National Security Policy & Partnerships Manager

At Aquent, we are thrilled to partner with a leading technology innovator that is revolutionizing how critical sectors leverage advanced solutions. This top-tier company is at the forefront of bridging cutting-edge commercial innovation with the essential needs of national security and defense agencies. Imagine playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of public sector technology adoption, where your expertise directly influences national security strategies and enables government agencies to achieve operational excellence. This is an incredible opportunity to make a tangible impact, drive strategic partnerships, and guide the development of transformative products that serve the public good. **About the Role** As a key member of a dynamic team focused on public sector enablement, you will provide crucial expertise and capacity for a new, high-impact initiative. This role is designed for a strategic thinker and skilled communicator who can navigate the complex intersection of technology, policy, and national security. You will act as a subject matter expert, engaging daily with federal defense agencies, the intelligence community, and their private-sector partners. Your work will address both technical and policy challenges, ensuring the successful adoption of innovative solutions by government entities. You will be instrumental in fostering relationships, analyzing critical issues, and articulating policy positions that guide the company’s contributions to national security. **What You’ll Do** * Deepen and cultivate strategic relationships with stakeholders across the defense and national security landscape, including federal government agencies, private-sector partners, and relevant third-party organizations. * Proactively identify, monitor, and analyze defense and national security-related policy issues at the federal level, providing critical insights to internal teams. * Articulate well-reasoned policy positions through compelling internal briefings, comprehensive papers, and various external forums. * Serve as a trusted advisor to internal teams, guiding the development of solutions and policies based on your expertise in defense and national security matters. * Represent the company in high-level meetings with government agencies and other relevant stakeholders, advocating for effective technology adoption and policy alignment. **What You’ll Bring** We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a passion for national security and a proven track record of navigating complex federal environments. **Must-Have Qualifications:** * Direct experience working with or within federal defense agencies. * Demonstrated expertise in defense, national security, and technology issues. * 8+ years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of 2 years working within the Federal Executive Branch. * Proven ability to engage effectively with government stakeholders and private-sector partners. * Exceptional writing and communication skills, with experience drafting communications for leadership and laying out strategic decisions. * Experience with public sector enablement. * Bachelor’s degree in a national security, policy, or technology-related field, or equivalent practical work experience. **Nice-to-Have Qualifications:** * Existing U.S. government security clearance. * In-depth experience working directly within federal defense agencies. * Experience with public sector acquisition processes. * Previous experience working in-house on a policy or public sector enablement team at a technology or defense-focused company. * Strong networking and briefing skills. * An advanced degree in a policy or technology-related field. **About Aquent Talent:** Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive. Client DescriptionThis top-tier technology company is seeking a National Security Policy & Partnerships Manager to provide surge capacity for a new initiative. As a National Security Policy & Partnerships Manager, you will be at the forefront of bridging the gap between cutting-edge commercial innovation and the critical needs of defense and national security agencies. This individual will act as a subject matter expert (SME), engaging daily with the Department of Defense (formerly Department of War), the intelligence community, and defense contractors. The role addresses both technical and policy challenges related to government adoption of the company’s products. This individual will support the company’s outreach to defense and national security agencies within the Executive Branch of the U.S. government and their private-sector partners on adoption of our products and relevant policy issues. Candidates will have established relationships and experience working at the federal level on defense and/or national security, broad expertise in defense and national security issues, and an understanding of the policy debates around national security and emerging technology. You will help the policy team liaise with the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community, and the company’s private-sector partners in this space. About the Team: The Public Sector Enablement team focuses on supporting the adoption of products by the U.S. government. A new initiative within this team is being launched to address the growing demand for subject matter expertise and surge capacity. Key projects include supporting technology acquisition, navigating complex policy and compliance requirements, and building strategic partnerships with government stakeholders and private-sector partners. The team’s work directly impacts the company’s ability to deliver transformative products and solutions to the public sector, helping government agencies leverage emerging technologies for national security, training, and operational excellence. Responsibilities At-A-Glance: – Deepen relationships with stakeholders across the defense and national security space, both in the federal government and with private-sector partners and third parties such as trade associations – Identify, monitor, and analyze defense and national security-related issues at the Federal level – Articulate our policy positions in internal meetings, briefing papers, and other fora – Advise teams on defense and national security-related matters to guide development of products, services, and policies – Represent company in meetings with USG and other relevant stakeholders Daily Responsibilities – Identify, monitor, and analyze defense and national security-related issues affecting the company at the Federal level – Articulate our policy positions in internal meetings, briefing papers, and other fora – Advise company’s teams on defense and national security-related matters to guide development of products, services, and policies – Represent the company in meetings with USG and other relevant stakeholders Minimum Qualifications: – MUST have DoD experience  – Expertise in defense/national security and technology issues required.  – Experience with public sector enablement and/or acquisitions and existing security clearance desired. – 8+ years of relevant experience, including 2+ years of experience working in Federal Executive Branch – Experience with defense and/or national security and emerging technology issues Preferred Qualifications: – Existing USG security clearance – Experience working within the Department of Defense – Public sector enablement and/or acquisition experience – Experience working in-house on a policy team or public sector enablement team at a tech or defense company – Networking and briefing skills – Advanced degree in a policy or technology-related field Education: – Bachelor’s degree in a national security, policy, or technology-related field, or equivalent work experience. Top 3 Must-Have Hard Skills: 1. External engagement with government stakeholders/private sector partners 2. Writing, draft comms for leadership, layout decisions 3. Public sector enablement experience #LI-Onsite

Created: 2025-10-06