Director, Government Affairs

Job description

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world’s first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities capable of manufacturing America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy. Vast is looking for a Director, Government Affairs to lead and expand the company’s engagement across Congress, the U.S. Department of Defense, and associated national security stakeholders. This role will drive policy, partnership, and congressional advocacy strategies to advance Vast’s initiatives to launch and operate the world’s leading commercial space stations in support of both civil and national security space objectives. This will be a full-time , exempt position located in our Washington D.C. location. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a comprehensive DoD and national security engagement strategy aligned with Vast’s government affairs and policy objectives. Collaborate across internal teams including Legal, Programs, Engineering, and Business Development to align advocacy efforts with mission and programmatic priorities. Congressional & DoD Engagement Build and maintain strong relationships with key offices within the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, Air Force, Space Development Agency (SDA), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and other defense-related organizations. Engage with relevant Congressional committees and staff, particularly those overseeing defense, space, and appropriations matters. Coordinate with the National Security Council (NSC), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and others in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) when cross-agency alignment is required. Policy and Advocacy Monitor, analyze, and interpret U.S. defense and national security policy, legislation, and appropriations developments impacting commercial space capabilities. Prepare policy briefs, talking points, and legislative summaries to inform internal leadership and support strategic decision-making. Develop recommendations and written submissions for defense-related requests for information (RFIs), trade reports, and industry-government engagements. Program and Partnership Support Collaborate with Vast’s business development team to support DoD-related contracting opportunities, cooperative agreements, and partnerships. Identify emerging defense needs where Vast’s commercial capabilities can contribute to resilience, mission assurance, and space domain awareness objectives. Provide policy support for defense-related technology initiatives, security reviews, and regulatory engagement. Minimum Qualifications: 8+ years of professional experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional affairs, and/or national security space. Experience engaging Congress on defense, national security, or space-related policy and funding priorities. Current registered lobbyist or willingness and ability to register as a lobbyist, as required. Preferred Skills & Experience: Experience working on DOD space programs and policies Experience with government contracting and government procurement Experience with Congressional appropriations and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process Proven ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules with ease and grace Ability to simplify complex concepts into straightforward and concise explanations Comfortable operating outside of areas of expertise and in new territory Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills Self-starter with excellent time-management and prioritization skills Additional Requirements: Ability to travel up to 25% of the time. Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance to support DOD space programs. Pay Range: Washington D.C. $163,000 — $226,000 USD We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.