Director of Government Affairs

The role

The Director of Government Affairs will lead federal legislative and regulatory advocacy. This person will engage Capitol Hill and executive agencies while managing external lobbying and government relations firms.

What you will do

• Lead in-house legislative strategy and direct advocacy across Capitol Hill and executive agencies
• Direct, scope, and hold accountable external government relations and lobbying firms
• Partner with Defense and Commercial Sales teams to track federal budget cycles
• Drive impact in securing favorable legislative text, report language, and regulatory standards
• Identify opportunities to improve policy presence, coalition participation, and congressional witness opportunities
• Own legislative engagement and vendor management from priority identification through implementation
• Contribute to scaling public affairs and policy capability

Required qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in legislative affairs, public policy, or federal government relations
• Deep exposure to defense, national security, or critical transportation infrastructure
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable policy proposals independently
• Strong strategic foresight, coalition building, and external vendor/agency management skills
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, high-growth, mission-driven venture-backed startup environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, National Security, or equivalent practical experience
• Proven track record on Capitol Hill or within relevant federal agencies
• Direct experience drafting legislative language and navigating authorization/appropriation cycles

Nice to have

• Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
• Employer-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Uncapped paid time off policy
• Flexible work & remote work policy
• Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)

About the company

Shift5 is building the data platform for onboard operational technology (OT). They deliver cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance capabilities for defense and commercial fleets.