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Senior Government Associate

Chicago, IL

Senior Government Engagement Associate  
MxD

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, and intellectually stimulating? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing. 

+ About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.  

+ Position Overview

MxD is seeking a Senior Government Engagement Associate to manage activities within the Government Engagement team. The Government team is charged with the strategic engagement and fostering of government stakeholder relationships and activities with federal, state, and local agencies and officials,the execution of day-to-day activities for MxD’s government initiatives, and government-specific programs critical to advancing the Institute’s mission. The responsibilities of this dynamic role include executing on organization’s government aligned strategies, supporting internal and external government programs and communication, government-centric research on federal agencies, process creation, implementation, and execution, and other programmatic support as required. The Senior Associate will be responsible for working internally to ensure all assigned tasks are managed effectively from beginning to end. This position will report to the Director of Government Engagement.

+ Position Responsibilities

  • Lead execution of comprehensive government engagement strategies with federal, state, local, and military officials to advance MxD’s mission
  • Advise leadership on government initiatives relevant to Digital Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, and Workforce Development through monitoring, researching and data analyzation
  • Facilitate or provide input into communications, presentations, agenda creation, and grants tailored to executive-level personnel and senior government stakeholders
  • Cross-collaboration with internal departments and external stakeholders to fulfill government requests, requirements, and engagements
  • Support, lead, and/or manage MxD Government-specific activities, programs, projects, and workshops
  • Represent or support the organization’s interests in briefings, meetings, conferences with government and military entities
  • Provide clear, actionable feedback from meetings, engagements, and events for timely follow-up on required actions or responses
  • Support the development of metrics to assess government engagement strategies and initiatives
  • Bring and/or develop expertise in issues critical to the modernization of the Defense, Maritime, and Organic Industrial Bases
  • Assist with ad hoc organizational initiatives and duties as needed

+ Position Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in or relevant work experience in Government Relations, Communication, Public Affairs, Political Science, or similar discipline
  • Minimum three years of program, project, and/or government engagement experience. Significant experience in the U.S. military can also qualify an individual for this position given relevant military or Department of Defense program/project management experience.
  • Utilize effective project and program management skills to coordinate and organize project objectives, timelines, deliverables, team accountability, and communication, including through cross-collaboration within internal departments
  • Ability to balance multiple internal and external requests, articulate trade-offs for competing priorities, and appropriately identify and escalate issues to ensure delivery of high-value project deliverables
  • Aptitude in synthesizing information into cohesive, accurate, and succinct writing
  • Proven experience shifting priorities quickly while maintaining organization and ability to problem solve
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences, including executive-level stakeholders and government officials
  • Ability and desire to work in a highly dynamic, fast-paced, and mission-driven environment with minimal manager or supervisor oversight
  • Capacity to work onsite at least 3 days per week to support member events at MxD and attend staff meetings, including being the proxy for Government Engagement team leadership
  • Proficiency with MS Office, CRM software (e.g., HubSpot) and familiarity with project management software (e.g., Monday.com)
  • Prior experience planning in-person and virtual events, trade-shows, exhibits

 

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart!

 

Work with Us

  • MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
  • Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
  • MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

  • MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

  • All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.

Accommodations Statement 

  • We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us. 

Accommodations Include: 

  • Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at PC@mxdusa.org. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process. 
  • Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience. 
  • Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.

 

 

MxD Pay

$75,000 - $90,000 USD

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