Director, Executive Branch Government Relations

Job Description
What's a career like at BAE Systems? Remarkable. The Director, Executive Branch Government Relations is responsible for achieving BAE Systems Inc. Executive Branch goals, including federal policy initiatives and support for company programs. The Director will lead the development and execution of engagement strategies with the Executive Branch (including Department of Defense, Executive Office of the President, and other agencies) for a diverse number of programs and issues. Qualified candidates should have extensive current contacts at the Department of the Navy. Additional Pentagon contacts are plus.
Essential Duties:

• Develop and maintain key relationships with senior leaders in the Executive Branch (particularly the acquisition community) and staff to position the company for future business opportunities;
• Attend/facilitate engagements for senior leaders in the Executive Branch, including briefings, visits to company facilities and events;
• Meeting regularly with sector leadership to collaborate on priorities and provide advice/recommendations on how the Government Relations function can assist with their set of priorities/objectives;
• Develop an environment that encourages open communication and collaboration among sector leadership and the Government Relations function;
• Provide the Vice President of Executive Branch and Government Relations and sector leadership with timely updates about developments in the Executive Branch;
• Offer strategic input to the Integrated Business Planning Process (IBPP) relative to business development strategy, programs and budget;
• Understand the Navy’s acquisition priorities and concerns and how they relate to DoD priorities and other military department’s efforts. Effectively communicate those concerns to company leaders; likewise, the individual will understand company priorities and concerns and effectively communicate those concerns to the appropriate leaders in the Executive Branch;
• Influence, negotiate with and persuade others to accomplish results. Take multiple steps or uses outside experts to influence an outcome with each step adapted to the specific audience;
• Position will be the direct liaison to several business areas including ship repair, naval guns and the services business sector which provides capabilities across multiple military departments and the intelligence community.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor Degree with 15 years of experience;
• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years related experience and comprehensive understanding of the defense industry, the defense acquisition process, and the federal budget environment and cycle;
• The ability to quickly and thoroughly analyze a broad range of issues utilizing varied analytical techniques is key, as is sophisticated/strategic thinking to determine how best to influence decision/policy makers;
• Extensive exposure to the acquisition community, U.S. national security policies and priorities, federal budgets and budgeting, and an understanding of the factors affecting acquisition decisions;
• Qualified candidates should have extensive current contacts at the Pentagon;
• Deliver concise, incisive, logically written documents and having a professional presence;
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, as well as project management, analytical, planning, presentation and interpersonal relationship skills;
• Must be flexible and demonstrate strong judgment/decision-making skills, and political insight;
• Must be a “self-starter” who is intellectually curious and can work independently and as part of a diverse team to achieve results;
• The candidate must be a citizen of the US and be eligible to obtain a high level security clearance. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply to join this diverse and equitable team;
• The ideal candidate will have extensive working experience inside the Department of the Navy.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Work experience on Capitol Hill is not required for this position and thus does not meet the “related experience” criteria. Pentagon and military department experience preferred;
• Pentagon experience on the OSD or a service acquisition staff and a naval surface warfare background are all advantages;
• Service retirees are encouraged to apply, particularly from the Navy for this particular role.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $151300 - $257200
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
At BAE Systems, we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where employees are valued and feel like they belong. We are conscious of the need for all employees to see themselves reflected at every level of the company and know that in order to unlock the full potential of our workforce, everyone must feel confident being their best, most sincere self and be equipped to thrive. We provide impactful professional development experiences to our employees and invest in social impact partnerships to uplift communities and drive purposeful change. Here you will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment intentionally designed to be one where you will learn, grow and belong.