ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Government Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Director, Government Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

K&L Gates

Government Affairs Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$18/hr

The global law firm of K&L Gates LLP is seeking Government Affairs Interns for our Fall 2026 program. The K&L Gates Lloyd Meeds Policy Fellowship Program is a semester-long opportunity for ...

News Corp

Manager, Government Affairs

Washington, DC

$150K - $175K/yr

News Corp seeks a government affairs professional to be Manager, Government Affairs. This role will play a key part in shaping the policy environment impacting journalism, digital platforms, and ...

Solidigm

VP, Government Relations

Washington, DC · On-site

The VP, Government Relations is a key member of Solidigm's executive leadership team, responsible for building and managing the company's relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies ...

News Corp.

Manager, Government Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

News Corp seeks a government affairs professional to be Manager, Government Affairs. This role will play a key part in shaping the policy environment impacting journalism, digital platforms, and ...

CeCity.com

Director Government Affairs

Washington, DC

$113K - $188K/yr

Director Government Affairs What you will be doing: The Director of Government Affairs will provide expertise to help Premier and our members understand, shape, and operate within rapidly changing ...

Solidigm

VP, Government Relations

Washington, DC · On-site

The VP, Government Relations is a key member of Solidigm's executive leadership team, responsible for building and managing the company's relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies ...

Latigo Bio

Head of Government Affairs

Washington, DC · Remote

Head of Government Affairs Location: Remote Position Type: Full Time Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Company Description: Latigo Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company ...

FMI

Director, State Government Affairs

Arlington, VA

Provide research, information, leadership and deliverables to FMI members, state associations and FMI staff on assigned state government affairs issues of priority interest to the industry. Monitor ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment JobsGovernment Jobs in Reston, VA

Government information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.3K

$117.1K

$162.8K

How much do government jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for government in Reston, VA is $117,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,800.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a government position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a government position, you generally need a relevant educational background, strong analytical skills, and an understanding of public administration or policy. Familiarity with government-specific software, data management systems, or procurement platforms, as well as certifications like PMP or Certified Government Financial Manager, is often required depending on the role. Excellent communication, integrity, and adaptability are essential soft skills for serving the public and collaborating across departments. These skills ensure effective policy implementation, transparency, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.

What are government jobs?

Government jobs are positions of employment within local, state, or federal government agencies and organizations. These roles can range from administrative and clerical work to specialized technical, professional, or law enforcement positions. Government jobs typically offer benefits such as job stability, health insurance, and retirement plans. They play a crucial role in serving the public and implementing policies, laws, and programs that benefit society. The hiring process and requirements may vary depending on the level and department of government.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in government roles?

Professionals in government roles often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements and balancing competing priorities from various stakeholders. Additionally, the pace of change can be slower due to established procedures and the need for transparency, which may require patience and adaptability. Collaboration is essential, as government employees frequently work in cross-functional teams to develop policies, deliver public services, and respond to community needs. Despite these challenges, working in government offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and develop valuable skills for long-term career growth.

How Can I Get a Government Job?

Getting a government job depends on your skills, interests, and educational qualifications. Some civil service jobs, such as in the postal service, require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must pass a written test to demonstrate your English language skills and general aptitude for the responsibilities of the position. Other government job duties require you to have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a relevant field, whereas some require a law degree. Beyond education, some jobs, like those in law enforcement, require completing specialized training programs, earning certifications, and passing background checks.

More about Government jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Government jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Government jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Government jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Government jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Government jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Government job openings:
Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,089 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Director, Government Affairs

Vast

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
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.
$185,000-$226,380 USD
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.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
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.

Apply