Senior Director, Legislative and Government Affairs

Noda

. Develop, inform, and execute NODA's legislative and government affairs strategy aligned with company priorities, capture plans, and program growth .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in legislative affairs and government relations, with a strong understanding of the federal budget process and defense appropriations. Capable of effectively communicating complex technology impacts to policymakers and managing strategic relationships within the defense sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Legislative Affairs ExperienceFederal Budget Process KnowledgeEstablished Congressional RelationshipsDoD Budgeting and Acquisition UnderstandingExcellent Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legislative Strategy DevelopmentPolicy AnalysisReport Language DraftingBudget Request MonitoringNDAA EngagementDoD Security ClearanceUnderstanding of PPBEExperience with OTAsFamiliarity with SBIR/STTRExperience Securing Funding

Soft Skills

Relationship ManagementStrategic Alliance BuildingCollaborationBriefing and Presentation SkillsWritten Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. CitizenshipAbility to Obtain DoD Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Defense IndustryGovernment AffairsUnmanned SystemsAutonomyAI PolicyEmerging TechnologyCapitol Hill ExperienceDefense Appropriations CommitteesLobbying Disclosure ActFederal Ethics Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, inform, and execute NODA's legislative and government affairs strategy aligned with company priorities, capture plans, and program growth
Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and personal office staff, particularly on House and Senate Armed Services and Defense Appropriations committees
Engage with the Department of Defense, military services, and Executive Branch stakeholders on policy, requirements, and budget priorities related to autonomy and unmanned systems
Lead engagement in NDAA and defense appropriations cycles, including drafting and advocating for report language, plus-ups, and program support
Monitor, analyze, and brief leadership on legislation, budget requests, regulations, and policy developments
Translate NODA's technology and mission impact into materials for policymakers, including white papers, one-pagers, testimony support, and briefings
Plan and manage Hill visits, site visits, demonstrations, and engagements with policymakers and government stakeholders
Partner with Business Development, Capture, and Program teams to support pipeline and program execution
Represent NODA in industry associations, coalitions, and think tanks, building strategic alliances
Manage relationships with external government affairs consultants and lobbying firms as needed
Engage with state and international stakeholders, including Texas state government and allied partners
Track engagement activity and report outcomes, priorities, and impact to leadership
Report to the CGO and collaborate with the CEO, leadership team, and Business Development team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field
10+ years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, or policy, including time on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, or in a defense industry government affairs role
Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative and budget process, including NDAA and defense appropriations cycles
Established relationships with congressional offices and committee staff, particularly on defense-focused committees
Understanding of DoD budgeting, requirements, and acquisition processes (PPBE)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to explain complex technology clearly to non-technical audiences
Working knowledge of the Lobbying Disclosure Act and federal ethics requirements
U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR regulations
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
Willingness to work in the Washington, DC area and in the DC office 3 days a week
Willingness to travel to Austin, TX
Preferred: experience as professional staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, or SAC-D, or in a DoD legislative affairs office
Preferred: government affairs experience at a defense technology, aerospace, or venture-backed startup company
Preferred: familiarity with autonomy, unmanned systems, AI policy, or emerging technology in defense
Preferred: experience securing funding through authorization or appropriations
Preferred: familiarity with OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and DIU programs
Preferred: prior military service or government experience
Preferred: existing security clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Opportunity to work on meaningful defense technology advancing autonomous orchestration of unmanned systems
Direct access to company leadership and significant influence over government affairs strategy
Opportunity to build and lead a government relations function from the ground up
Growth path to Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy
Inclusive, supportive, and accessible work environment
Equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations