The Opportunity

Cape is seeking a dedicated Head of Government Relations to map and engage federal stakeholders and to forecast policy-based risks and opportunities. While Cape's federal business development team engages end-user organizations, the Head of Government Relations will navigate complex policymaking to unlock national level relationships and funding. This role will also be key in setting milestones, forecasting policy changes, and anticipating regulatory requirements that could affect the company and its customers. This position will select and directly manage external advising and lobbying parties, requiring the right candidate to be able to both navigate human terrain and to clearly organize the company's government strategy. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in legislative affairs, federal budget alignment, government contracting, policy planning, or similar arenas. This role reports to Cape's Head of Federal and will have an outsized impact on the success and growth of the company.

Purpose

We are seeking a high-ownership Head of Government Relations to serve as a critical driver of Cape's growth. In this role, you will take full accountability for government engagement and policy-based results through your management of external stakeholders. In addition, you will develop and maintain organized tracking systems to ensure cross-functional alignment on key lines of effort. Your mission is to bridge the gap between the company's most pressing intragovernmental challenges and the government institutions that can solve them. You will optimize external engagement through clearly communicated long-term strategies, while remaining responsive to the fluid nature of technology and defense policy.

What You'll Work On

• Developing a long-term milestone-based government strategy
• Mapping key government stakeholders to company needs
• Forecasting political, policy, budgetary, and regulatory changes and volatility
• Shaping new policies beneficial to the company and its customers
• Forming and maturing partnerships with third parties in the federal ecosystem
• Optimizing relationships with external advisors, experts, and lobbyists
• Engaging resource sponsors to achieve established strategic endstates
• Establishing, attending, and managing events that cross between industry and government affairs

Experience

• Operational Pedigree: Prior experience in fast-paced environments. We value a background of "ownership" where you've been responsible for end-to-end outcomes.
• External Relationship Development: Ability to network among a diverse set of external stakeholders, build connections with them, and maintain strong ties.
• Executive Communication: Clear and concise professional correspondence and awareness of protocol in political and bureaucratic offices.
• Knowledge of the Legislative Process: First hand knowledge of the federal legislative process through experience in lobbying, Congressional fellowship, PSM/MLA, or similar.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to establish a multi-year government engagement plan that aligns company goals with government cadences.
• Professional Background: Relevant background in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or similar professions.

Compensation

We offer competitive compensation that is geo-adjusted based on your location, along with meaningful equity so you share in the value you help create. Salary range for this role in Arlington, VA is $250,000-$350,000 depending on experience and interview performance.

Our benefits include:

• 401(k) match
• 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents
• 12 weeks paid parental leave (for all parents, no waiting period)
• Stipends for
  
  • Family-forming needs
  • Gender-affirming care
• Unlimited PTO