Legislative and Government Affairs Sr. Director

LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SR. DIRECTOR Location: Washington, DC area (with some travel to Austin, TX); in DC office 3 days a week Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance Reports to: CGO ABOUT NODA NODA is a Veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. As autonomy becomes central to how the U.S. and its allies operate, the policy, budget, and regulatory decisions made in Washington directly shape how quickly NODA's technology reaches the warfighter. The Legislative and Government Affairs Manager is NODA's voice on Capitol Hill and across the Executive Branch, building the relationships and strategy that turn mission impact into lasting support. Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration. THE ROLE As our Legislative and Government Affairs Director, you'll build and lead NODA’s government relations function from the ground up. You'll help develop our legislative strategy, represent NODA with Congress, the Department of Defense, and key policy stakeholders, and make sure our programs are understood, funded, and positioned for growth. You'll work directly with the CGO, CEO, the leadership team, and Business Development team to align government affairs with our capture and program priorities, from authorization and appropriations through to policy on autonomy, unmanned systems, and defense acquisition reform. This is a rare chance to shape how a fast-growing defense technology company engages with Washington. You'll have real influence over strategy, direct access to leadership, and the opportunity to build a function that grows with NODA as we move from prototype to production programs. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop/Inform and execute NODA's legislative and government affairs strategy, aligned with company priorities, capture plans, and program growth - Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and personal office staff, particularly on the House and Senate Armed Services and Defense Appropriations committees - Engage with the Department of Defense, the military services, and other Executive Branch stakeholders on policy, requirements, and budget priorities relevant to autonomy and unmanned systems - Lead NODA’s engagement in the NDAA and defense appropriations cycles, including drafting and advocating for report language, plus-ups, and program support - Monitor, analyze, and brief leadership on legislation, budget requests, regulations, and policy developments affecting NODA and the wider defense technology sector - Translate NODA’s technology and mission impact into clear, compelling materials for policymakers, including white papers, one-pagers, testimony support, and briefings - Plan and manage Hill visits, site visits, demonstrations, and engagements with policymakers and government stakeholders - Partner with Business Development, Capture, and Program teams so government affairs activity supports pipeline and program execution - Represent NODA within industry associations, coalitions, and think tanks, building strategic alliances that strengthen our policy positions - Manage relationships with external government affairs consultants and lobbying firms as needed - Engage with state and international stakeholders, including Texas state government and allied partners, as NODA expands - Track engagement activity and report on outcomes, priorities, and impact to leadership REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field - 10+ years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, or policy, including time on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, or in a defense industry government affairs role - Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative and budget process, including the NDAA and defense appropriations cycles - Established relationships with congressional offices and committee staff, particularly on defense-focused committees - Understanding of DoD budgeting, requirements, and acquisition processes (PPBE) - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technology clearly to non-technical audiences - Working knowledge of the Lobbying Disclosure Act and federal ethics requirements - Due to the nature of the position, U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience as professional staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, or SAC-D, or in a DoD legislative affairs office - Government affairs experience at a defense technology, aerospace, or venture-backed startup company - Familiarity with autonomy, unmanned systems, AI policy, or emerging technology in defense - Experience securing funding for programs through authorization or appropriations - Familiarity with nontraditional acquisition pathways such as OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and DIU programs - Prior military service or government experience - Existing security clearance SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES - Strategic thinker who connects policy and budget developments to business impact - Trusted relationship builder with credibility across both sides of the aisle - Clear, persuasive communicator in writing and in person - Builder’s mindset, comfortable standing up a function where none exists - High judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information and relationships - Collaborative partner to leadership, Business Development, and Program teams - Mission driven, with a genuine interest in and respect for NODA AI's defense mission and the people who serve it GROWTH PATH AT NODA - Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy: own NODA’s full policy, legislative, and government relations strategy as part of the leadership team Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Equal Opportunity Statement NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.   As a federal contractor, NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting, hiring, and employment process.   Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws, including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities, to apply.   NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@NodaIntelligence.ai or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.