Head of Government Affairs

About the Company

Armada is an edge computing startup that provides computing infrastructure to remote areas where connectivity and cloud infrastructure is limited, as well as areas where data needs to be processed locally for real-time analytics and AI at the edge. We’re looking to bring on the most brilliant minds to help further our mission of bridging the digital divide with advanced technology infrastructure that can be rapidly deployed anywhere.

About the Role

As the Head of Government Affairs at Armada, you will lead the development and execution of government engagement strategies, fostering relationships with Members of Congress, Committee Staff, Congressional Leadership, executive branch officials, and other key stakeholders. Your role will be crucial in advocating for budgetary and policy initiatives that align with Armada’s business objectives, particularly those that impact revenue growth. You will also serve as a representative of Armada before a variety of audiences, including industry groups, think tanks, and governmental bodies, to increase visibility and support for our strategic initiatives.

Location

This role is based in the Washington, DC metro area, with an expected travel commitment of approximately 40% or more.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Develop and execute government relations strategies to strengthen Armada’s reputation, elevate its industry positioning, and increase understanding of its business goals in Washington, DC.
• Lead the Government Relations (GR) strategy across multiple business lines, ensuring alignment with long-term corporate objectives and business goals.
• Drive company efforts to support key defense and national security policies and funding priorities, engaging with Congress and the executive branch.
• Collaborate with Government Relations and business line leaders to identify opportunities in business and policy, providing strategic advice to meet specific business objectives.
• Coordinate with internal teams (e.g., communications, legal, corporate development) to implement strategies supporting both business line and company-wide priorities.
• Plan and execute appropriations and authorization strategies to secure revenue streams, including direct engagement with Members of Congress and executive branch stakeholders to gain support for budgetary and policy initiatives.
• Prepare written materials such as white papers, presentations, congressional testimony, and briefing documents that support Armada's federal business objectives.
• Monitor and engage with annual congressional policymaking, focusing on appropriations, defense, and homeland security to advocate for Armada's priorities.
• Ensure coordinated outreach and messaging across internal and external stakeholders, aligning with business development teams, consultants, and senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 10+ years in national security, government relations, or federal executive/legislative roles. Significant background in U.S. federal budget/appropriations and policymaking processes, with an understanding of their impact on business development.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Knowledge: Extensive experience in defense/national security, either through Capitol Hill roles, the executive branch, or comparable government relations positions within the defense industry.
• Strategic Impact: Proven record of successfully influencing legislative policy and budget processes, particularly within defense and national security contexts.
• Expertise: In-depth knowledge of U.S. appropriations and policymaking processes across executive agencies, Congress, and the White House.
• Sector Experience: Experience with defense policy, budget issues, and knowledge of the national security sector and key stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Ability to develop and sustain strategic relationships with Congressional members, executive branch officials, and relevant industry associations.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Independence and Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, decision-oriented environment.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain and hold a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance. For select roles, due to the nature of our clientele and the technologies involved, there may be specific nationality or citizenship indicated in the required qualifications section. These roles may involve access to sensitive information that is subject to export control regulations or other legal restrictions. In such cases, employment offers will be contingent upon your ability to comply with these requirements.

Preferred Experience / Skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional team and engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong coalition-building skills with the ability to navigate complex policy and budget landscapes.

You're a Great Fit if You're

• A go-getter with a growth mindset. You're intellectually curious, have strong business acumen, and actively seek opportunities to build relevant skills and knowledge
• A detail-oriented problem-solver. You can independently gather information, solve problems efficiently, and deliver results with a "get-it-done" attitude
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment. You're energized by an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of working quickly, and excited to contribute to a growing company
• A collaborative team player. You focus on business success and are motivated by team accomplishment vs personal agenda
• Highly organized and results-driven. Strong prioritization skills and a dedicated work ethic are essential for you

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Armada, we are committed to fostering a work environment where everyone is given equal opportunities to thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, we strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, and compensation. Our hiring is guided by qualifications, merit, and the business needs at the time.

Compensation & Benefits

For U.S. Based candidates: To ensure fairness and transparency, the starting on-target earnings (OTE) range for this role for candidates in the U.S. are listed below, varying based on location experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to the on-target earnings, this role will also be offered equity and subsidized benefits (details available upon request).