Executive Director, Government Affairs

About BlueForge Alliance (BFA):

BlueForge Alliance is an agile program integrator positioned to meet the demand to build capacity for the defense industrial base. We are a unifying organization converging technology, manufacturing, economics, and state and federal government to provide a forward-facing, federated umbrella with national visibility.

As a non-profit, neutral convener, BlueForge Alliance aligns strategy with execution to coordinate regional stakeholders, assess and propose high-value efforts, and rapidly establish and deploy U.S. Department of Defense investments. By streamlining competing priorities and viewpoints, we aim to increase manufacturing capacity and technology adoption, boost the number of available suppliers and diversify investment into the defense industrial base.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director of Government Affairs will serve as the lead advocate for BlueForge Alliance, developing and executing congressional, state, and local engagement strategies to represent the organization’s interests effectively. This role is pivotal in advancing the organization’s mission, fostering relationships with key legislative and executive stakeholders, and influencing public policy to support organizational goals. Additionally, the Executive Director will collaborate closely with the Marketing and Communications team to craft and deliver cohesive messaging and strategies that align with corporate Government Affairs objectives. In addition to the following details, by being a BlueForger, you will be expected to uphold and exemplify our values of Belonging, Selfless Service, Integrity, Leadership, Respect, and Excellence. We uphold these values upon a backbone of humility driven by a culture of safety, vulnerability, and purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Government Affairs Strategy and Advocacy:
  • Lead and ensure execution of comprehensive congressional and state/local engagement strategies to advance BlueForge Alliance's mission and strategic objectives.
  • Represent the organization’s interests in meetings with members of Congress, legislative staff, state and local officials, and other governmental entities.
  • Monitor and analyze legislative and policy developments, identifying opportunities and challenges that may impact BlueForge Alliance’s programs and operations.
  • Advocate for policy initiatives, funding opportunities, and regulatory changes that align with organizational priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Establish and maintain relationships with key government officials, industry associations, and defense-focused stakeholders.
  • Facilitate strategic engagements, briefings, and events with policymakers, including congressional hearings, committee meetings, and public forums.
  • Collaborate with state and local governments to align organizational objectives with regional economic and workforce development priorities.
• Collaboration with Marketing/Communications:
  • Work closely with the Marketing and Communications and other internal teams to develop and deliver cohesive messaging that aligns with government affairs strategies and enhances BlueForge Alliance’s public profile.
  • Provide input on the creation of communication materials, including policy briefs, press releases, talking points, and presentations, tailored for legislative and public audiences.
  • Support the coordination of public relations campaigns, ensuring consistency in messaging and alignment with organizational goals.
• Policy Development and Representation:
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on legislative and regulatory issues affecting the defense contracting and non-profit sectors.
  • Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on government affairs and policy matters, including implications for organizational strategy and operations.
  • Represent BlueForge Alliance in coalitions, industry groups, and advocacy organizations to promote the organization’s policy objectives.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Prepare regular reports for the CSO and executive leadership on government affairs activities, policy trends, and engagement outcomes.
  • Analyze and report on the impact of legislative and policy changes, providing recommendations to address emerging risks and opportunities.
  • Support the development of metrics to assess the effectiveness of government affairs strategies and initiatives.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manages, develops and trains Government Affairs staff.
• Provides guidance on the workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive feedback and timely performance evaluations.