Director, Government Relations - Regulatory
REGENT · Washington
At REGENT, we’re on a mission to revolutionize regional transportation between coastal cities. We're not just building vehicles, we're creating a new category of transportation: the Seaglider. These groundbreaking wing-in-ground-effect craft travel just above the water’s surface, combining the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen batteries), Seagliders will unlock fast, affordable, and sustainable coastal transit for passengers and cargo - connecting cities, islands, and communities like never before.
Backed by leading investors and powered by a team of passionate, forward-thinking engineers, builders, and operators, we’re now scaling from a breakthrough prototype to full production - and building the team to make it happen.
Role Overview
REGENT is building a new category of vehicle, and bringing Seagliders to market will require more than great technology. It will require strong partnerships across government, a policy environment that understands what we're building, and a clear strategy for how REGENT engages at the federal level on the transportation aspects of our business.
We're looking for a Director of Government Relations - Regulatory to own REGENT's federal government relations strategy related to Seaglider certification and operations, deepen relationships across Congress and the executive branch, and help position REGENT as a trusted voice in emerging transportation policy.
You'll work closely with leaders across the company to set our government relations agenda, advise leadership on where and how REGENT should engage, and build understanding and support for a technology that doesn't fit neatly into existing frameworks. You'll have the opportunity to shape REGENT’s approach while personally driving the relationships and advocacy that matter most.
If you've built credibility in government, know how to turn relationships into meaningful business and policy outcomes, and are energized by the opportunity to help shape the landscape around a technology and industry that didn't exist before, we'd love to meet you.
What You’ll Do
Lead Regulatory Government Relations: Own REGENT's federal government relations work supporting Seaglider certification, regulation, and operations — building and strengthening relationships across Congress, the executive branch, and relevant federal agencies and focusing our engagement on the policy and regulatory priorities that can advance a clear path to market.
Advance Regulatory & Policy Priorities: Lead REGENT's government engagement with DHS, U.S. Coast Guard, DOT, and FAA on the regulatory and policy frameworks that will govern how Seagliders are certified and operated. Build the relationships and coalitions needed to help advance a clear path for this new vehicle category.
Drive Federal Funding & Program Support: Engage in federal authorization and appropriations processes - including FAA reauthorization, U.S. Coast Guard authorization, and transportation appropriations — to advocate for funding, programs, and other federal support that can accelerate Seaglider certification and operations.
Shape the Policy Environment for Seagliders: Build understanding and support for a category that doesn't fit neatly into existing frameworks. Translate complex technology into clear, compelling policy narratives and bring together customers, industry partners, trade associations, and other stakeholders who can strengthen REGENT's advocacy. Partner closely with REGENT's lobbyists to advance legislative priorities.
Advise Leadership: Serve as a trusted government relations advisor to REGENT senior leadership - helping determine where REGENT should engage, how we use our time and political capital, and how leaders should approach high-stakes government meetings and external engagements.
Partner Across the Company: Work closely with Business Development, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Legal, and leadership to connect government relations to company strategy, defense growth, regulatory priorities, and external communications - bringing the right internal expertise into government engagement at the right time.
What You’ll Bring
Active Federal Network: You have real, current relationships on the Hill and across relevant transportation executive branch agencies — people who know you, take your calls, and trust your credibility. You can bring an established network to REGENT while continuing to expand it around the company's priorities.
Transportation Regulatory Experience: You've worked directly with DHS/U.S. Coast Guard, DOT/FAA, and/or other relevant federal agencies on regulatory or policy matters. You understand how agencies operate and know how to navigate rulemaking, policy, and regulatory processes to create a path for novel technology.
Authorization & Appropriations Fluency: You understand how federal authorization and appropriations processes actually work — including FAA reauthorization, U.S. Coast Guard authorization, and DOT/transportation appropriations cycles. You know how to connect those processes to funding, policy, and program opportunities that can advance REGENT's certification and operational priorities.
Emerging Technology Advocacy: You've built credibility for a company, technology, or industry that didn't fit neatly into an existing policy framework. You know how to translate something complex and unfamiliar into a compelling case for policymakers and help shape the conversation as government catches up with innovation.
Political & Executive Judgment: You know that access alone isn't strategy. You can read the political landscape, understand competing interests and reputational considerations, and advise senior leaders on where to engage, how to show up, and when the smartest move may be not to engage at all.
Who We’re Looking For:
Collaborative Team Player: You see government relations as a lever for advancing company priorities, not an end in itself. You understand how GR connects to regulatory strategy and the company's long-term growth, and you build strong relationships across the company to focus our efforts where they can have the greatest impact.
Creative Problem Solver: You’re comfortable navigating problems without an obvious playbook. You can look at a complicated political or policy landscape, understand the stakeholders and competing interests, and find creative paths to advance REGENT’s priorities — especially when the technology or policy question doesn’t fit neatly into an existing framework.
Adaptable & Agile: You’re comfortable operating in an environment where political dynamics, funding opportunities, and company priorities can change quickly. You know when to move quickly, when to play the long game, and when new information means the strategy needs to change — without losing sight of the broader objective.
Innovative Mindset: You’re energized by the opportunity to help government understand and engage with something genuinely new. You challenge conventional approaches, look for new ways to build support and credibility, and think creatively about how policy, partnerships, and government engagement can help create the conditions for REGENT and the Seaglider category to succeed.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation including a robust equity incentive plan.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance - we cover 100% of your premiums.
401(k) with company matching, so you can plan for the future.
Generous flexible time off, paid parental leave, and company-wide holiday breaks.
Relocation packages available for those moving to join our team.
Daily, free catered lunches
Learning & professional development opportunities
If you’re ready to take on an exciting challenge, grow with us, and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, but you see yourself contributing to our mission, we encourage you to apply! We value diverse skillsets and experiences and believe in the potential of passionate individuals to make a big impact.
Equal Opportunity Employer
REGENT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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