Director, Government Affairs and National Security Programs

Director, Government Affairs and National Security Programs

Location:

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Vast is building artificial gravity space stations and aims to launch the world's first commercial space station, Haven-1, in 2026. We are seeking a Director, Government Affairs and National Security Programs who will lead engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense and national security stakeholders, drive policy, partnership, and advocacy strategies to support our commercial space station initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive DoD and national security engagement strategy aligned with Vast’s government affairs and policy objectives.
  • Collaborate across internal teams including Legal, Programs, Engineering, and Business Development to align advocacy efforts with mission and program priorities.
• DoD and Interagency Engagement
  • Build and maintain relationships with key offices within the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, Air Force, Space Development Agency (SDA), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and other related organizations.
  • Engage with relevant Congressional committees and staff overseeing defense, space, and appropriations matters.
  • Coordinate with the National Security Council (NSC), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and others in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) for cross‑agency alignment when required.
• Policy and Advocacy
  • Monitor, analyze, and interpret U.S. defense and national security policy, legislation, and appropriations developments impacting commercial space capabilities.
  • Prepare policy briefs, talking points, and legislative summaries for internal leadership.
  • Develop recommendations and written submissions for defense‑related RFIs, trade reports, and industry‑government engagements.
• Program and Partnership Support
  • Collaborate with Vast’s business development team to support DoD contracting opportunities, cooperative agreements, and partnerships.
  • Identify emerging defense needs where Vast’s commercial capabilities can contribute to resilience, mission assurance, and space domain awareness.
  • Provide policy support for defense‑related technology initiatives, security reviews, and regulatory engagement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8+ years of professional experience in government affairs.

Preferred

Skills & Experience:

• Experience working on DoD space programs and policies.
• Experience with government contracting and procurement.
• Experience with Congressional appropriations and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process.
• Proven ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules.
• Ability to simplify complex concepts into concise explanations.
• Comfortable operating outside areas of expertise and in new territory.
• Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Self‑starter with strong time‑management and prioritization skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance to support DoD space programs.

Salary Range: Washington D.C. $185,000 - $226,380 USD

Base salary varies by experience, education and market demand. In addition to a competitive salary, full‑time employees receive equity, 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non‑exempt staff, paid parental leave, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, Class Pass credits, personalized mental health care through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications and are not influenced 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.