Vice President of Government Affairs for Defense and Maritime Policy

POSITION 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 focuses on 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 10 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 contracts through 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 many internal stakeholders across business units in a fast-paced, matrixed and highly strategic environment. 
• 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.

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