Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid) | Full Remote Considered for the Right Candidate
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics. We represent corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries working across industry, government, and academia.
Our members are shaping the future of the defense, civil, and commercial sectors through innovation in drones, automated and remotely operated ground and maritime vehicles, and related technologies. At AUVSI, we are proud to be the leading voice for a rapidly growing industry transforming the way the world moves, connects, and defends.
The Opportunity
AUVSI is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Government Affairs to drive our ground advocacy efforts, including on robotics, in the legislative and executive branches. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with legislative experience and a background as a registered federal lobbyist, or a willingness to become one, to play a pivotal role in expanding AUVSI’s influence on ground autonomy policy.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary lobbyist for AUVSI’s Ground Advocacy Committee, representing AUVSI on Capitol Hill and within the Executive Branch.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key lawmakers, Hill committees (HASC, SASC, SST, T&I, CHS, House Energy and Commerce, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation, etc.) and their staff.
- Track and advocate for legislation, regulations, policies, and funding related to uncrewed ground systems and priorities.
- Provide AUVSI advocacy committee members with real‑time intelligence and counsel on ground domain priorities, ensuring the organization remains a key player in advancing its ground‑related agenda.
- Collaborate with member companies to foster consensus‑based positions on key ground autonomy policy issues.
- Respond to Congressional requests for feedback on pending or draft legislation and assist in drafting, gathering feedback on, and submitting regulatory comments.
- Support the creation and execution of strategic advocacy plans and tactics to influence decision‑making and the broader ground autonomy industry.
Qualifications
- Must be a registered federal lobbyist or willing to become one , with demonstrated experience working directly with elected officials, government agencies, and defense‑related policy issues.
- Capitol Hill or other legislative experience is essential, especially as a staffer on relevant committees or in a Member of Congress's personal office. Relevant experience in the executive branch in legislative affairs is also highly desirable.
- 8 plus years of relevant work experience in government affairs or other related fields.
- Must be DC/DMV‑based and able to regularly commute to Capitol Hill.
- Proven ability to build relationships at all levels within government and the relevant industry.
- Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a keen ability to draft compelling briefs, letters, testimony, and advocacy materials.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and the ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
Supervision
- None.
- This position will be based in our Arlington, VA office on a hybrid schedule (minimum of three days per week in the office).
- Willing to travel up to 30% of the time.
Physical Requirements
- While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, walk, reach, stretch, and use manual dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail in a standard office environment or while working remotely.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be asked to lift objects up to 15 lbs.
Why Join Us?
AUVSI is at the forefront of the uncrewed systems sector, and the Director of Government Affairs (Ground) will play a key role in shaping policy, legislation, and funding that impacts this growing field. This position offers the opportunity to work with high‑level defense and legislative leaders, advocate for cutting‑edge technologies, and influence national security and defense strategies.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
AUVSI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our team and partners. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
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