Policy & Government Relations Analyst

<div class="content-intro"><p>At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.</p></div><p>Vast is looking for a <strong>Policy &amp; Government Relations Analyst</strong>, reporting to the<strong> Director Special Programs</strong>, to support the company's government affairs strategy through research, analysis, and coordination across local, state, and federal engagement. This role will play a critical part in strengthening Vast's presence in the commercial space sector, tracking policy and budget developments in Washington, and producing high-quality written materials that support Vast's broader government affairs and business development objectives.</p> <p>This will be a <strong>full-time</strong>, <strong>exempt</strong> position located in our <strong>Long Beach</strong> location.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Support Vast's local government relations strategy in Long Beach and the broader Southern California region, including engagement with city officials, local economic development organizations, and community stakeholders.</li> <li>Represent Vast at local government meetings, community events, and regional industry forums as needed.</li> <li>Conduct research and analysis on federal, state, and local policy, legislation, and regulatory developments relevant to Vast's business.</li> <li>Track and summarize the congressional appropriations process, budget cycles, and NDAA developments impacting commercial space priorities.</li> <li>Draft policy briefs, talking points, legislative summaries, and other written materials for internal and external use.</li> <li>Produce and maintain a recurring government affairs newsletter to keep internal stakeholders informed on relevant policy, legislative, and local developments.</li> <li>Support proposal writing efforts in coordination with Business Development, including narrative content related to government affairs and policy positioning.</li> <li>Support tracking and management of the federal budget, appropriations, and NDAA processes as they relate to Vast's priorities.</li> <li>Support staff outreach and scheduling for congressional, agency, and local government meetings, including coordination of logistics and follow-ups.</li> <li>Build and maintain an organized database of relevant contacts across local, state, and federal government, congressional offices, and industry stakeholders.</li> <li>Coordinate briefing materials and preparation for meetings with policymakers and government stakeholders.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Minimum Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy topics into clear, concise materials.</li> <li>Excellent organizational skills with experience managing multiple projects, contacts, and deadlines.</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Skills &amp; Experience:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience with or understanding of the congressional appropriations and NDAA processes.</li> <li>Experience in local government relations or community engagement, ideally within the Long Beach or broader Southern California region.</li> <li>Experience supporting proposal writing or business development efforts.</li> <li>Experience building and maintaining stakeholder or contact databases.</li> <li>Interest or experience in commercial space, aerospace, defense technology, or national security policy.</li> <li>Self-starter with strong time-management skills and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities</li> </ul> <p><strong>Additional Requirements:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ability to travel occasionally to support local and federal government engagements.</li> <li>Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance, if required, to support national security space programs.</li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$90,000</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$128,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS<br></strong><br>Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee &amp; onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.</p> <p style="line-height: 1;"><strong><br>U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS<br><br></strong>The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-120.62">22 C.F.R. § 120.62</a> or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.<br><br></p> <p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>EQUAL OPPORTUNITY</strong><br><br>Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.</p></div>