Director of Congressional Affairs

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space. The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits. With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply. **The Role** K2 Space is seeking a Director of Congressional Affairs to build and sustain the company's presence and relationships on Capitol Hill. This role will be the day-to-day lead on Capitol Hill with a focus on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the Defense Appropriations subcommittees, and the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, with the goal of advancing K2's policy priorities and visibility among key defense and space stakeholders in Congress. You'll bring deep Hill experience and established relationships on both sides of the aisle to represent K2, staff senior company executives in their interactions with Congress, and manage the company's Political Action Committee. This is a high-visibility role for someone who knows how to navigate Capitol Hill, understands the federal budget process, and wants to help shape the policy landscape for a fast-growing company that is disrupting national security space. **Responsibilities** - Build and sustain K2 Space's presence and relationships on Capitol Hill, with a focus on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, Defense Appropriations subcommittees, and House and Senate Intelligence Committees - Develop and execute strategies to advance K2's legislative and policy priorities - Staff senior K2 executives ahead of and during interactions with Congress, both on Capitol Hill and for site visits to K2 headquarters by members or staff - Monitor legislative and appropriations activity relevant to K2's business and keep leadership informed of developments and opportunities - Represent K2 at official hearings and meetings, political fundraisers, and other unofficial events to engage directly with relevant congressional stakeholders - Register as a federal lobbyist and represent K2 Space in direct engagement with congressional offices - Perform day-to-day management of the K2 Space PAC, including leading the solicitation campaigns, updating the PAC’s contribution strategy, and overseeing monthly FEC filings - Build relationships with committee staff, member offices, and other relevant stakeholders on both sides of the aisle - Partner with the K2 broader Strategy team, including the Strategic Communications Director and the Director of State and Local Government Affairs, to align efforts across every level of government and broader company messaging **Qualifications** - 7-12+ years of congressional affairs experience, predominantly from working on the Hill - Strong existing relationships with congressional offices and staff on both sides of the aisle - Meaningful background in defense and/or space issues - Willingness to register as a lobbyist - Holds a current TS/SCI security clearance, or has held one previously and is eligible to obtain one again - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment - Based in the Washington, DC area (Rosslyn, VA), with regular travel to K2 Space headquarters in Torrance, California, and other locations as needed **Nice to Have** - Military, Pentagon, or IC experience - Experience with lobbying, industry association advocacy, or congressional affairs from a government agency **Compensation and Benefits:** - Base salary range for this role is $190,000 - $270,000 + equity in the company - Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level - Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know. **Export Compliance** As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.” The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by [22 C.F.R. § 120.15](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/22/120.15) or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. **Equal Opportunity** K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space 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.