Director, Government Relations

At REGENT, we’re on a mission to revolutionize regional transportation between coastal cities. We're not just building vehicles, we're creating a new category of transportation: the Seaglider. These groundbreaking wing-in-ground-effect craft travel just above the water’s surface, combining the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen batteries), Seagliders will unlock fast, affordable, and sustainable coastal transit for passengers and cargo - connecting cities, islands, and communities like never before. Backed by leading investors and powered by a team of passionate, forward-thinking engineers, builders, and operators, we’re now scaling from a breakthrough prototype to full production - and building the team to make it happen.

Overview REGENT is building a new category of vehicle - and bringing Seagliders to market will require more than great technology. It will require strong partnerships across government, a policy environment that understands what we're building, and a clear strategy for how REGENT engages at the federal and state level. We're looking for a Director of Government Relations to own REGENT's federal and state government relations strategy, deepen relationships across Congress, the executive branch, defense stakeholders, and Rhode Island, and help position REGENT as a trusted voice in defense, transportation, and emerging policy. A major focus will be supporting the growth of our defense business by connecting policy, appropriations, and government relationships to meaningful opportunities for REGENT. You'll work closely with leaders across the company to set our government relations agenda, advise leadership on where and how REGENT should engage, and build understanding and support for a technology that doesn't fit neatly into existing frameworks. You'll have the opportunity to shape REGENT’s approach while personally driving the relationships and advocacy that matter most. If you've built credibility in government, know how to turn relationships into meaningful business and policy outcomes, and are energized by the opportunity to help shape the landscape around a technology and industry that didn't exist before, we'd love to meet you. What You’ll Do Lead Federal Government Relations: Own REGENT's relationships across Congress, the executive branch, and relevant federal agencies — strengthening existing relationships, building new ones, and focusing our engagement on the stakeholders and policy priorities that can meaningfully advance the business. Drive Defense Advocacy: Lead government relations efforts supporting the growth of REGENT's defense business. Navigate authorization, appropriations, acquisition, and policy priorities; engage DoD stakeholders, defense committees, congressional offices, and other decision-makers; and help position REGENT as funding and program opportunities develop. Lead Rhode Island Government Relations: Own REGENT's state government relations strategy, building relationships across the Governor's Office, legislature, state agencies, economic development organizations, and transportation stakeholders and connecting those relationships to REGENT's broader priorities. Shape the Policy Environment for Seagliders: Build understanding and support for a category that doesn't fit neatly into existing frameworks. Translate complex technology into clear, compelling policy narratives and bring together customers, industry partners, trade associations, and other stakeholders who can strengthen REGENT's advocacy. Advise Leadership: Serve as a trusted government relations advisor to the CEO and senior leadership — helping determine where REGENT should engage, how we use our time and political capital, and how leaders should approach high-stakes government meetings and external engagements. Partner Across the Company: Work closely with Defense, Business