Director, Government Relations

We are seeking a Director, Government Relations to develop and manage a comprehensive Federal and state and local government affairs campaign for FSI Defense. Position will report to Vice President, Government Relations for FlightSafety International.

This position will be based in Washington, DC. This role will include travel to other FSI Defense locations as needed.

• Responsible for Federal, state and local government affairs and legislative support for FSI defense programs.
• Support the creation and execution of specific government relations strategies to build the company's reputation, enhance the strategic positioning in the industry and increase the understanding of the company and its business objectives at the Federal, state and local level.
• Coordinate state and local government relations strategy in coordination with FSI Defense business development teams.
• Coordinate a cross-functional team spanning legal, communications, regulatory, and business development as well as coordination with outside consultants to identify business and policy opportunities and advise them on legislative and policy objects to achieve company-wide goals at the Federal, state and local level.
• Represent the Company before various administrative, regulatory, legislative, and executive levels of Federal, state government, and local jurisdictions.
• Coordinate visits by members of Congress and local elected officials to FSI-Defense facilities.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with regulators, elected officials, civil servants, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and collaborate on the production of high-quality written recommendations, briefings, publications, presentations, and other collateral that communicate complex messages clearly and effectively to audiences, with a focus on government stakeholders.
• Coordinate strategy with consultants and trade association representatives to ensure active engagement on the areas of interest.
• Participate, serve, and assume leadership positions on industry-related associations, steering committees, and networking organizations to protect & promote the Company interests.

Bachelor's and/or Advanced degree, Political Science, Public Policy, preferred or applicable comparable experience.

• 10+ years of Government Relations experience.
• Experience operating in a highly matrixed, fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of the White House and interagency process.
• Broad base of professional experience in legislative policy, and the private sector.

• Ability to build coalitions and to develop and maintain relationships with key Congressional and executive branch officials and industry and trade associations.
• Working knowledge of the federal legislative process (House and/or Senate).
• Knowledge of or worked various defense related issues.
• Prior government and industry experience requiring interaction with elected officials and senior staff.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work and communicate in a bi-partisan manner.
• Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.
• Held a senior legislative position in the federal government.
• Worked on Capitol Hill for House/Senate Armed Services Committee or Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee or member on these Committees.
• Ability to work and respond in a high pressure and fast paced environment.
• Individual has to be a self-starter, a team player, and possess keen analytical skills.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met and or encountered by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must regularly lift and or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and or move up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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