Senior Director Security & Defense Policy

Nokia; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in telecommunications, Nokia, is seeking a seasoned technology policy expert to spearhead its advocacy efforts in national security and supply chain policies. This strategic role will enhance Nokia's engagement with U.S. federal agencies, promoting key initiatives that align with its business objectives.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in strategic policy advocacy.
• Strong familiarity with government structure and processes.
• Experience with defense and security policy advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Leading Nokia’s policy advocacy efforts in defense technology and security.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to identify critical policy issues.
• Developing and executing advocacy strategies for corporate goals.

Skills

Communication

Advocacy

Research

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Law degree or advanced degree

Job description

Nokia is seeking a seasoned technology policy expert with over 8 years of experience to lead the company’s advocacy efforts in national security, defense, and supply chain/trade policy. This strategic role is an integral part of Nokia’s Global Geopolitical and Government Relations (GGR) team and reports directly to the Head of Nokia’s Washington Office. Working closely with colleagues across the Geopolitical and Government Relations (GGR) team, the individual will also support legislative outreach to Congress, advancing policy initiatives aligned with Nokia’s business objectives.

Qualifications

You Have:

• Expertise in security, defense, supply chain policies, including the intersect of such policies with communications technology. Strong familiarity with government structure and process, including experience working in one or more of the following or similar organizations: DoD, DHS, NSC/NEC, FCC, Commerce, State, or congressional committees/offices of relevant jurisdiction.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills that are directly relevant to complex policy and regulatory issues. This could be from prior experience within government, a trade association, a law firm, or a company with relevant complex policy issues.
• Excellent research and writing skills that are directly applicable to a legal and policy environment with the ability to translate those skills into persuasive advocacy materials and submissions.
• Strong business acumen and ability to collaborate across multiple organizations, identifying different strategies and targets among the groups and formulating a common set of goals for projects.
• Ability to establish solid working relationships with various external stakeholders.
• Autonomous and self-driven.

It would be nice if you also had:

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a law degree or advanced degree in a related field is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of experience in strategic policy advocacy, with a proven track record of engaging effectively with government stakeholders.
• Prior experience working with executive branch agencies or congressional offices is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other national security agencies, particularly in areas related to acquisition and budget processes, is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will lead Nokia’s policy advocacy efforts across key areas including defense technology, national and network security, supply chain resilience, and global technology diplomacy. This role involves shaping and executing strategic engagement plans with U.S. federal agencies—such as the Departments of Defense (DoD), Homeland Security (DHS), and State—as well as the White House National Security Council (NSC).

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with internal stakeholders in corporate affairs and business units to identify policy issues critical to Nokia’s goals.
• Developing and executing advocacy strategies, including direct engagement, written submissions, and thought leadership.
• Representing Nokia in trade associations and managing third-party consultants to amplify the company’s policy positions.
• Supporting Nokia’s U.S. defense business unit by identifying strategic opportunities and facilitating high-impact government engagements.
• Leading policy engagement on network security issues, both domestically and internationally.