Government Relations Director

Who We Are:

• CAE Vision: Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by revolutionizing our customers' training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety, efficiency and readiness.

• CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop and maintain the highest levels of mission readiness.

• CAE Values: Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity and OneCAE make us who we are and we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer:

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance

• A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe

• Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions

• Recognition, professional development, advancement and having fun!

Summary

Serves as a strategic representative of CAE USA Inc. to stakeholders at the highest levels of the US Government, specifically including leaders within the Executive Office of the President, at the Department of War, and within Congress. In particular, serves as CAE's primary professional staff liaison to the political leaders at the Department of War and related agencies/services, and relevant Congressional committees (Members and staff). In addition, position serves as a strategic representative to foreign officials and embassy personnel, as necessary to support the defense business. Also, serves as a strategic representative to aerospace industry officials and trade associations. Strong, current, professional relationships with key stakeholders within the entities listed is a primary and daily duty.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Business Development - leads, facilitates, supports, and executes business development strategies and campaigns

• Subject Matter Expertise - Domain knowledge - including strategic, budgetary, and policy expertise - of defense programs

• Strategic Planning - Develops, supports, and executes strategic plans for business development, communications, and advocacy

• Strategic Communications - Develops, supports, and executes strategic communications efforts to government, foreign, and industry stakeholders

• CAE PAC Management - Serves as a board representative on the CAE Political Action Committee (CAE PAC) oversight and management committee. Serves as an advocate and subject matter expert on CAEPAC. Serves as a CAEPAC representative internally to business leaders, and externally to CAEPAC recipients (including regularly attending CAEPAC events)

• State & Local Affairs - Serves as a representative to State and Local officials and stakeholders regarding CAE USA's business, as necessary

• Legislative, Budget, & Policy Analyst - Identifies, analyzes, and disseminates timely and thorough analysis of impactful legislation, budget, appropriations, and policy to company stakeholders

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in political science, policy, business, international relations, engineering, or similar required. Postgraduate degrees in business, political science, policy, engineering, international relations, law, or similar are preferred

• 10+ years working in senior government functions related to defense, aerospace and other agencies, with specific experience in budget, strategic planning, industry relations, oversight, and support for agency and political leaders.

• Specific, demonstrated, and successful experience working with relevant agency representatives and stakeholders of the United States Congress is required. USG service as well as business development and industry experience are strongly preferred

• Demonstrated expertise in government processes; federal budget and appropriations; defense policy; and regulatory matters is required. Demonstrated, successful experience in working professionally with and relating to senior leaders, including government leaders, political appointees, elected officials, and foreign diplomats, is required. Demonstrated ability to work in a demanding team environment is required

• Competency in using modern office functions and basic, professional information technology systems (including, but not limited to word processing, analytical, presentation, communications and database software) is required

• Professionalism and Composure - Ability to sustain a professional, respectful, and composed demeanor at all times and with officials at every level of seniority in both government and industry. Ability to sustain such a demeanor with colleagues, supervisors, subordinates, and customers

• Expertise - Demonstrated expertise in government-industry interactions. True expertise and sound judgment in politics as it pertains to impacts upon the defense industry. True expertise in defense and aerospace matters, with specific emphasis on strategy, policy, budget, and acquisition.

• Range - Ability to work across multiple functions, at all levels

• Adaptability - Ability to adjust to adverse and challenging circumstances, including shifting political dynamics and learning/mastering new skills

• Teamwork - Tireless ability to work successfully within a small, highly-focused team

• Work Ethic & Drive - Ability to work at the highest levels of output, efficiency, and multi-tasking

• Ability to fully evaluate the status quo, identify challenges, present plans for improvement and further development, and then implement and manage positive change aligned to desired objectives

Preferred Skills

The following qualifications would be considered favorable for a candidate who is applying for this position:

• Experience working within a foreign-owned U.S. defense contractor under a FOCI mitigation agreement

• Familiarity with the defense and aerospace simulation and training market, including an understanding of common fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aircraft platforms

• Experience standing up a legislative affairs/government relations function from the ground up

Security Responsibilities

Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.

• Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.

Work Environment

• Duties performed in an office environment and manufacturing facility.

• Must be able to work overtime on and off-shifts as required.

• The employee is on call 24x7 for the resolution of problems and issues.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position while working on a computer for extended periods.

• Frequently uses a computer, keyboard, and standard office equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively via phone, video, and in meetings.

• Occasional travel may be required for in-person meetings.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com

About CAE

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position Type
Regular

Equal Opportunity Employer

CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com .

Data Privacy

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CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.