International Government Relations Lead (Weather Balloon Launch Sites)

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WindBorne Systems is supercharging weather models with a unique proprietary data source: constellations of next-generation smart weather balloons targeting the most critical atmospheric data. We then combine that unique data source with the world’s most accurate AI weather models. Our long-term vision is to eliminate weather uncertainty, and in the process help humanity adapt to climate change, be that predicting hurricanes or speeding the adoption of renewables. The founding team of Stanford engineers was named Forbes 2019 30 under 30 and is backed by top investors, including Khosla Ventures.

WindBorne is seeking a highly motivated and adaptable international government relations lead to spearhead the expansion of our weather balloon launch site network across the globe. This role requires someone at the center of a highly varied Venn diagram that includes fighting through bureaucracy to meet internal timelines, navigating complex regulatory relationships, being a cultural chameleon, and the ability to manage extremely dynamic projects.

Responsibilities: As the International Government Relations Lead, you will be at the forefront of expanding our presence into new territories, with a primary focus on unlocking the ability to establish new weather balloon launch sites in foreign countries.

Your role will be to support our Head of International Growth in building out our global infrastructure by securing partnerships and regulatory approvals for balloon launch sites and flights around the world. Your job may be flying out to meet with a department head in South Asia on a few days' notice, attending conferences across the South Pacific, or briefing South American national regulators on best-practice interpretations of international treaties.

From securing regulatory approvals to building partnerships with met agencies and supporting field demonstrations of equipment, you will play a vital role in taking our coverage worldwide.

Qualifications: We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in international government relations or project management, coupled with a passion for innovation and travel, and a willingness to tackle new challenges head-on.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and adapt to diverse cultural environments.
• Experience with international governments, especially in developing countries—building relationships, navigating local rules and regulations, and managing long-distance partnerships.
• Ability to operate independently overseas – capable of and comfortable traveling alone to developing countries (including LDCs such as the Solomon Islands and Zambia. No Level 4 Countries as defined by the US State Department)
• Willingness and availability to travel internationally at least five months out of the year.

+ Must possess a valid passport with visa-free access to 179+ countries globally and a strong consular support network, due to extensive deployment to remote international locations. Check Here

+ ++ Can drive manual transmission cars and trucks

• Proficiency in multiple languages or the ability to learn new languages quickly would be a significant asset, especially French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Tagalog/Filipino.
• Most importantly, we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to advancing the field of weather forecasting and atmospheric research and is eager to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds from ground level to truck bed height (uneven weight)
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 15 pounds to overhead storage compartments (uneven weight)
• Ability to perform these functions safely and without risk of injury to self or others

These physical requirements are essential job functions that cannot be performed with reasonable accommodations due to the field deployment nature of this position.

Who are you?

• You’re looking to rack up stamps in your passport and aren’t afraid of adventure – challenges are a feature, not a bug.
• You have grit and are willing to go the extra mile to complete your objective. You don't take no for an answer, and find the cleverest way to get something done.
• Adaptable under pressure — nothing rattles you, whether it’s a customs holdup, a missed flight, or an incoming typhoon. You plan ahead, but you’re ready to improvise.
• A natural people-person — you build rapport quickly, put others at ease, and inspire them to work with you to make things happen.

*Where will we go?*

Everywhere!

Here’s where we’ve been in the past year: Australia, Guam, Japan, Reunion Island, Kenya, Vienna, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Uruguay, New Zealand US (OK, LA, WA, MA, FL, HI, NH)

Here’s a partial list where we want to run pilots and/or set up sites in the next 18 months: Uruguay, Argentina, Fiji, Iceland, St Helena Island (UK), the Philippines, Suriname, Vietnam, French Caledonia, and Antarctica.

Salary: 90 -150K\\ We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels for this position and will adjust our offers accordingly to be competitive with market rates.