Vice President of Government Affairs for Defense and Maritime Policy

Qcells; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global defense systems company is seeking a Vice President of Government Affairs focusing on defense and maritime policy. This executive-level role involves strategic engagement with government bodies and industry stakeholders to advance defense contracting goals and public policy initiatives, requiring a deep understanding of the legislative process and significant experience in government relations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years experience in government affairs or relations.
• Extensive knowledge of Congressional policymaking and defense appropriations.
• Ability to effectively articulate policy objectives at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute government relations strategies for defense contracting.
• Engage with Members of Congress and government officials.
• Monitor and analyze policy trends impacting defense and maritime sectors.

Skills

Public Policy Expertise

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

A global leader in defense systems spanning naval, maritime, infantry, and aerospace solutions, Hanwha is seeking a Vice President of Government Affairs for Defense and Maritime Policy. Reporting to the President of Hanwha USA Corporate Affairs, this position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to advance the company's federal contracting and public policy objectives relating to naval and other U.S. government shipbuilding and infantry land systems through engagement and advocacy with Congress, the White House, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other key federal agencies.

The Vice President of Government Affairs for Defense and Maritime Policy will proactively engage government agencies, industry groups, trade associations, think tanks and other external stakeholders to integrate legislative and regulatory policies into Hanwha's corporate strategies, communications and business initiatives, supporting bottom-line growth of the maritime and defense shipbuilding businesses. The ideal candidate will have significant experience with congressional defense legislation, including the annual appropriations process and the National Defense Authorization Act. This position focuseson policy and funding opportunities with the U.S. Navy,U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard and MARAD.

Hanwha seeks a seasoned and highly motivated professional with a minimum of 15 years of experience in government affairs or government relations. Previous experience with the military or as a defense legislative staff member, at a federal regulatory agency or in corporate government relations is required. The Vice President of Government Affairs for Defense and Maritime Policy will be skilled at developing and articulating public policy priorities for internal and external stakeholders. Outstanding analytical and communication skills are essential. This position is based in Washington, DC, and requires work from the office.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Develop and execute government relations strategies that advance the prospects for U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. government shipbuilding programs and weapons systems contractsthrough lobbying and advocacy with Members of Congress, government officials and staff.
• Demonstrate sufficient public policy domain expertise in defense, maritime and other issue areas to serve as a compelling representative of Hanwha at the highest levels of government policy making.
• Identify, analyze, and promote policymaking and funding opportunities in the House and the Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committees that include building bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, staff, senior administration officials, and external thought leaders in promoting Hanwha's policy priorities while raising brand awareness.
• Incorporate policy priorities into corporate and business strategies and tactics that enhance Hanwha's commercial and reputational goals.
• Monitor and analyze policy trends and political challenges, determining risks and opportunities for the company.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior business leaders on legislative, regulatory and political developments, with the goal of informing actionable business solutions and strategies.
• Cultivate durable relationships with key decision-makers within Congress, the executive branch and with industry groups, trade associations, think tanks and other external stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with corporate communications to develop media strategies and thought leadership opportunities that align external messaging with advocacy efforts .
• Prepare briefing materials, comment letters, talking points, and testimony.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Proven success in and deep knowledge of Congressional policymaking and the defense appropriations and authorizing processes.
• Knowledge of U.S. Army weapons programs as well as U.S. Navy shipbuilding and Department of Defense contracting procedures.
• Ten or more years working successfully on defense policy with Members of Congress, staff, the White House, and senior Administration officials, including leaders within the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard and MARAD.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with Members of Congress and staff to gain meaningful insight into legislative priorities, anticipate policy shifts, and understand the underlying motivations driving political decision-making.
• Strong leadership skills with a commitment to transparent communication and coalition building.
• Excellent policy and analytical skills, strong political instincts.
• Ability to work with manyinternal stakeholders across business units in a fast-paced, matrixed and highly strategicenvironment.
• Skilled communicator able to effectively articulate policy objectives at the senior level both internally and externally.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a cross-functional government relations team.
• Executive presence and strong leadership skills with a commitment to initiative, resourcefulness, and leadership by example.
• Bachelor's Degree required.

ABOUT HANWHA

Hanwha Corporate Affairs USA is a part of Hanwha, a South Korea multinational company with subsidiaries in the U.S. that range from solar manufacturing to shipbuilding to gas turbine maintenance. Hanwha has been rapidly expanding its business in North America. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in industries on the cutting edge.

Founded in 1952, Hanwha is South Korea's seventh-largest conglomerate, with innovative businesses in the areas of aerospace & mechatronics, clean energy & ocean solutions, finance, and retail & services. Ranked in the Fortune Global 500 , we are a multinational company with a robust global network of affiliates, which allows us to leverage synergy to deliver transformative solutions and impactful innovations that catalyze sustainable growth across industries and communities. In 2024, we were named to TIME's list of the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies. With strong fundamentals in core industries, we enhance lives through our technologies, products, and services. Our relentless commitment to sustainability drives our bold innovation, allowing us to create transformative solutions for individuals, society, and the planet.

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Mobility

Standing

20% of time

70% of time

Walking

10% of time

Strength

Pulling

up to 10 Pounds

Pushing

up to 10 Pounds

Carrying

up to 10 Pounds

Lifting

up to 10 Pounds

Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

Typing

Reaching

Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

Turning

Twisting

Crouching

Climbing

Kneeling

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job's minimum qualifications.

• This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.

Create a job alert for this search