Vice President, Head of Government Affairs

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Define and lead a comprehensive global government affairs strategy aligned with corporate objectives and long-term growth priorities.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board on public policy, geopolitical risk, and regulatory developments.
• Anticipate and shape global legislative and regulatory trends impacting technology, manufacturing, trade, and supply chains.
• Establish the company as a global thought leader on critical policy issues.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with senior government officials, regulators, and policymakers across key markets (U.S., Europe, Asia, and emerging regions).
• Represent the company in global policy forums, industry coalitions, multilateral organizations, and trade associations.
• Lead direct engagement with U.S. federal leadership while overseeing regional engagement strategies worldwide.
• Position the company as a strategic partner to governments on industrial policy, innovation, and economic development.
• Drive global advocacy strategies to influence legislation, regulation, and policy frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
• Oversee development of company policy positions, white papers, and advocacy campaigns.
• Direct the company's participation in industry groups, coalitions, and public-private partnerships.
• Manage external advisors, lobbying firms, and consultants globally to ensure coordinated and effective advocacy.
• Build, lead, and develop a global government affairs function, including regional heads and in-country resources.
• Establish governance, operating models, and performance metrics for government affairs worldwide.
• Allocate resources strategically across regions and priority policy areas.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and globally integrated team.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Communications, and Business Unit leadership to align policy strategy with business objectives.
• Integrate government affairs into key corporate decisions, including capital investments, market entry/exit, and supply chain strategy.
• Support crisis management, risk mitigation, and issues response involving regulatory or political exposure.
• Ensure alignment between government affairs, ESG priorities, and corporate reputation strategy.
• Provide leadership on trade policy, export controls, sanctions, and international regulatory frameworks.
• Assess geopolitical risks and advise on mitigation strategies affecting global operations and supply chains.
• Support business continuity planning in response to policy shifts or political developments.
• Guide engagement on incentives, subsidies, and government partnerships globally.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (JD, MPP, MBA, or equivalent) strongly preferred
• 15-20+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory leadership roles
• Significant experience engaging with senior government officials across multiple geographies
• Prior leadership of global or multi-regional teams
• Experience in a multinational corporation and/or senior government role strongly preferred

Skills

• Proven ability to influence policy at the highest levels globally
• Deep understanding of international political, regulatory, and trade environments
• Exceptional executive presence and ability to engage with C-suite, Board members, and government leaders
• Strong strategic and geopolitical thinking with clear business acumen
• Able to operate effectively in a complex, matrixed, global organization
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• High integrity, judgment, and discretion

Working Conditions

• Based in Washington, DC with global travel required
• Frequent engagement with senior government officials and international stakeholders
• Hybrid work environment with significant in-person representation responsibilities
• Ability to travel extensively (domestic and international)
• Regular use of standard office equipment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel extensively (domestic and international)
• Regular use of standard office equipment

Quality And Environmental Responsibilities

• Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

• Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE): Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
  Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
  Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
  Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
  Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!