Director of Congressional Policy

RED CAT PROPWARE INC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Cat Holdings seeks a Director/Senior Director of Congressional Policy to lead federal engagement from Washington, D.C. You will coordinate with Congress, oversee PAC activities, and shape policy and budget priorities for defense, homeland security, and drone manufacturing.

The role requires at least a bachelor’s in government or related field and 4+ years on Capitol Hill. Travel up to 25% and the ability to register as a lobbyist are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in government or related field required; advanced degree a plus.
• Four years or more of progressive legislative policy experience on Capitol Hill.
• Experience with Armed Services, Appropriations, Intelligence or Homeland Security portfolios preferred.

Responsibilities

• Track and analyze legislative and policy matters for the drone industry.
• Engage Congressional offices and Committees to advance company priorities.
• Monitor federal and state legislative activities in the United States.
• Develop and lead a strategic public policy program with cross‑functional teams.
• Develop recommendations to support the company’s PAC and manage contributions.
• Build relationships across Congress and state capitals.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement strategies to support policy priorities.
• Oversee external government affairs consultants and prepare legislative memoranda.
• Represent Red Cat at meetings with legislators, business leaders and trade associations.
• Direct internal communications on government affairs; support cross‑department collaboration.
• Willingness to register as a lobbyist under applicable law.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Legislative analysis

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in government, political science, public policy or similar concentration

Job description

Job Location: Washington D.C. - Washington D.C., DC 20004

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $187,000.00 Base+Commission/year

Director/Sr. Director of Congressional Policy

The Director/Senior Director of Congressional Policy sits on Red Cat’s policy and strategy team and supports the Company’s advocacy at the U.S. federal level in Washington, D.C. This individual will be based in Washington, D.C. and is responsible for Red Cat’s engagement with members of Congress and their staff, as well as with Appropriations, Armed Services, Homeland Security, Oversight, and other relevant Committees. This individual will be responsible for securing Congressional appropriations for the company and identifying new Congressional appropriations opportunities.

The Director of Congressional Policy will work with members of Congress and their offices to drive policy and rulemaking in the interests of Red Cat and the U.S. drone manufacturing industry. This will include shaping legislation including defense and homeland security appropriations, the National Defense Authorization Act, Community Project Funding requests, and other relevant programs and bills. This individual will also be responsible for leading and managing the Red Cat Political Action Committee.

In addition, the Director will assist in covering Red Cat’s portfolio of SLTT policy priorities in the United States. This may include managing, shaping, and supporting legislation related to federal, state, and local grant programs, port security and drone for first responder (DFR) policies, domestic regulatory/rulemaking efforts, and other legislative programs of interest to the company.

The Director also helps the Vice President with Red Cat policy meetings, prioritizing agenda items, background materials, and meeting follow-up items. The Director will also coordinate with Red Cat subsidiaries to build relationships with and engage relevant district members.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Track and analyze legislative and other policy matters of interest to the Red Cat and the uncrewed systems manufacturing industry.
• Engage Congressional offices and Committees to advance company priorities and business opportunities.
• Conduct day-to-day monitoring of legislative activities at the federal and state levels in the United States.
• Develop and lead a strategic public policy program, in collaboration with the Vice President of Policy and Strategy and other Red Cat functions, that effectively addresses priority issues.
• Develop recommendations to support Red Cat’s political action committee (PAC), as well as manage the PAC and related contributions and solicitations.
• Broaden and build solid relationships across Congress and at the state level.
• Devise and execute third-party stakeholder engagement strategies to build support for Red Cat’s legislative priorities and/or provide bridges to important stakeholder communities.
• Assist with day-to-day management of external government affairs consultants.
• Prepare memoranda on legislation of interest to Red Cat leadership on bill introductions, hearings, mark-ups, floor action, etc.
• Represent Red Cat at meetings with legislators, business leaders and interest groups, and other trade associations.
• Direct regular internal communications to Red Cat staff on important developments in government affairs.
• Engage with other departments in Red Cat to leverage cross-functional expertise and coordinate strategic activities that advance policy team priorities.
• Must be willing to register as a lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

SALARY RANGE

• $150,000-175,000

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in government, political science, public policy or similar concentration. Advanced degree in the above areas of study a plus.
• Four years or more of progressive experience in a legislative policy position on Capitol Hill, with preference for portfolios or committee assignments covering Armed Services, Appropriations, Intelligence, and/or Homeland Security.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to think and lead strategically.
• Successful track record of conceptualizing, drafting, and moving legislation.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and interests to achieve consensus.
• Familiarity with best practices and processes with lobbying and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of legislative strategy and the policymaking process.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation

Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.