Community Affairs Manager Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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 government 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 #LI-Remote #LI-Hybrid] must select have one of these hashtags on the JD and change font color to BLACK in greenhouse.