Director, Intelligence Community Strategy & Engagement

Job description

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight. Position Overview We are seeking a Director, Intelligence Community (IC) Strategy & Engagement to lead the company's strategy for Intelligence Community adoption and mission integration. This senior leadership role will be responsible for identifying and advancing opportunities across the IC landscape, aligning mission requirements with company capabilities, and developing tailored solutions that address unique customer needs. The Director will serve as a strategic advisor and external ambassador, building trusted relationships with senior government stakeholders, shaping market engagement efforts, and guiding opportunities from initial outreach through contracted programs and operational deployment. This position requires a deep understanding of the Intelligence Community, national security priorities, acquisition pathways, and emerging technology applications within highly regulated environments. Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute the company's Intelligence Community (IC) growth strategy by identifying priority agencies, mission areas, engagement approaches, and paths to adoption. Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior IC leaders, program offices, mission partners, government stakeholders, and industry partners. Represent the company at customer engagements, industry events, conferences, exercises, and working groups. Translate mission requirements into tailored solutions and service offerings by partnering with product, engineering, operations, and security teams to define, develop, and deliver customer-focused capabilities. Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that expand mission support capabilities and drive business growth. Lead customer engagements through the full lifecycle, from initial outreach and opportunity shaping to proposal support, contract award, implementation, and operational deployment. Navigate Intelligence Community acquisition pathways, including OTAs, BAAs, CRADAs, subcontracting opportunities, and direct contract vehicles, while supporting capture and business development efforts. Partner with internal security and compliance teams to support personnel, facility, and system security requirements associated with sensitive and classified programs. Monitor IC priorities, policy developments, budget trends, acquisition activities, and competitive dynamics to identify opportunities and inform business strategy. Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, market assessments, strategic recommendations, and customer engagement updates for senior leadership. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on Intelligence Community operations, customer needs, technology adoption trends, partnership opportunities, and long-term growth initiatives. Collaborate across business development, government affairs, product, engineering, contracts, operations, and security teams to ensure successful customer outcomes and program execution. Qualifications: Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability and willingness to maintain existing clearances and obtain additional access authorizations as required. 10+ years of experience working within or directly supporting the Intelligence Community. Demonstrated network and working relationships across key IC organizations and stakeholder groups. Strong understanding of Intelligence Community mission requirements, organizational structures, and acquisition processes. Proven ability to develop strategic initiatives and successfully execute them in complex environments. Experience influencing senior decision-makers and building consensus across diverse stakeholder groups. Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Political Science, National Security Studies, Public Policy, or a related field preferred. Experience: Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience supporting Intelligence Community, national security, defense, aerospace, space, telecommunications, or related government sectors. Experience leading strategic customer engagements, business growth initiatives, or mission-focused programs. Demonstrated success engaging executive-level government customers and industry partners. Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting Intelligence Community science and technology initiatives or emerging technology portfolios. Background in satellite communications, space systems, spectrum operations, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), artificial intelligence (AI), ISR, or related technologies. Full-Scope Polygraph or experience supporting highly sensitive government programs. Prior service within an Intelligence Community agency headquarters, mission center, or equivalent organization. Familiarity with NGA, NRO, NSA, DIA, Service Intelligence organizations, or related defense and national security entities. Experience supporting DoD space, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, or communications programs. Proven track record of helping establish new business lines, strategic partnerships, or mission-focused offerings. Experience operating within highly regulated or classified environments. Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholder groups. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings and presentations. Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across organizations. Strong organizational and project management skills. Meticulous attention to detail while maintaining focus on broader business objectives. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. High degree of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment. Self-starter with the ability to work independently and make informed decisions under ambiguity. Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities. Adaptability and resilience in navigating complex government environments and evolving mission requirements. This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands . AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment 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.