Vice President, Head of Government Affairs

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1.    Global Policy Strategy & Executive Advisory
•    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.
2.    Global Government Engagement & Representation
•    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.
3.    Policy Advocacy & Influence
•    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.

4.    Organizational Leadership & Capability Building
•    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.
5.    Enterprise Integration & Cross-Functional Leadership
•    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.
6.    Global Risk, Trade & Geopolitical 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
•    Ability 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

Physical Requirements

•    Ability to travel extensively (domestic and international)
•    Regular use of standard office equipment
•    Strong verbal and written communication capabilities

Safety Requirements

 

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

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) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

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

 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.