External Affairs Manager (Tennessee)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER (TENNESSEE) The External Affairs Manager will lead External Affairs for SpaceX and xAI in Tennessee for a variety of intersecting business functions, including local and state government relationships, community and business relations, and educational outreach. In this role, you will work with internal and external stakeholders to help ensure that SpaceX has a robust and continually growing relationship with the local community. The position requires the energy, initiative and dependability to produce results in support of SpaceX’s Community Relations strategic plan. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead engagement with civic leaders across Memphis and the broader Tennessee region to support core SpaceX and xAI priorities Develop, maintain, and build-upon a network of relationships with local government officials, lawmakers, and regulatory decision-makers Monitor and analyze local and regional policy developments Perform research as needed, develop policy and collateral materials Partner with the SpaceX Communications team to identify and support outreach and messaging opportunities Support the director of Government Affairs with statewide government relations priorities as needed BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree 5+ years of experience working in public affairs, including but not limited to state and local government policy, advocacy, government affairs, and/or legislative navigation and crisis/issue management PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Experience and existing relationships with community leaders in Tennessee Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships across a variety of stakeholder groups and issue areas Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills Demonstrated history of achieving definitive, measurable outcomes through political or community engagement Experience working on issues directly related to corporate community relations Knowledge of local government affairs practices Passion for SpaceX's mission and goals ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be willing to travel statewide to support company priorities Flexibility required including long hours and weekend work when necessary to support operations and critical project timelines Must be willing to attend political and industry events on behalf of SpaceX and xAI ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here . SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected] .