Ionq

Senior Manager, Strategy Engagement & Advocacy

College Park, Maryland, United States Full Time

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution. 

The Senior Manager, Strategy Engagement and Advocacy will serve as an integral operator, strategic integrator, and execution driver for IonQ’s federal business and government relations team. Reporting to the Chief Corporate Affairs & Government Relations Officer, they will support strategic business initiatives, manage cross-functional projects, streamline operations, and improve communication flow between leadership, staff, and external stakeholders in support of IonQ Federal and the government relations team.

This role will blend strategy, planning, advocacy and operational execution. This role will support IonQ’s leadership in their engagement with the U.S. government and allied partners, oversee the execution of key initiatives, and ensure alignment across corporate and federal priorities. They will assist in translating vision into strategy as well as coordinating priorities and outreach across government relations, business development, and communications.

Responsibilities:

  • Strategic guidance: Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive, assisting in defining, prioritizing, and executing strategic initiatives and organizational objectives.
  • Project management: Lead and oversee special projects and large-scale, cross-functional initiatives from conception to execution, ensuring alignment with company goals.
  • Operational efficiency: Identify and implement improvements to internal processes, workflows, and organizational structure to enhance efficiency and productivity.
  • Communication hub: Act as a liaison and central point of contact between the executive office and internal teams, external partners, and other stakeholders. Draft and prepare high-impact communications, including presentations, reports, and memos. Translate vision and technology into strategic narratives that connect quantum innovation to U.S. economic growth, industrial policy, and national security which can be leveraged with think tanks, trade associations, and third-party stakeholders to advance IonQ’s leadership across the quantum and emerging technology ecosystem.
  • Performance monitoring: Help define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor progress on strategic goals and company performance.
  • Issue resolution and action tracking: Identify and address potential issues or roadblocks before they escalate, providing actionable solutions and recommendations.
  • Research Support: Track and analyze legislative, regulatory, and policy developments relevant to IonQ’s public sector and national security work.
  • Representation: Serve as intermediary for the leadership team in meetings with industry associations, public–private partnerships, and policy coalitions that promote U.S. quantum leadership and align with IonQ’s strategic objectives.

You’d be a good fit with: 

  • 8+ years of relevant professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor’s degree required in public policy, political science, economics, communications or a related field
  • Professional experience should include:
    • Strategic planning or corporate strategy
    • Government, Public Affairs or Think Tank
    • Stakeholder engagement or coalition building
    • Policy analysis or advocacy campaign management

You’d be a great fit with:

  • Demonstrated experience working with executive leadership and representing an organization externally
  • Track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives–ideally across public/private, and/or non-profit organizations
  • Experience in federal or state policy environments
  • Familiarity with industry and trade associations
  • Key Skills and Competencies should include:
    • Strategic Leadership
    • Policy & Advocacy
    • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Communications
    • Analytical & Research
    • Project Management
    • Excellent interpersonal and storytelling skills
    • Growth Mindset


Location:
This role is based onsite at our headquarters in College Park, MD or in the DC, Maryland, Virginia region.
Travel: Up to 25% travel
Job ID:  1202

The approximate base salary range for this position is $141,670 - $185,482. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance! 


IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
 
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
 
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions.  Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone.  Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.  

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!