Director, Government Affairs

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Director, Government Affairs, reporting to the VP of Policy and Government Relations to programmatically support Vast's initiatives to launch the world's leading commercial space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Washington D.C. location.

Responsibilities:

• Formulate strategic direction in the area of Government Affairs for the company in coordination with Legal, Programs, Business Development, Engineering functions
• Engage directly with relevant Congressional offices and Executive Branch agencies and offices (including NASA, NSpC, OMB, OSTP, DoD etc.) in support of Vast's policy objectives
• Support outreach and engagement with international governments: space agencies, trade delegations, ministries, departments, and elsewhere, to provide support to Vast as it expands both its customer base and policy footprint
• Research, analyze, and track relevant U.S. and international legislation, rulemakings, and other similar government actions that may affect the company
• Collect inputs, draft, and review for submission relevant inputs relating to company objectives in trade reports, commercial input, and related U.S. Government advocacy opportunities
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and related work product in support of the company's policy objectives
• Attend and report on relevant hearings, conferences, and events
• Work closely with Vast's business development function and legal/regulatory function in support of developing advocacy positions and objectives both in the U.S. and internationally
• Coordinate and manage efforts with Vast's public affairs and communications teams as necessary

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8+ years of professional experience in government affairs

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience working on commercial human spaceflight programs and policies
• Experience with government contracting and government procurement
• Proven ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules with ease and grace
• Ability to simplify complex concepts into straightforward and concise explanations
• Comfortable operating outside of areas of expertise and in new territory
• Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Self-starter with excellent time-management and prioritization skills

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Pay Range: Washington D.C.

$185,000—$226,380 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.