Hybrid Government Relations Manager - Defense Advocacy

Leonardo DRS; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) savings plan

Flexible work schedule (9/80)

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Leonardo DRS, Inc. in Arlington, VA seeks a Manager of Government Relations to lead advocacy with Congress, agencies, and state/local governments, ensuring compliance with lobbying laws while aligning policy with corporate strategy.

The role requires hybrid in-office presence Tue/Wed/Thu, travel 25–40% to Capitol Hill and agency offices, and close coordination with Legal, Compliance, BD, Programs, and Communications to advance priority legislation and regulatory matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Affairs, Communications, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 2-4 years of experience in Congress, lobbying, legislative affairs, or a related role — ideally within the defense, aerospace, or federal contracting sector.
• Working knowledge of the federal legislative and appropriations/authorization process (NDAA cycle, defense appropriations).
• Demonstrated understanding of the Lobbying Disclosure Act, congressional ethics rules, and federal/state disclosure requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance company positions on defense authorization/appropriations bills (NDAA, defense appropriations).
• Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committee staff, and executive branch officials.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative and regulatory developments affecting company programs and the broader defense/industrial base.
• Draft authorization and appropriations requests, position papers, one‑pagers, and talking points for executives and lobbying activities.
• Support congressional site visits, facility tours, and engagement events for elected officials and staff.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Relationship building

Policy analysis

Lobbying

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Affairs, Communications, or related field

Job description

Leonardo DRS, Inc. in Arlington, VA seeks a Manager of Government Relations to lead advocacy with Congress, agencies, and state/local governments, ensuring compliance with lobbying laws while aligning policy with corporate strategy.

The role requires hybrid in-office presence Tue/Wed/Thu, travel 25–40% to Capitol Hill and agency offices, and close coordination with Legal, Compliance, BD, Programs, and Communications to advance priority legislation and regulatory matters.