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Director Strategy Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merlin Labs

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

Develop go-to-market and growth strategies in regulated and government-contracted environments ... Support strategy related to FAA certification pathways and defense procurement processes * Build ...

Merlin Labs

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

Developgo-to-market and growth strategiesin regulated and government-contracted environments * Lead ... Support strategy related toFAA certification pathways and defense procurement processes * Build ...

Merlin Labs

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

You are a strategic operator with a deep interest in aviation, autonomy, and complex, regulated ... Developgo-to-market and growth strategiesin regulated and government-contracted environments

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All JobsDirector Strategy Government Jobs

Director Strategy Government information

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$21K

$134.6K

$260K

How much do director strategy government jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director strategy government in the United States is $134,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $183,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Strategy in Government, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Strategy in Government, you need expertise in public policy, strategic planning, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree in public administration, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, government reporting systems, and project management platforms is common, along with certifications like PMP or Six Sigma. Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills help drive consensus and lead cross-functional teams. These skills ensure effective policy development, strategic alignment with government objectives, and successful implementation of complex initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Strategy in the government sector, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Strategy in government often faces challenges such as navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, balancing long-term vision with immediate policy needs, and managing limited resources. Success in this role requires strong communication skills to align diverse interests, adaptability to shifting political priorities, and robust analytical abilities to prioritize initiatives. Building collaborative relationships across departments and leveraging data-driven decision-making are key strategies for overcoming these hurdles and driving impactful policy outcomes.

What does a Director of Strategy in Government do?

A Director of Strategy in Government is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing long-term plans to achieve key governmental objectives. They analyze political, economic, and social trends to inform strategic decisions, often working closely with senior officials and department heads. Their work ensures that government policies and initiatives are aligned with broader goals, such as economic growth, public service improvement, or regulatory compliance. Additionally, they may lead teams, manage budgets, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

What is the difference between Director Strategy Government vs Policy Analyst?

AspectDirector Strategy GovernmentPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields; some experience
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership in government agencies or departments, strategic planning teamsResearch teams, government offices, think tanks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, public sector organizationsGovernment, NGOs, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for strategic roles in governmentCompared for analytical and research roles in policy development

The main difference is that a Director Strategy Government leads strategic initiatives and oversees planning at a senior level, while a Policy Analyst focuses on researching, analyzing, and developing policy recommendations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope, responsibilities, and seniority within government organizations.

More about Director Strategy Government jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Strategy Government jobs? Cities with the most Director Strategy Government job openings:
What states have the most Director Strategy Government jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Strategy Government jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Strategy Government jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Strategy Government jobs are:
Director Strategy Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Strategy Government job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,553 per year, or $64.7 per hour.
Director, Strategy

Director, Strategy

Merlin Labs

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Merlin:
Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world’s leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation’s biggest challenges.
About You:
You are a strategic operator with a deep interest in aviation, autonomy, and complex, regulated environments. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, connecting technical innovation to market opportunity, and driving initiatives from concept through execution.  You bring a structured approach to problem solving, strong business judgment, and the ability to influence across engineering, program, and commercial teams. You are equally comfortable in executive-level discussions and rolling up your sleeves to move critical initiatives forward. 
Responsibilities:

  • Partner with executive leadership to define and evolve Merlin’s business and corporate strategy 

  • Translate long-term vision into clear strategic priorities, roadmaps, and execution plans 

  • Identify and evaluate new markets, mission sets, and customer segments across commercial and government domains 

  • Develop go-to-market and growth strategies in regulated and government-contracted environments 

  • Lead high-priority, cross-functional strategic initiatives from concept through implementation 

  • Collaborate with Engineering, Programs, and Business Development to ensure alignment between technical development and business objectives 

  • Support strategy related to FAA certification pathways and defense procurement processes 

  • Build data-driven analyses, business cases, and executive-level materials to support decision-making and Board discussions 

  • Assess competitive landscape, partnerships, and ecosystem dynamics to inform strategic positioning 

  • Act as a force multiplier for leadership by increasing decision velocity and organizational alignment 

Requirements:

  • 7-10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, or program leadership 

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other highly regulated industries 

  • Proven ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels 

  • Experience working with or alongside government customers or complex regulatory environments 

  • Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills 

  • Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable impact 

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at both executive and technical levels 

Nice to Haves:

  • Experience in autonomous systems, aviation, or AI-driven platforms 

  • Familiarity with FAA certification, DoD procurement, or mission-based program development 

  • Background in management consulting, corporate strategy, or high-growth startups 

  • Experience scaling strategy in a venture-backed or rapidly growing company 

  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and build structure in evolving environments 

  • Operator mindset with a track record of driving strategy through execution 

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.

Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.

At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: people@merlinlabs.com

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.