Noda AI Legislative and Government Affairs Sr. Director at Noda AI building and leading government relations function. Develops legislative strategy and represents company with Congress and Executive Branch.
Responsibilities
As our Legislative and Government Affairs Director, you'll build and lead NODA’s government relations function from the ground up. You'll help develop our legislative strategy, represent NODA with Congress, the Department of Defense, and key policy stakeholders, and make sure our programs are understood, funded, and positioned for growth.
You'll work directly with the CGO, CEO, the leadership team, and Business Development team to align government affairs with our capture and program priorities, from authorization and appropriations through to policy on autonomy, unmanned systems, and defense acquisition reform.
This is a rare chance to shape how a fast-growing defense technology company engages with Washington. You'll have real influence over strategy, direct access to leadership, and the opportunity to build a function that grows with NODA as we move from prototype to production programs.
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 the House and Senate Armed Services and Defense Appropriations committees
Engage with the Department of Defense, the military services, and other Executive Branch stakeholders on policy, requirements, and budget priorities relevant to autonomy and unmanned systems
Lead NODA’s engagement in the 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 affecting NODA and the wider defense technology sector
Translate NODA’s technology and mission impact into clear, compelling 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 so government affairs activity supports pipeline and program execution
Represent NODA within industry associations, coalitions, and think tanks, building strategic alliances that strengthen our policy positions
Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in Political ScienceUnderstanding of DoD budgetingDue to the nature of the positionFamiliarity with autonomyExisting security clearanceSkills & Attributes
Required
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 the 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 the ability to explain complex technology clearly to non-technical audiences
Working knowledge of the Lobbying Disclosure Act and federal ethics requirements
Due to the nature of the position, U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Preferred
Experience as professional staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, or SAC-D, or in a DoD legislative affairs office
Government affairs experience at a defense technology, aerospace, or venture-backed startup company
Familiarity with autonomy, unmanned systems, AI policy, or emerging technology in defense
Experience securing funding for programs through authorization or appropriations
Familiarity with nontraditional acquisition pathways such as OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and DIU programs
