Director, Washington Operations

Position Summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a highly experienced and strategic leader to serve as Director, Washington Operations. This individual will be responsible for strengthening the Laboratory’s presence in Washington, D.C., providing high-level engagement with key stakeholders across the Department of Defense (DoD), Capitol Hill, and other government agencies. The Director will facilitate critical discussions, secure access to senior decision-makers, and provide logistical support to Lincoln Laboratory teams engaging with federal partners.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Engagement & Relationship Building
•Serve as the Laboratory’s senior representative in Washington, cultivating relationships with senior officials in the Pentagon, Congress, and other federal agencies.
•Serve as strategic advisor to Laboratory leadership on navigating the Washington landscape and optimizing engagement efforts.
•In partnership with Laboratory senior leadership, develop and execute the strategic plan for the Laboratory’s Washington Operations office.
•Open doors at the highest levels of government, advocating for the Laboratory’s mission and ensuring visibility with key decision-makers.
•Provide expert guidance on federal priorities, policies, and funding opportunities relevant to Lincoln Laboratory’s research and mission.
•Facilitate engagement between Laboratory leadership and senior government officials to align Laboratory capabilities with national security needs.

Operational & Logistical Support
•Ensure seamless logistical coordination for Lincoln Laboratory teams traveling to Washington, D.C., including access to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill.
•Provide escort support when necessary for Laboratory staff visiting secure government locations.
•Support and coordinate meetings, briefings, and engagements with federal stakeholders to maximize impact.

Government Affairs & Advocacy
•Monitor and analyze legislative and policy developments that may impact the Laboratory’s mission, advising leadership on implications and opportunities.
•Develop and execute engagement strategies to communicate the Laboratory’s value proposition to policymakers and funding agencies.
•Represent the Laboratory at key government, industry, and policy events to enhance its visibility and influence.

Qualifications and Experience

•A minimum of seven years of senior executive-level experience in government, defense, national security, or a related field, with demonstrated ability to engage at the highest levels.
•Deep familiarity with the Pentagon, DoD leadership, and Capitol Hill, with an extensive network of contacts.
•Strong understanding of federal research funding mechanisms, defense innovation priorities, and national security strategy.
•Proven ability to navigate complex government environments and advocate effectively for institutional priorities.
•Excellent communication, diplomacy, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders with credibility and impact.
•Ability to coordinate and provide logistical support for executive engagements, including Pentagon access and escorting as required.
•Active security clearance or the ability to obtain one is required.