Director – Government Relations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Establish the overarching strategy and priorities for federal government affairs involving the DOE, DOC, DOD, and Congress.

• Monitor and pursue grant and OTA funding opportunities available through DOE, DARPA, DIU, and DPA Title III.

• Oversee the entire competitive proposal process, from the creation of white papers and solution briefs to the award stage, collaborating with internal technical and business development teams.

• Seek factory-scale capital from DOE, DOC, and DOD, including OSC, for qualifying projects.

• Manage the programmatic addition track, which encompasses NDAA/appropriations report language, efforts to designate critical technologies, and translating DOD recommendations into budget lines and appropriations.

• Develop and sustain relationship maps across congressional committees, White House staff, and agency leadership.

• Influence battery strategies and related support programs within the DOE, DOC, and DOD.

• Engage with the White House regarding industrial policy positions on critical minerals and battery development.

• Participate in and coordinate involvement with relevant standards organizations.

• Advocate for non-China content in U.S. government battery procurement and related tax policies.

• Direct QuantumScape’s portfolio of external firms.

• Maintain a documented protocol with Investor Relations and Legal regarding material information acquired through government relations channels.

• Provide regular updates to the CFO.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in federal government relations, defense, or energy policy.

• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPP/MPA, MBA, or in a technical field) is preferred, or equivalent experience.

• Proven personal track record in securing government funding for a commercial technology company, detailing the specific funding instrument (grant, OTA, appropriation, Title III), award size, and your individual contributions versus support roles.

• Functional technical knowledge in battery, energy storage, or similar deep-tech program work, enabling engagement with DOD/DOE program offices without needing a technical intermediary.

• A demonstrated capacity to operate with a degree of autonomy in interactions with government counterparts.

• Direct experience with DOD funding and the defense sector.

• Preferred: Previous experience as a DIU, OSC, or DARPA official, transitioned to industry business development or government affairs.

• Preferred: Former military personnel with a technical acquisition or program background who have transitioned into government affairs in Congress or industry.

• Preferred: Leadership experience in government affairs within the battery or materials sector, with established relationships on Capitol Hill and expertise in trade policy.

🏝️ Benefits

• Annual bonus.

• Generous RSU/Equity package.

• Employee-paid health care.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the application/interview process, work, and benefits.