Manager, Government Relations

Leonardo DRS

Arlington (VA)

Hybrid

USD 120,000 - 160,000

Full time

14 days+

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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

Manager, Government Relations

Location: Arlington, VA, US, 22202

Job ID:115218

Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission‑critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi‑domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.leonardodrs.com .

Position Summary

The Manager, Government Relations serves as a registered lobbyist and advisor supporting the company's engagement with the U.S. Congress, executive branch agencies, and relevant state/local governments. This role advances the company's legislative and regulatory priorities through education and advocacy with government stakeholders while ensuring full compliance with all federal and state lobbying disclosure and ethics laws. The position works closely with Business Development, Program Management, Legal, Compliance, and Communications to align government engagement with corporate strategy.

Reports to: SVP, Government Relations
Location: Arlington, VA (position is hybrid, in office on Tues/Wed/Thurs)
Travel: 25–40% (Capitol Hill, agency offices, state capitals, industry events)

Key Responsibilities

Legislative & Regulatory Advocacy

Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance company positions on defense authorization/appropriations bills (NDAA, defense appropriations) and relevant regulatory matters.
Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committee staff (e.g., House/Senate Armed Services, Appropriations), and executive branch officials (DoW, service branches, DHS, State Department, etc.).
Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative and regulatory developments affecting company programs, contracts, and the broader defense/industrial base.
Draft authorization and appropriations requests, position papers, one‑pagers, leave‑begins, and talking points for executives and lobbying activities.
Support congressional site visits, facility tours, and engagement events for elected officials and staff.

Lobbying Compliance & Registration

Register and file as a lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA); maintain accurate, and timely LD-203 semi‑annual federal filings.
Track and comply with applicable state lobbying registration and reporting requirements in jurisdictions where the company engages.
Monitor gift, meal, and travel rules (House/Senate ethics rules, executive branch ethics regulations) for all company personnel engaging with government officials.
Maintain record‑keeping systems for lobbying contacts, expenditures, and disclosures; support internal and external audits.

PAC & Political Engagement

Attend PAC events on behalf of the company
Support administration of the company/employee political action committee (PAC), including compliance with FEC regulations, solicitation rules, and contribution tracking.
Coordinate approved political engagement activities (fundraisers, campaign events) consistent with company policy and legal guidance.

Coalition Building & Stakeholder Engagement

Represent the company in industry associations (e.g., NDIA, AIA, state defense/industry coalitions) and coalition advocacy efforts.
Coordinate with trade associations and coalition partners on shared legislative priorities.
Represent the company at policy Think Tank events and activities (e.g., CSIS).

Internal Coordination & Reporting

Brief Business Development and Program teams on legislative/regulatory risks and opportunities.
Prepare regular government relations activity reports, budget trackers, and ROI/impact summaries for leadership.
Coordinate messaging with Corporate Communications to ensure consistency across public policy, media, and government‑facing communications.

Required 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.
Established relationships with congressional offices, committee staff, and/or relevant executive branch agencies preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting policy documents, authorization/appropriations requests, and briefing materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, or with a trade association/lobbying firm.
Existing LDA registration/reporting experience.
Familiarity with defense acquisition processes (FAR/DFARS) and the broader national security policy landscape.
Experience supporting a corporate PAC

Core Competencies

Political acumen — ability to understand legislative dynamics and build and maintain bipartisan relationships.
Compliance discipline — meticulous with filings, disclosures, and ethics rules.
Strategic communication — able to translate technical/programmatic content into policy‑relevant messaging.
Cross‑functional collaboration — works fluidly with Legal, Compliance, BD, Programs, and Communications.
Discretion and judgment — handles sensitive, high‑visibility engagements professionally.

Working Conditions

On‑site presence in Washington, D.C. metro area required.
Frequent travel to Capitol Hill, agency offices, and occasional state/local travel.
May require attendance at evening/weekend events (receptions, PAC related events, conferences).

Compliance Note

This role requires ongoing compliance training on the Lobbying Disclosure Act, gift/ethics rules, FCPA (if applicable), and company code of conduct. All lobbying activities must be pre‑cleared and logged per corporate policy.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid‑tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles: