Vice President

Shift5 is the observability platform for onboard operational technology (OT). We’re a rapidly growing dual-use scale-up that specializes in cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance for operational technology (OT) systems across defense, aerospace, and rail. We are a collaborative, passionate, and driven cadre of dynamic, multidisciplinary experts and we’re focused on helping our customer’s fleets run smarter and safer whether in theater or at home by accessing and democratizing the volumes of onboard OT data generated by transportation and freight fleets, and defense fleets and weapon systems. Come join us. 

Our Values :

• Embrace Truth and Integrity: Base decisions on data, foster open dialogue, and uphold unwavering integrity.
• User-Centric Focus: Prioritize user needs to guide our actions and resource allocation.
• Collaborative & Adaptable: Collaborate for excellence, learning from failures and driving iterative improvements, recognizing every decision’s significance.

Shift5 is seeking a Vice President Government Affairs to join our growing team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the government affairs strategy for Shift5 through direct lobbying efforts and alliance building. This includes working closely with relevant Congressional staff, Government officials, and Regulatory decision-makers to advocate on behalf of Shift5’s priorities. You will have extensive knowledge of U.S. federal budget/appropriations and policy making processes, and an understanding of how these processes impact our business objectives as well as our ability to deliver mission-critical capabilities to our customers. 

This position is based at our headquarters in Rosslyn, VA with willingness to travel as needed. 

You will be expected to : 

• Initiate and facilitate collaboration with cross-functional business counterparts to shape outreach with policy makers and advance government affairs efforts in support of Shift5’s key priorities.  
• Foster and maintain a network of relationships with Congressional staff, government officials, legislative decision-makers, and public policy influencers. This includes external consultants and third parties.
• Work closely with the executive team and engineering leads to establish policy positions on important issues, and draft legislative language.
• Proactively identify and track critical legislation and budgetary items, communicate anticipated impact to internal stakeholders, and develop appropriate plans of action. 

Qualifications :

• Ability to conduct quick policy analyses and clearly synthesize the implications on our business.
• Excellent writing and editing skills (a writing sample may be requested) with strong attention to detail, and proven project management skills.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to convey Shift5’s technical attributes and value to non-technical audiences.
• Adeptness in critical thinking with a propensity for complex problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of successful cross-functional collaboration on highly technical matters.

Required : 

• 8+ years of government affairs related experience in the Executive Branch, Capitol Hill, private sector, and/or industry trade organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of the U.S. Government legislative process and an understanding of the intersection with business strategy.
• History of successful legislative advocacy focused on key issues such as defense, cybersecurity, science and technology, and/or federal budget/appropriations.
• Active US Top Secret Security Clearance.

Compensation & Benefits : 

• Competitive salary and stock options in a fast-growing startup 
• Employer-paid medical, dental and vision coverage 
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions 
• 401k with employer contributions 
• Life Insurance 
• Uncapped paid time off policy 
• Flexible work & remote work policy
• Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA) 

We are committed to building an inclusive culture of belonging that embraces the diversity of our people and represents the communities in which we work and the customers we serve. We know the happiest and highest performing teams include people with diverse perspectives and ways of solving problems. We strive to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds and create workplaces where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.  

Shift5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, projected veteran status, or any other protected group or class.