Worker Type

Contractor

Job Description

 

Summary

The Washington Operations Director will develop, coordinate and implement business development and government relations strategies to acquire, maintain and increase U.S. Government and International support for AeroVironment (AV) programs. They will work in support of cross-functional teams who are responsible for the identification and strategy of capturing new business and executing current business.

Position Responsibilities

Represents AeroVironment to the Executive and Legislative Branches of the U.S. GovernmentCoordinates and supports AV U.S. Government and International customer interaction in Washington D.C.Develops and maintains relationships with Members of Congress, congressional committees and personal staff members; identifies and coordinate opportunities for AV leadership interaction with CongressDevelops and maintains relationships with Departments of Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, Justice and State; identifies and coordinates opportunities for AV leadership interaction with these DepartmentsPlans and implements AV business development and congressional engagement strategies; manages resources and consultant lobbyists; fully complies with lobby laws, lobby disclosure and assists with Political Action Committee management (filing PAC reports and statements, depositing & dispersing funds, authorizing expenditures, advocating for contributions)Monitors and assures AV awareness of annual U.S. Government funding requests and Department of Defense reprogramming requests Provides annual U.S. Government Program and Budget Justification documents to AV leadership and Business Development teamMonitors and provides AeroVironment with Congressional Mark Up results of annual U.S. Government Budget Requests; assures U.S. Government-funded AV programs are fully funded by the congress and secures additional congressional funding for select AV programsRepresents AV interests to Aerospace, National Defense and International professional organizationsRegularly interacts with senior management or executive levelsOther duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor’s degree is required in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience12 - 15 years of relevant experience in aerospace, national defense activities5 + years experience working congressional activitiesDemonstrated understanding of the Department of Defense resource allocation processDemonstrated understanding of congressional oversight processDemonstrated expert knowledge of government proposal and program requirementsDemonstrated knowledge of international procurementsDemonstrated understanding of regulatory requirements for US government programs, as well as international sales

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Advanced degree, MBA or MS is preferredExcellent written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationshipsAble to perform in a rapidly growing organization with rapidly changing requirements and sales targetsDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives; delivers message to Garcia daily (“A Message to Garcia,” Elbert Hubbard’s essay on initiative, first publication 1899)Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstancesInspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employeesBrings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared visionChampions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of changeTakes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasksIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyFocuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

AeroVironment considers several factors, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.