Head of Government Operations

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescriptionAs the Head of Government Operations at Impulse, we're seeking a versatile, high-energy professional to serve as the backbone of our compact DC office (4-6 team members). This hybrid role reports to the Company’s General Counsel & VP of Government Relations, and combines strategic Chief of Staff duties—supporting executive priorities and cross-functional coordination between the Government BD, Government Relations and Legal teams—with hands-on Office Manager responsibilities for smooth daily operations. Ideal for a proactive multitasker who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, you'll ensure our DC presence runs efficiently while advancing our mission to shape space policy and secure partnerships.


NOTE: This position is on-site in Washington DC.
Responsibilities

• Serve as the right hand to DC-based executives: Own calendar mastery, travel logistics, and prep for high-stakes engagements (Capitol Hill briefings, NASA/DoD meetings, key stakeholder sessions); enable seamless alignment across government business development, GR, and legal teams
• Drive internal momentum: Facilitate crisp communications, track action items from strategy sessions, enforce deadlines, and ensure ruthless follow-through across the team
• Own event execution: Lead planning and delivery for 4-6 major annual DC events (industry conferences, policy roundtables, networking receptions) that build influence and relationships
• Support business development firepower: Conduct sharp policy research, craft compelling briefing materials, and coordinate targeted outreach to lawmakers, staffers, agencies, and industry allies
• Stay ahead of the curve: Monitor legislative/regulatory developments in aerospace (FAA, NASA appropriations, export controls, national security space policy) and proactively flag opportunities, risks, and plays alongside civil and national security directors
• Run the DC engine: Manage daily operations for our ~3,000 sq ft space—supplies, vendors, landlord/IT/facilities coordination, AV troubleshooting, and keeping everything humming.
• Handle logistics like a pro: Arrange team travel, hybrid/virtual setups, and off-site activities without missing a beat
• Build and fuel culture: Organize morale events, manage office perks budget, and create a high-energy, collaborative environment that attracts and retains top talent
• Be the ultimate closer for ad-hoc needs: Jump in wherever required to keep momentum unbroken

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, or equivalent
• 8+ years in high-intensity roles – strongly preferred from Capitol Hill (congressional, personal office staff, committee staff, lobbying firms, or government affairs shops
• Aerospace/defense experience a big plus
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to juggle priorities in a dynamic setting.
• Excellent communication, relationship building, and executive presence; comfortable engaging with executives, VPs, Directors, policymakers, and vendors.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• DC-area knowledge: Familiarity with Capitol Hill navigation, federal agencies (e.g., NASA, FAA, DOD), and local networking
• Startup mindset: Resourceful, adaptable, and excited about space tech
• 5+ years demonstrated experience working in the new space industry; specifically within an administrative capacity

Additional Information:

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse 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.