SVP, Government Affairs

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground. OUR VALUES Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity. What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results. It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together. BENEFITS & PERKS * Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success. *Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles YOUR MISSION Own True Anomaly's engagement strategy across the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, the intelligence community, Capitol Hill, and state and local governments. As our senior-most Government Affairs leader, you'll report directly to executive leadership and build a durable, multi-year strategy rooted in how policy actually becomes law, and how programs survive and grow when budget cycles tighten. We're not looking for a lobbyist. We're looking for a strategist and a closer. Someone who has spent their career at the highest levels of defense and national security, sat inside government, and knows how Washington actually works. RESPONSIBILITIES Federal Strategy & Engagement Own the full government affairs strategy — developing an integrated engagement plan across OSD, the Services, combatant commands, U.S. Space Force, and the Intelligence Community Build and maintain deep, personal relationships across the House, Senate, and Senate leadership, with particular emphasis on defense, space, and technology committees (SASC, HASC, defense appropriations) Advocate for policies, programs, and funding priorities that align with True Anomaly's mission and national security objectives Coordinate briefings and meetings with senior administration officials to shape space policy, acquisition strategy, and export control frameworks Proactively engage the Pentagon on emerging national security priorities — from space superiority to supply chain resilience and rare earth elements — connecting True Anomaly's capabilities to decision-makers before requirements are written Monitor and analyze legislation impacting space defense and commercial space operations; translate implications into actionable guidance for executive leadership Shift the Overton window — as the leading defense tech companies have demonstrated, strong government affairs is a strategic differentiator, not a support function State & Local Government Affairs Build and lead True Anomaly's state and local government affairs function from the ground up — this is a critical and underbuilt capability as we expand manufacturing and operations Develop relationships with governors' offices, state legislatures, and economic development agencies in key expansion markets to secure incentives, tax benefits, and long-term operational support Work with congressional delegations to align federal and state-level advocacy around manufacturing site decisions and workforce development Manage labor relations dynamics and community engagement as part of our facility expansion strategy Identify and pursue state-level partnerships that can generate durable political support and competitive advantage in key markets Team Building & Cross-Functional Leadership Build and lead a world-class government affairs team — recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent across federal, state, and local functions Partner closely with business development, legal, and program teams to align government affairs activities with contract opportunities and strategic growth Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on policy risk, political landscape, and strategic relationship management Prepare and oversee briefing materials, talking points, and position papers for executive leadership and government stakeholders QUALIFICATIONS A known quantity in defense and national security circles, with relationships and credibility built over a career. 15+ years of relevant experience in g overnment affairs, public policy, or defense — with demonstrated success developing and executing strategy at the highest levels Has sat inside government and understands how strategy becomes law — you've designed the approach, built the coalition, and gotten it enacted Background that ideally includes senior government affairs experience at a leading defense or national security technology company (experience at Palantir is a strong signal); candidates from major defense primes with comparable relationships and strategic scope will also be considered Deep, personal relationships across OSD, U.S. Space Force, the Intelligence Community, and key Hill offices and committees Fluency in U.S. government processes — PPBE budget cycle, defense acquisition, authorizations and appropriations, export controls, and space policy frameworks Experience navigating budget contractions and protecting program priorities when the fiscal environment tightens — you know how to fight for what matters when it's no longer easy Proven ability to build state and local government affairs capabilities, including securing manufacturing incentives, tax benefits, and building relationships with congressional delegations and governors' offices A builder — you've stood up teams, built functions, and created infrastructure where none existed Exceptional communicator; able to distill complex policy and technical concepts for senior government officials, board members, and internal stakeholders alike Eligibility for TS//SCI clearance; U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (ITAR compliance required) Based in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area COMPENSATION Base Salary: $255,000 - $380,000 Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Work Location —Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Colorado Springs. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site. Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job. Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving. This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know. To protect candidates and our company from application fraud and impersonation, we use third-party tools to verify applicant identity and detect fraudulent applications. Learn more in our Privacy Notice .