About This Role
Managing government relations involves serving as a registered lobbyist and advisor, supporting the company's engagement with the U.S. Congress, executive branch agencies, and relevant state and local governments. This position advances legislative and regulatory priorities through education and advocacy with government stakeholders while ensuring full compliance with all federal and state lobbying disclosure and ethics laws. The role works closely with Business Development, Program Management, Legal, Compliance, and Communications to align government engagement with corporate strategy.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance company positions on defense authorization/appropriations bills (NDAA, defense appropriations) and relevant regulatory matters
- Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committee staff (e.g., House/Senate Armed Services, Appropriations), and executive branch officials (DoW, service branches, DHS, State Department, etc.)
- Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative and regulatory developments affecting company programs, contracts, and the broader defense/industrial base
- Draft authorization and appropriations requests, position papers, one-pagers, leave-behinds, and talking points for executives and lobbying activities
- Support congressional site visits, facility tours, and engagement events for elected officials and staff
- Register and file as a lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA); maintain accurate and timely LD-203 semi-annual federal filings
- Track and comply with applicable state lobbying registration and reporting requirements in jurisdictions where the company engages
- Monitor gift, meal, and travel rules (House/Senate ethics rules, executive branch ethics regulations) for all company personnel engaging with government officials
- Maintain recordkeeping systems for lobbying contacts, expenditures, and disclosures; support internal and external audits
- Attend PAC events on behalf of the company
- Support administration of the company/employee political action committee (PAC), including compliance with FEC regulations, solicitation rules, and contribution tracking
- Coordinate approved political engagement activities (fundraisers, campaign events) consistent with company policy and legal guidance
- Represent the company in industry associations (e.g., NDIA, AIA, state defense/industry coalitions) and coalition advocacy efforts
- Coordinate with trade associations and coalition partners on shared legislative priorities
- Represent the company at policy Think Tank events and activities (e.g., CSIS)
- Brief Business Development and Program teams on legislative/regulatory risks and opportunities
- Prepare regular government relations activity reports, budget trackers, and ROI/impact summaries for leadership
- Coordinate messaging with Corporate Communications to ensure consistency across public policy, media, and government-facing communications
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Affairs, Communications, or related field (advanced degree a plus)
- 2-4 years of experience in Congress, lobbying, legislative affairs, or a related role — ideally within the defense, aerospace, or federal contracting sector
- Working knowledge of the federal legislative and appropriations/authorization process (NDAA cycle, defense appropriations)
- Demonstrated understanding of the Lobbying Disclosure Act, congressional ethics rules, and federal/state disclosure requirements
- Established relationships with congressional offices, committee staff, and/or relevant executive branch agencies preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting policy documents, authorization/appropriations requests, and briefing materials
Nice to have:
- Prior experience on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, or with a trade association/lobbying firm
- Existing LDA registration/reporting experience
- Familiarity with defense acquisition processes (FAR/DFARS) and the broader national security policy landscape
- Experience supporting a corporate PAC
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Company contribution to a health savings account
- Telemedicine
- Life and disability insurance
- Legal insurance
- 401(k) savings plan
- Wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
- Programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement
- Flexible work schedules with a 9/80 program
- Competitive vacation
- Health/emergency leave
- Paid parental leave
- Community service hours
Important Details
- Reports to: SVP, Government Relations
- Work format: hybrid, in office on Tues/Wed/Thurs
- Travel: 25–40% (Capitol Hill, agency offices, state capitals, industry events)
- Working conditions: On-site presence in Washington, D.C. metro area required; frequent travel to Capitol Hill, agency offices, and occasional state/local travel; may require attendance at evening/weekend events (receptions, PAC related events, conferences)
About the Company
Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. The company specializes in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Its people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats.
