5.6. Director of Government Affairs

TLDR

Define and execute the aerospace and defense engagement strategy at the highest levels of the U.S. government, influencing critical policy and supply chains.

About Phoenix Tailings  Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world’s first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.  Why Phoenix Tailings  At Phoenix, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are driven to shape the future of aerospace, defense, and national security through innovation in domestic supply chains, this is your opportunity to have real impact.  Our Values:   ● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong ● Lead with Compassion ● Be Resourceful ● Listen ● Hustle Who We Are Looking For:  Phoenix Tailings is looking for a senior government affairs leader to define and execute our aerospace and defense engagement strategy at the highest levels of the U.S. government. This role will directly shape how Phoenix becomes a trusted supplier of critical metals to the defense industrial base and a strategic partner to DoW, Congress, and federal agencies.  Key Responsibilities:
  • Own and execute Phoenix Tailings’ government affairs strategy for aerospace and defense markets 
  • Drive engagement with DoW, Congress, and federal agencies on critical minerals, industrial base resilience, and supply chain security 
  • Position Phoenix Tailings as a preferred domestic supplier to defense primes and aerospace OEMs 
  • Shape federal policy, funding, and procurement pathways that accelerate adoption of Phoenix’s technology 
  • Lead high-level briefings with senior government officials, defense primes, and industry coalitions 
  • Identify and influence legislative, regulatory, and budgetary actions that impact defense metals sourcing 
  • Represent Phoenix Tailings in national security, aerospace, and defense policy forums 
  • Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience in government affairs, defense policy, or federal engagement 
  • Deep familiarity with the defense industrial base and aerospace procurement ecosystem 
  • Direct experience working with or alongside defense primes (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Boeing) 
  • Strong understanding of DoW acquisition, industrial base policy, and congressional processes 
  • Proven ability to influence senior government and industry stakeholders 
  • Experience translating complex technical or manufacturing capabilities into policy-relevant outcomes 
  • We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
  • Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
  • Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
  • Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families. 
  • Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world. 
  • Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations. 
  • Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
  • Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference! 
  • Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day. 
  • At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.  
     
    Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline). 

    Benefits

    Equity Compensation

    Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.

    Flexible Work Culture

    We don’t work at the office every day.

    Health Insurance

    100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage

    Learning Budget

    Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.

    Team Fun Events

    Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.

    Paid Parental Leave

    Parental leave and flexibility for families.

    Paid Time Off

    Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.

    Phoenix Tailings is a clean mining and metals production startup that focuses on sustainable and economically viable methods for extracting critical metals. We cater to industries dependent on these resources, aiming to become the first fully clean company in the sector, delivering the essential materials that support modern technology while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

    View all jobs
    Ace your job interview

    Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.

    Director Q&A's
    Report this job
    Apply for this job