Director, Market Intelligence and Government Relations

About Darkhive

Founded in 2021, Darkhive is pioneering advancements in autonomous systems, integrating next-generation hardware and software into essential public safety and defense networks. Our mission centers around tactical human-machine interfaces and mass production of cost-effective, expendable unmanned systems in collaboration with government partners. Our team comprises U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception specialists, and DevSecOps professionals dedicated to mission-first excellence. We foster an innovative, fast-paced startup culture emphasizing collaboration and cutting-edge robotic development.

Role Overview

We seek a Director of Market Intelligence & Government Relations to lead two intertwined functions: analyzing defense market trends and cultivating government relationships and policy insight to guide our strategic moves. Positioned within Strategy & Corporate Development, this full-time role reports to the Chief Strategy Officer. While remote work is supported, preferably from the DMV region, travel up to 25% to company headquarters or other locations is expected.

Responsibilities

• Monitor UAS and counter-UAS competitive landscape, tracking peer and adjacent companies.
• Analyze Department of Defense budgets, NDAA provisions, and procurement patterns to support business and product strategies.
• Develop market sizing, forecasting, and win/loss assessments to ground pursuit strategies in data-driven insights.
• Present regular intelligence briefings to business development, capture teams, and executive leadership.
• Manage relationships with congressional offices, defense committees, and pertinent DoD and agency stakeholders.
• Stay informed on ITAR/EAR and export-control policy changes, advising leadership on impact to operations and business.
• Represent Darkhive at industry workshops, policy forums, and government-industry groups.
• Coordinate with external counsel or policy advisors on appropriations, authorization, and related engagements.
• Collaborate with Communications and PR to align policy and press narratives.
• Support Corporate Development and Partnerships with relevant market and policy context.
• Assist CSO in preparing for board and investor meetings concerning policy or competitive landscape topics.

Qualifications

• 6 to 10 years' experience in market intelligence, government relations, or defense policy.
• Familiarity with the DoD budget process (PPBE), NDAA legislation, and congressional interaction.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills for both internal briefings and external policy statements.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Preferred: established contacts within DoD, military services, or Capitol Hill.
• Preferred: knowledge of ITAR/EAR and export control for dual-use technologies.
• Preferred: experience at a defense technology startup or managing government versus commercial regulatory balances.
• Preferred: proven experience building market intelligence or government relations capabilities from the ground up.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended durations and use standard office equipment.
• Capacity to maintain alertness during business hours.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Proficient written and verbal English communication.
• Ability to learn and recall routine tasks.
• Reasonable accommodations provided to qualified persons with disabilities.

Additional Information

Given the nature of Darkhive's work in defense, visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and sustain a security clearance, typically requiring U.S. citizenship. Darkhive reserves the right to modify duties as necessary. The selection process includes application review, recruiter screening, hiring manager interview, take-home assignment, and a final panel interview.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• Fully employer-paid dental and vision insurance.
• Automatic employer 401k contributions with vesting.
• Paid vacation and personal time off.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• Five sick days.
• Stock options offered.
• Supportive and welcoming workplace culture respecting work-life balance.

Equal Opportunity

Darkhive is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.