Senior Manager, Government Affairs (Defense Advocacy)

Senior Manager, Government Affairs – Defense Advocacy

Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid) | Full Remote Considered for the Right Candidate

About AUVSI

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics. We represent corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries working across industry, government, and academia.

Our members are shaping the future of the defense, civil, and commercial sectors through innovation in drones, automated and remotely operated ground and maritime vehicles, and related technologies. At AUVSI, we are proud to be the leading voice of a rapidly growing industry that is transforming the way the world moves, connects, and defends.

The Opportunity

AUVSI is seeking a dynamic Senior Manager, Government Affairs – Defense Advocacy, to expand and strengthen our advocacy efforts. This role will lead initiatives to promote AUVSI’s defense priorities within Congress, the Department of War (DoW), and the U.S. military branches.

The Senior Manager will:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with Members of Congress, Committees, and key staff.
• Monitor and influence legislation, regulations, and funding that impact defense-related uncrewed systems.
• Advocate for modernization of the DoW’s acquisition process to align with the rapid pace of innovation in the uncrewed systems industry.
• This is a high-impact, relationship-driven position suited for someone who thrives at the intersection of policy, technology, and national defense. Candidates must have experience working with elected officials and must be, or be eligible to become a registered federal lobbyist.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead AUVSI’s defense advocacy portfolio as the organization’s primary lobbyist and manager for the Defense Advocacy Committee, while actively engaging with the Air, Maritime, and Ground Advocacy Committees.
• Represent AUVSI on Capitol Hill and within the Executive Branch, particularly with the Department of War (DoW), Pentagon, and military service branches.
• Provide advocacy committees and members with real-time intelligence, counsel, and policy guidance on defense-related legislative and regulatory developments.
• Develop and advocate AUVSI’s defense policy positions, ensuring alignment with emerging priorities in autonomy, uncrewed systems, AI, and cybersecurity.
• Collaborate with members to shape policy positions on key defense issues, respond to Congressional and agency requests for feedback, and support drafting and submission of regulatory comments.
• Partner with internal teams to design and execute advocacy strategies, tactical plans, and communications to advance AUVSI’s defense agenda.
• Serve as AUVSI’s subject-matter expert (SME) on defense programs, budgets, and acquisition processes, offering analysis and insight to internal stakeholders and members.
• Support and guide the day-to-day operations of AUVSI’s Advocacy Committees, ensuring defense-focused representation across meetings, initiatives, and engagements.
• Collaborate with the Industry Development team to attract, retain, and engage defense-sector members and corporate partners.
• Contribute to defense-related events and conference programming, and prepare briefs, letters, and summaries to support advocacy, communications, and member engagement efforts.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant experience, including work on Capitol Hill or in federal defense policy.
• Experience as a staffer on a defense-related Congressional committee (HASC, SASC, or Appropriations), as a Military Legislative Assistant, or in a Pentagon legislative or acquisition role.
• Strong network within Congress and the defense community.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be based in the DC/DMV area and able to regularly commute to Capitol Hill.

Work Environment

• Hybrid Schedule: Minimum of three days per week in our Arlington, VA office.
• Travel: Up to 30% for meetings and events.
• Supervision: None; this is an independent contributor role.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As we lead our industry to new heights, our core values keep us grounded. They describe the shared beliefs and commitments that bring us together and make us a powerful advocate for autonomous technology. When we operate from our values, they inspire our daily actions, including the way we work with each other and the way we serve our members. AUVSI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our team, partners, and members. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

Join us at AUVSI and help shape the future of defense innovation.

Apply today at careers@auvsi.org and be part of the team advancing uncrewed systems and autonomy worldwide.