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Head of Government Relations

McLean, Virginia

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together.

 

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together.

Appian is seeking a strategic, results-oriented government affairs executive to drive the company's external policy, regulatory, and advocacy agenda. Reporting to the SVP of Public Sector, the Head of Government Affairs will shape legislative and regulatory outcomes at federal and state levels that directly advance Appian's market position and business objectives.

This role demands a visionary leader who can design and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy spanning global, federal, and state priorities. The ideal candidate will navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments, championing policies and appropriations that strengthen Appian's leadership in AI and Process Automation. This position is integral to Appian's go-to-market strategy, translating policy influence into competitive advantage and building the company's reputation as an industry innovator.

What you get to do in this role

  • Drive an integrated government relations strategy in partnership with senior leaders across Public Sector, Legal, Communications, Sales, Marketing, and Engineering, ensuring alignment with and direct contribution to Appian's go-to-market objectives at federal and state levels.

  • Build and nurture strategic relationships with U.S. and international legislators, regulators, and officials, establishing Appian as the premier thought partner and trusted advisor on digital transformation and emerging technology policy.

  • Champion Appian's business priorities in the policy arena, expanding the company's influence across legislative, regulatory, and business development channels while elevating its standing as an innovation leader among government and industry stakeholders.

  • Direct comprehensive monitoring and analysis of legislative and regulatory developments, identifying high-impact policy opportunities that strengthen Appian's competitive position in the technology sector.

  • Serve as the primary policy advisor to executive leadership, delivering strategic counsel on emerging trends, regulatory shifts, and policy opportunities that shape Appian's strategic direction, operations, and market advantage.


 

Primary Job Responsibilities

  • Build and lead a high-performing government affairs team while orchestrating external consultants, lobbyists, and trade association partnerships to maximize impact and reach.

  • Represent Appian in key industry alliances, coalitions, and policy forums, positioning the company at the center of critical technology policy discussions.

  • Translate Appian's technical innovation and business value into compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers, regulators, and decision-makers across jurisdictions.

  • Establish robust monitoring systems to track and assess policy developments, delivering actionable intelligence that informs strategic planning and competitive positioning.

  • Create high-impact advocacy materials, briefing documents, white papers, and executive presentations that advance company objectives and demonstrate policy expertise.

  • Design and execute strategies that elevate Appian executives as authoritative voices in technology policy circles through speaking opportunities, bylines, and strategic third-party partnerships.

  • Oversee government affairs budget while implementing rigorous processes to ensure full compliance with ethics requirements, lobbying regulations, and disclosure laws across all operating jurisdictions.

  • Design comprehensive metrics and reporting frameworks that demonstrate government affairs impact, inform stakeholder decision-making, and showcase ROI to leadership.

 

In order to be successful in this role, we need someone who has

  • 15+ years of experience in public policy, compliance, or regulatory affairs within the technology sector, with a strong leadership track record at major companies, government entities, or industry associations.

  • Proven experience leading a government affairs function for a technology, software, or digital innovation firm.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of government relations, advocacy, and legislative processes as they pertain to the technology sector.

  • Experience in both public sector/government service and private sector/in-house government affairs roles.

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (master’s or JD preferred).

  • Willingness and ability to travel frequently.

Tools and Resources 

  • Training and Development: During onboarding, we focus on equipping new hires with the skills and knowledge for success through department-specific training. Continuous learning is a central focus at Appian, with dedicated mentorship and the First-Friend program being widely utilized resources for new hires. 
  • Growth Opportunities: Appian provides a diverse array of growth and development opportunities, including our leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers, a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University, skills based training, and tuition reimbursement for those aiming to advance their education. This commitment ensures that employees have access to a holistic range of development opportunities.
  • Community: We’ll immerse you into our community rooted in respect starting on day one. Appian fosters inclusivity through our 8 employee-led affinity groups. These groups help employees build stronger internal and external networks by planning social, educational, and outreach activities to connect with Appianites and larger initiatives throughout the company.

About Appian

Appian is a software company that automates business processes. The Appian AI-Powered Process Platform includes everything you need to design, automate, and optimize even the most complex processes, from start to finish. The world's most innovative organizations trust Appian to improve their workflows, unify data, and optimize operations—resulting in better growth and superior customer experiences. For more information, visit appian.com. [Nasdaq: APPN]

Follow Appian: LinkedIn.

Appian is an equal opportunity employer that strives to attract and retain the best talent. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Appian provides reasonable accommodations to applicants in accordance with all applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at ReasonableAccommodations@appian.com. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

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