SVP, Government Affairs

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground. OUR VALUES Be the offset.   We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity. What would it take?  We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results. It’s the people.  Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together. YOUR MISSION Own True Anomaly's engagement strategy across the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, the intelligence community, Capitol Hill, and state and local governments. As our senior-most Government Affairs leader, you'll report directly to executive leadership and build a durable, multi-year strategy rooted in how policy actually becomes law, and how programs survive and grow when budget cycles tighten. We're not looking for a lobbyist. We're looking for a strategist and a closer. Someone who has spent their career at the highest levels of defense and national security, sat inside government, and knows how Washington actually works.   RESPONSIBILITIES Federal Strategy & Engagement   Own the full government affairs strategy — developing an integrated engagement plan across OSD, the Services, combatant commands, U.S. Space Force, and the Intelligence Community   Build and maintain deep, personal relationships across the House, Senate, and Senate leadership, with particular emphasis on defense, space, and technology committees (SASC, HASC, defense appropriations)   Advocate for policies, programs, and funding priorities that align with True Anomaly's mission and national security objectives   Coordinate briefings and meetings with senior administration officials to shape space policy, acquisition strategy, and export control frameworks   Proactively engage the Pentagon on emerging national security priorities — from space superiority to supply chain resilience and rare earth elements — connecting True Anomaly's capabilities to decision-makers before requirements are written   Monitor and analyze legislation impacting space defense and commercial space operations; translate implications into actionable guidance for executive leadership   Shift the Overton window — as the leading defense tech companies have demonstrated, strong government affairs is a strategic differentiator, not a support function   State & Local Government Affairs   Build and lead True Anomaly's state and local government affairs function from the ground up — this is a critical and underbuilt capability as we expand manufacturing and operations   Develop relationships with governors' offices, state legislatures, and economic development agencies in key expansion markets to secure incentives, tax benefits, and long-term operational support   Work with congressional delegations to align federal and state-level advocacy around manufacturing site decisions and workforce development   Manage labor relations dynamics and community engagement as part of our facility expansion strategy   Identify and pursue state-level partnerships that can generate durable political support and competitive advantage in key markets   Team Building & Cross-Functional Leadership   Build and lead a world-class government affairs team — recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent across federal, state, and local functions   Partner closely with business development, legal, and program teams to align government affairs activities with contract opportunities and strategic growth   Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on policy risk, political landscape, and strategic relationship management   Prepare and oversee briefing materials, talking points, and position papers for executive leadership and government stakeholders   QUALIFICATIONS A known quantity in defense and national security circles, with relationships and credibility built over a career.   15+ years of relevant experience in g overnment affairs, public policy, or defense — with demonstrated success developing and executing strategy at the highest levels   Has sat inside government and understands how strategy becomes law — you've designed the approach, built the coalition, and gotten it enacted   Background that ideally includes senior government affairs experience at a leading defense or national security technology company (experience at Palantir is a strong signal); candidates from major defense primes with comparable relationships and strategic scope will also be considered   Deep, personal relationships across OSD, U.S. Space Force, the Intelligence Community, and key Hill offices and committees   Fluency in U.S. government processes — PPBE budget cycle, defense acquisition, authorizations and appropriations, export controls, and space policy frameworks   Experience navigating budget contractions and protecting program priorities when the fiscal environment tightens — you know how to fight for what matters when it's no longer easy   Proven ability to build state and local government affairs capabilities, including securing manufacturing incentives, tax benefits, and building relationships with congressional delegations and governors' offices   A builder — you've stood up teams, built functions, and created infrastructure where none existed   Exceptional communicator; able to distill complex policy and technical concepts for senior government officials, board members, and internal stakeholders alike   Eligibility for TS//SCI clearance; U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (ITAR compliance required)   Based in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area   COMPENSA