Director, Government Relations - Defense

Job description

At REGENT, we’re on a mission to revolutionize regional transportation between coastal cities. We're not just building vehicles, we're creating a new category of transportation: the Seaglider. These groundbreaking wing-in-ground-effect craft travel just above the water’s surface, combining the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen batteries), Seagliders will unlock fast, affordable, and sustainable coastal transit for passengers and cargo - connecting cities, islands, and communities like never before. Backed by leading investors and powered by a team of passionate, forward-thinking engineers, builders, and operators, we’re now scaling from a breakthrough prototype to full production - and building the team to make it happen. ## Role Overview REGENT is building a new category of vehicle - and bringing Seagliders to market will require more than great technology. It will require strong partnerships across government, a policy environment that understands what we're building, and a clear strategy for how REGENT engages at the federal and state level. We're looking for a **Director of Government Relations** to own REGENT's federal and state government relations strategy, deepen relationships across Congress, the executive branch, defense stakeholders, and Rhode Island, and help position REGENT as a trusted voice in defense and emerging policy. A major focus will be supporting the growth of our defense business by connecting policy, appropriations, and government relationships to meaningful opportunities for REGENT. You'll work closely with leaders across the company to set our government relations agenda, advise leadership on where and how REGENT should engage, and build understanding and support for a technology that doesn't fit neatly into existing frameworks. You'll have the opportunity to shape REGENT’s approach while personally driving the relationships and advocacy that matter most. If you've built credibility in government, know how to turn relationships into meaningful business and policy outcomes, and are energized by the opportunity to help shape the landscape around a technology and industry that didn't exist before, we'd love to meet you. ## What You’ll Do - **Drive Defense Advocacy:** Lead government relations efforts supporting the growth of REGENT's defense business. Navigate authorization, appropriations, acquisition, and policy priorities; engage DoD stakeholders, defense committees, congressional offices, and other decision-makers; and help position REGENT as funding and program opportunities develop. - **Build and Own REGENT’s Defense Government Relations Strategy:** Develop and execute a focused government relations strategy for REGENT’s defense business — mapping the stakeholders, programs, funding pathways, legislative priorities, and engagement opportunities that matter most, and translating them into a clear plan for where REGENT should invest its time and resources. - **Build and Strengthen Key Defense Relationships:** Develop and deepen relationships across the executive branch, Congress, the Department of War, military services, relevant agencies, and the broader defense ecosystem. Build sustained understanding of REGENT’s technology and defense applications so the right stakeholders know who we are, what we’re building, and where REGENT can support emerging mission needs. - **Advise Leadership:** Serve as a trusted government relations advisor to REGENT senior leadership — helping determine where REGENT should engage, how we use our time and political capital, and how leaders should approach high-stakes government meetings and external engagements. - **Partner Across the Company:** Work closely with Defense, Business Development, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Legal, and leadership to connect government relations to company strategy, defense growth, regulatory priorities, and external communications — bringing the right internal expertise into government engagement at the right time. ## What You’ll Bring - **Active Federal Network:** You have real, current relationships on the Hill and across relevant executive branch agencies — people who know you, take your calls, and trust your credibility. You can bring an established network to REGENT while continuing to expand it around the company's priorities. - **Defense Acquisition & Appropriations Fluency:** You understand how defense authorization, appropriations, and acquisition actually work — including NDAA cycles, DoD budgets, defense committee dynamics, and where and how companies can influence the process. You can connect that landscape to concrete opportunities to grow REGENT's defense business. - **State-Level GR Experience:** You've independently led state government relations work — building relationships with governors' offices and legislators, advancing priorities through state processes, and working with economic development, transportation, and other relevant agencies. You understand that state GR requires a different set of relationships, levers, and instincts than federal work. - **End-to-End GR Leadership:** You've owned government relations strategy from development through execution — setting priorities, mapping stakeholders, developing messaging, building relationships, and directly driving advocacy. You're comfortable being the senior GR voice in the room and building the playbook rather than waiting for one. - **Emerging Technology Advocacy:** You've built credibility for a company, technology, or industry that didn't fit neatly into an existing policy framework. You know how to translate something complex and unfamiliar into a compelling case for policymakers and help shape the conversation as government catches up with innovation. - **Political & Executive Judgment:** You know that access alone isn't strategy. You can read the political landscape, understand competing interests and reputational considerations, and advise senior leaders on where to engage, how to show up, and when the smartest move may be not to engage at all. ## **Who We’re Looking For:** - **Collaborative Team Player:** You see government relations as a lever for advancing company priorities, not an end in itself. You understand how GR connects to defense growth, business development, regulatory strategy, and company reputation, and you build strong relationships across the company to focus our efforts where they can have the greatest impact. - **Creative Problem Solver:** You’re comfortable navigating problems without an obvious playbook. You can look at a complicated political or policy landscape, understand the stakeholders and competing interests, and find creative paths to advance REGENT’s priorities — especially when the technology or policy question doesn’t fit neatly into an existing framework. - **Adaptable & Agile:** You’re comfortable operating in an environment where political dynamics, funding opportunities, and company priorities can change quickly. You know when to move quickly, when to play the long game, and when new information means the strategy needs to change — without losing sight of the broader objective. - **Innovative Mindset:** You’re energized by the opportunity to help government understand and engage with something genuinely new. You challenge conventional approaches, look for new ways to build support and credibility, and think creatively about how policy, partnerships, and government engagement can help create the conditions for REGENT and the Seaglider category to succeed. ## **What We Offer** - **Competitive compensation** including a robust equity incentive plan. - Comprehensive **health, dental, and vision insurance -** we cover **100%** of your premiums. - **401(k)** with company matching, so you can plan for the future. - Generous **flexible time off**, paid parental leave, and company-wide holiday breaks. - **Relocation packages** available for those moving to join our team. - Daily, **free catered lunches** - Learning & professional development opportunities **If you’re ready to take on an exciting challenge, grow with us, and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you.** Even if you don’t meet every requirement, but you see yourself contributing to our mission, we encourage you to apply! We value diverse skillsets and experiences and believe in the potential of passionate individuals to make a big impact. **Equal Opportunity Employer** REGENT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.