Tech Policy & Government Affairs Director

Cadence Design Systems; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and paid holidays

401(k) plan with employer match

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, dental and vision plan

And more

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems in Washington DC seeks a Director, Government Affairs to lead policy strategy across global trade, AI regulations, and national security. You will translate complex technical concepts into policy insights, engage senior officials, and coordinate cross-functional teams to advance business objectives.

The role requires 10+ years in public policy, exceptional communication, and proven ability to manage external lobbying and industry coalitions. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant public policy and/or government affairs work, including with a global technology company, preferably semiconductor/electronics ecosystem-related.
• Outstanding communicator who can advocate for issues externally in public settings as well as explain their impacts internally.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to distill and present complex information plainly and succinctly.
• Ability to excel and maintain a positive attitude in a high-performance, fast-paced professional environment, while managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Highest level of integrity and professionalism.
• Demonstrated familiarity with AI/semiconductor/software regulatory policy landscape, including major legislative & regulatory trends and ability to grasp technical details quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to interact directly with key government stakeholders.
• Self-starter with the ability to prioritize, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define policy priorities across global trade (exports), national security, AI regulations, U.S.-China relations and industrial policy.
• Translate policy developments into actionable insights impacting products, customers and operations.
• Analyze legislative and regulatory proposals and provide recommendations for cross-functional internal and external collaboration and engagement.
• Identify and evaluate current and emerging policy trends and developments and advise stakeholders and business partners across the company on risk management and business strategies.
• Represent the Company before various administrative, regulatory, legislative, and executive levels of government, and in some instances, local jurisdictions, or ensure company leaders are well represented at major events, conferences, etc.
• Identify, analyze, and report to the Company business, legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the business and recommend and manage a course of action.
• Coordinate a cross-functional team that would include engineering, sales, marketing, communications, compliance and legal as well as external lobbying firms and policy advisors.
• Organize and drive communication with Cadence senior leadership, including meetings, and briefings.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with regulators, elected officials, civil servants, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee the production of high-quality written recommendations, briefings, publications, presentations, and other collateral that communicate complex messages clearly and effectively to audiences, with a focus on government stakeholders.
• Coordinate strategy with trade association representatives to ensure active engagement on areas of interest to Cadence and that all are aligned in support of our business strategies.
• Participate, serve, and assume leadership positions on industry-related associations, steering committees, and networking organizations to protect & promote the Company interests.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Government affairs

Policy translation

Stakeholder engagement

AI regulation

National security policy

Job description

Cadence Design Systems in Washington DC seeks a Director, Government Affairs to lead policy strategy across global trade, AI regulations, and national security. You will translate complex technical concepts into policy insights, engage senior officials, and coordinate cross-functional teams to advance business objectives.

The role requires 10+ years in public policy, exceptional communication, and proven ability to manage external lobbying and industry coalitions. Equal opportunity employer.