Are you an experienced and creative organizational leader with extensive experience in the aerospace industry and community? 

Do you enjoy working with diverse teams, leading impactful space-related strategic initiatives? 

Do you have an unquenchable curiosity along with the ability to translate highly technical information and ideas to the general public and key stakeholders?

Do you thrive in fast-paced, technical environments and have experience working with high-level government officials?

We're seeking a Strategic Relations Director (SRD) to help APL's Space Exploration Sector (SES) continue to lead the way in 21^st century space science, technology and security. The SRD will serve as a trusted advisor to the Space Exploration Sector Head and work across the sector on issues pertaining to space policy, strategy and external relations.

As Strategic Relations Director, you will:

• Report to the Space Exploration Sector Head with a dotted line to the APL Chief Government Relations Officer and lead SES government relations efforts.
• Develop strategies for highlighting APL space achievements to stakeholders across the federal government, including congressional engagements at APL and on the Hill.
• Track White House, congressional, and National Space Council events and milestones related to space exploration. This includes maintaining up-to-date federal budget information related to SES interests.
• Coordinate the development of strategic white papers that highlight APL space achievements and future opportunities and strengthen SES thought leadership in the space community.
• Lead VIP visitor programming focused on SES interests. Coordinate with APL’s CGRO for all government VIPs and work closely with other APL leads for synergistic presentations and tours of facilities. With SES leadership, establish visit goals, agenda topics, and develop speakers for each visit including execution of the run of show.
• Represent SES overall portfolio at engagements throughout the community.
• Interface with the Communications Department to develop and strengthen SES outreach and public engagement.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• A B.S. or B.A. degree in a related field
• At least 10+ years of experience in aerospace-relevant government affairs, policy development and planning.
• Demonstrated experience in assessing multifaceted situations and collaborating across complex organizations.
• Experience working with creative teams in a dynamic environment.
• An aptitude for analyzing and leveraging data in the development and presentation of compelling message content.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, analytical, critical thinking, project management and organizational communications skills.
• An ability to operate independently, set priorities, and adjudicate competing needs in a fast-paced organization.
• Applicant selected will be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...  

• Significant experience successfully representing organizations on the Hill
• Familiarity with one or more scientific or technical subjects, including, but not limited to: engineering, computer science, national security, space science, or space technology.
• Worked previously with high-level government, industry, or research staff.
• Experience with reputation management, executive communications and rapid response.
• Proficiency in developing, managing, and marketing successful and sophisticated cross-channel communications campaigns.
• An active Secret security clearance or government background check completed.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.