursuit strategies, customer meetings, and proposal development
Establish repeatable processes for coordinating government engagement in support of active and future pursuits
Manage external advisors, lobbyists, or consultants as needed to support business development objectives
Support executive-level engagement with government stakeholders around major milestones and strategic priorities
Contribute to board materials related to policy, regulatory risk, and government opportunity
Support the development of written and visual products for key government and public-sector interactions
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, international relations, or a related field
10+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, policy, or national security roles
Deep familiarity with federal government processes, particularly within defense, national security, and aerospace ecosystems
Demonstrated ability to operate with senior executives in high-stakes, politically sensitive environments
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, particularly for executive and government audiences
Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage risk
Mission-driven, collaborative, and selfless attitude
Experience supporting a growth-stage (Series B–C or equivalent) technology company
Preferred
Master's degree in public policy, international affairs, law, or a related field
Prior experience in Congress, DoD, State Department, or other relevant federal government departments
Existing relationships across defense, aerospace, or national security government stakeholders
Experience supporting government-funded programs, appropriations, or regulatory strategy
Background working with or within deep tech, aerospace, or defense companies
Benefits
401(k) plan
Stock options
Medical benefits, including dental and vision
Flex-Friday flexible schedule
Unlimited PTO
Professional development opportunities
Company
Venus Aerospace
Venus Aerospace is a space company that provides an innovative approach to hypersonic transportation.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$43MKey Investors
Lockheed Martin VenturesTexas Space CommissionPrime Movers Lab
2025-10-22Series Unknown
2025-04-16Grant· $3.9M
2024-05-22Series B
Leadership Team
Sassie Duggleby
Co-Founder/CEO
Andrew Duggleby
Co-Founder / CTO
Recent News
Washington Technology
2025-10-23
Company data provided by crunchbase