DEPARTMENT: Washington Operations

REPORTS TO: Executive Vice President/Chief Mission Officer

POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Senior Vice President of International and Government Affairs will be responsible for leading teams, owning execution, and representing the organization to enhance Space Foundation's global presence and influence. This role involves cultivating and managing relationships with international governments, space agencies, non-governmental organizations, commercial enterprises, and educational institutions worldwide to support the Foundation's mission and strategic objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following briefly describes the representative responsibilities of this job, but it is not intended to be a complete or all-inclusive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this position:

• Strategic Engagement: Formulate and implement the strategic direction for the Space Foundation's international affairs and government relations, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall mission.
• Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain high-value relationships with U.S. government agencies, industry, embassies, foreign dignitaries, international organizations (such as the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs), and global partners.
• Representation and Diplomacy: Represent Space Foundation at conferences and events, delivering speeches and advocating for U.S. and international space policy goals and responsible behavior in space.
• Analysis and Reporting: Track, research, and analyze international space legislation, policies, political trends, and global space developments to provide expert consultation and inform internal strategies and publications. Provide leadership with insights on policy, geopolitical developments, emerging opportunities, and relationship developments that may impact the organization and its stakeholders.
• Program Development: Collaborate with internal divisions to ensure a significant global and U.S. senior leadership presence and participation in programs and events, including hosting international delegations and speakers.
• Communication: Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and related products for executive leadership and senior staff in advance of international meetings, senior US government, or senior U.S. interagency meetings and engagements.
• Collaboration: Work closely throughout the organization to facilitate seamless support across all activities involving dignitaries, government officials, international delegations, and strategic partners.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the Washington-based Government Relations and International Relations teams, setting priorities and ensuring effective execution of engagement activities and organizational objectives.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages departmental budgets and resources, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, effective stewardship, and successful execution of key initiatives.

COMPETENCIES:

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to draft high-impact content, proposals, and reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess complex international policies and trends.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to exercise tactical diplomacy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required to meet with stakeholders and attend events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related discipline required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in international relations, government affairs, or a related field, with experience in the space, aerospace, or defense sectors strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing international partnerships and advocating for policy objectives to diverse stakeholders (government, commercial, academic, etc.).
• Proficiency in common IT systems and data management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position involves extended periods of sitting or standing at a workstation and frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment. Occasional movement, including walking, lifting, or carrying items up to 15 pounds, may be required. Reasonable accommodation will be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role is primarily based in an office environment, with access to standard equipment and furnishings. The role requires domestic and international travel to cultivate relationships, represent the organization, and support strategic engagement priorities. The work environment is quiet to moderate in noise level. Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities.

JOB STATUS:

• FLSA Classification: This position is an exempt according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position is not eligible to receive overtime pay.
• Full- or Part-Time: This position is full-time in nature. An individual in this position will regularly work a schedule consisting of 40 hours per week.
• Work Location: This position's primary work site is the Arlington, VA office.
• Regular Schedule: Usual business days are Monday through Friday, holidays excepted, and usual business hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. in the time zone in which the position is located.

BENEFITS:

Space Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D coverage
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off
• Access to employee assistance program (EAP)