Chief of Staff Washington DC

Chief of Staff

Department: Legal

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington DC

Compensation: $130,000 - $170,000 / year

As Chief of Staff/Office Manager
, at Impulse
, we're seeking a versatile, high-energy professional to serve as the backbone of our compact DC office (4‑6 team members). This hybrid role reports to the Company’s General Counsel & VP of Government Relations, and combines strategic Chief of Staff duties—supporting executive priorities and cross-functional coordination between the Government BD, Government Relations and Legal teams—with hands‑on Office Manager responsibilities for smooth daily operations.

Ideal for a proactive multitasker who thrives in a fast‑paced startup environment, you'll ensure our DC presence runs efficiently while advancing our mission to shape space policy and secure partnerships.

NOTE: This position is on‑site in Washington DC.

Chief of Staff Functions (60%):

• Provide executive team support to DC‑based leaders, including calendar management, travel coordination, and preparation for high‑stakes meetings (e.g., Capitol Hill briefings, NASA/DOD engagements); interface effectively with civil and national security directors to facilitate seamless collaboration and alignment on priorities
• Facilitate internal communications and collaboration between DC, HQ (Redondo Beach, CA), and remote teams; track action items from strategy sessions and ensure follow‑through
• Assist with business development:
  Research policy landscapes, prepare briefing materials, and coordinate outreach to government stakeholders, lawmakers, and industry partners
• Monitor legislative and regulatory news or developments relevant to aerospace (e.g., FAA, NASA funding, export controls) and flag opportunities/risks alongside your civil and national security director peers
• Support event planning, such as the 4‑6 major industry annual conferences, policy round tables, or networking receptions in DC

Office Manager Functions (40%):

• Oversee day‑to‑day office operations:
  Manage supplies, landlord relationship, vendor relationships, IT maintenance, and facilities maintenance for our ~3,000 sq ft space (conference rooms, open seating, kitchenette)
• Coordinate logistics for off‑site activities: arrange team travel, and support hybrid/virtual setups
• Foster team culture:
  Organize morale‑boosting events, manage budgets for office perks, and ensure a welcoming, productive environment
• Act as the go‑to for ad‑hoc needs:
  From troubleshooting AV in conference rooms to liaising with building management

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Political Science, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in administrative, operations, or chief of staff roles; experience in government affairs, tech startups, or aerospace/defense preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to juggle priorities in a dynamic setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; comfortable interfacing with executives, VPs, Directors, policymakers, and vendors

• DC‑area knowledge:
  Familiarity with Capitol Hill navigation, federal agencies (e.g., NASA, FAA, DOD), and local networking
• Startup mindset:
  Resourceful, adaptable, and excited about space tech
• 5+ years demonstrated experience working in the new space industry; specifically within an administrative capacity

Additional Information:

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies.

Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space 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.