5.1. Senior Director of Government Affairs
Phoenix Tailings
Sales & Business Development
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Apr 30, 2026
About Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world’s first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.
Why Phoenix Tailings
At Phoenix, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are driven to shape the future of aerospace, defense, and national security through innovation in domestic supply chains, this is your opportunity to have real impact.
Our Values:
● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
● Lead with Compassion
● Be Resourceful
● Listen
● Hustle
Who We Are Looking For:
Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Senior Director of Government Affairs to lead and execute our federal engagement strategy at the highest levels of the U.S. government, with a critical focus on the Department of Commerce and Department of Energy. This role will directly shape how Phoenix secures funding, influences industrial policy, and accelerates domestic critical minerals production. You will serve as a key architect in positioning Phoenix Tailings as a strategic partner to federal agencies driving supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing, and energy transition priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and execute Phoenix Tailings’ federal government affairs strategy with a primary focus on the Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, & Treasury
- Lead direct engagement with senior officials across Commerce and Energy to shape programs supporting critical minerals, industrial development, and domestic manufacturing
- Identify, secure, and expand access to federal funding opportunities including grants, loans, and public-private partnership programs
- Shape and influence federal policy, regulatory frameworks, and funding priorities related to critical minerals, supply chain resilience, and clean energy technologies
- Drive strategic positioning of Phoenix Tailings within key federal initiatives tied to industrial base expansion and energy security
- Lead high-level briefings and engagements with federal agencies, congressional stakeholders, and executive branch leadership
- Monitor and influence legislative and budgetary processes impacting critical minerals, including appropriations and authorizations
- Represent Phoenix Tailings in national policy forums, industry coalitions, and government-led initiatives focused on energy, manufacturing, and economic security
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in government affairs, defense policy, or federal engagement
- Deep familiarity with the defense industrial base and aerospace procurement ecosystem
- Direct experience working with or alongside defense primes (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Boeing)
- Strong understanding of DoW acquisition, industrial base policy, and congressional processes
- Proven ability to influence senior government and industry stakeholders
- Experience translating complex technical or manufacturing capabilities into policy-relevant outcomes
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
- Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
- Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
- Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
- Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.
- Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.
Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).
