Sr Director Space & Satellite Policy

Viasat; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 313,000 - 469,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a Senior Director, Space & Satellite Policy to drive policy engagement across satellite, spectrum and commercial space matters, serving as the company's principal advocate before the U.S. Executive Branch and Congress.

This leader will shape policy outcomes to support Viasat's growth and advance the company's position in the evolving space and communications ecosystem. Working with cross-functional teams, the Senior Director will develop and execute advocacy strategies and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in telecommunications policy, regulatory affairs, spectrum management, government affairs, or space policy.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. space, satellite, and spectrum policy frameworks.
• Experience developing and advancing successful public policy strategies.
• Strong written, verbal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work effectively across technical, legal, and business teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies for satellite, telecommunications, spectrum, and space policy.
• Lead advocacy before the U.S. Executive Branch and Congress on key issues including spectrum access and satellite licensing.
• Represent Viasat in industry forums, coalitions, and trade associations addressing space and satellite policy matters.
• Collaborate with Legal, Engineering, Strategy, Business Development, Communications, Government Affairs, and Regulatory teams to align policy priorities with business objectives.
• Prepare executives for meetings, industry events, and policy engagements.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory affairs

Communication skills

Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

The Senior Director, Space & Satellite Policy will help to drive Viasat's policy engagement across satellite communications, spectrum, telecommunications, and commercial space matters. Serving as the company's principal advocate before the U.S. Executive Branch and Congress. This leader will shape policy outcomes that support Viasat's growth and advance the company's position in the evolving space and communications ecosystem.

Working closely with cross functional teams and business leaders, the Senior Director will develop and execute advocacy strategies and provide strategic counsel on policy developments impacting Viasat's commercial and government businesses.

The day-to-day

Policy Leadership

• Working with other stakeholders, develop and execute strategies to advance Viasat's interests in satellite, telecommunications, spectrum, and space policy matters.
• Analyze developments in the policy and political environment and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Lead advocacy efforts before the U.S. Executive Branch [and Congress] on key issues including spectrum access, satellite licensing, direct-to-device services, commercial space policy, and emerging communications technologies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders.

Space & Satellite Policy

• Partner with technical and business leaders, as well as other members of the Government Affairs and Regulatory teams, to develop strategies to advance the company's space and satellite policy advocacy.
• Support engagement on commercial space policy, satellite operations, and other policy and regulatory initiatives.
• Represent Viasat in industry forums, coalitions, and trade associations addressing space and satellite policy matters.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Legal, Engineering, Strategy, Business Development, Communications, Government Affairs, and Regulatory teams to align policy priorities with business objectives.
• Prepare executives for meetings, industry events, and policy engagements.

What you'll need

• 10+ years of experience in telecommunications policy, regulatory affairs, spectrum management, government affairs, or space policy.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. space, satellite, and spectrum policy frameworks.
• Experience developing and advancing successful public policy strategies.
• Strong written, verbal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work effectively across technical, legal, and business teams.

What will help you on the job

• Experience at the FCC, NTIA, Department of Commerce, on Capitol Hill, or within the satellite, telecommunications, aerospace, or technology sectors.
• Familiarity with international space, satellite, and spectrum policy frameworks, including ITU processes.
• Knowledge of direct-to-device, mobility, broadband, and next-generation satellite networks.
• Established relationships within the satellite, telecommunications, and commercial space policy communities.

Salary range

$252,000.00 - $398,000.00 / annually.
For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $313,000.00- $469,000.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic.