Director, Government Relations - Washington D.C. | Airbus Job

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Job Description:

The Director of Government Relations is responsible for executing a high-impact advocacy agenda that protects and promotes Airbus’ interests across the aerospace industry. This role is a strategic liaison between the company and government stakeholders, requiring a sophisticated navigator who can translate complex business objectives into persuasive policy arguments. Whether securing program funding, shaping regulatory frameworks, or managing political risk, you will act as a front-line diplomat ensuring our operational excellence is matched by our legislative and advocacy influence.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Direct Advocacy and Representation: Develop positions on key issues and leverage Airbus’ reputation to influence policy discussions. Support legislative business goals—specifically appropriations and authorizations—for all Airbus businesses. Build and maintain a robust network of contacts within the government and among key industry stakeholders to amplify our corporate voice. 
• Strategic Collaboration: Work across all Airbus businesses to collaborate with business development teams to generate and support new opportunities, particularly for helicopter and defense programs.
• Political Intelligence: Provide real-time intelligence on political risks and opportunities, acting as an early-warning system to identify potential risks or opportunities for the business.
• Internal GR Support: Communicate with internal stakeholders to provide updates on business priorities, political developments, and PAC solicitations. Work with the Senior Director Government Relations to develop clear strategic policy objectives.

Qualified Experience and Training:  

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, or Engineering; Advanced degree (Master’s Degree or J.D. preferred) 

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in Government Relations. Experience working on Capitol Hill (Member or Committee level) and/or a senior role within a federal agency or military service is required. 
• Demonstrated track record of success in developing and executing strategies and campaigns in support of corporate objectives; a broad range of personal experience, relationships and understanding of the U.S. Federal, state and local government leaders, policies, procedures and processes; and an in-depth understanding of the global and U.S. aerospace industries.  

Licensure/Certifications:

Required: Must be able and willing to register with the US Government as a lobbyist.

Travel Required: 

•  20% Domestic and International

Citizenship:

•   U.S. citizenship is required. Must be eligible to obtain a security clearance if business objectives require it.

Qualified Skills:  

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

Required

• Ability to think strategically while analyzing complex legislative and regulatory issues. Must be an energetic self-starter capable of diplomatic interaction with senior executives and government officials.

Communication Skills:

Required:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both spoken and written, and the proven ability to effectively lead corporate advocacy efforts across a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Complexity of the Role:

• Decisions & Recommendations: Develops positions on key issues and leverages Airbus’ reputation to impact policy discussions. Recommends tactical engagement strategies on legislative barriers or opportunities impacting Airbus programs.
• Independent Decision-Making: Acts as an official spokesperson on specific issues and programs, requiring mature judgment in fast-moving political environments.
• Environment & Change: Must operate effectively in a "fast moving" team environment, requiring participation in evening/weekend events and frequent travel.
  
  

Level of Decision Making:

• Level: Primarily Tactical with Strategic input.
• Impact: Engages business units to help develop strategic goals and actions tactical plans for implementation.

Organizational information:
This position has a solid line to the Senior Director Government Relations.

Direct Reports: 

Is this a people manager? No

Direct reports: 0     

Job Dimensions:

• Assists in managing external consultants and advisors.
• Strategic Influence: Direct lobbying accounts for 75% of the role, specifically targeting legislative goals related to appropriations and authorizations.
• Business Development: Providing support for new business opportunities, particularly for defense and helicopter programs, accounts for 25% of the role.

Nature of Contacts:

• Daily interaction with senior government officials, Members of Congress, and relevant associations/think tanks.
• Primary Internal Audience: Head of Government Relations, senior Airbus executives, and business unit leadership.
• Communication Type: Direct lobbying, influencing, and public speaking. Requires strong diplomatic skills to work with a broad range of individuals

Physical Requirements:

• Onsite or remote:  Hybrid
• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on production floor including safety warnings or alarms.
• Speaking:  able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications.
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts.
• Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs.
• Lifting:  able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs.
• Pushing / Pulling:  able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools.
• Sitting:  able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer.
• Squatting / Kneeling:  able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving.
• Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on production floor.
• Travel:  able to travel independently and at short notice.
• Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents):  able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces.
• Personal Protective Equipment required:  Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site
• Administrative position only PPE required: Steel-toed shoes are required for all shop floor visit, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.

Equal Opportunity:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status

Equal Opportunity: Airbus Group is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Airbus Group is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

As a leader in our field, Airbus Group provides relocation assistance for qualified positions and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a matter of policy, Airbus Group does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Americas, Inc.

Employment Type:

US - Direct Hire

Experience Level:

Professional

Remote Type:

Flexible

Job Family:

Legal

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Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected].