Senior Director Government Contracting

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities, creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. 

• Estimated annual base pay: $224,800 (minimum) - $281,000 (midpoint) - $337,200 (maximum)
• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity. 
  • 401(k) match (4.5%)
  • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
  • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members  

• 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays. 
• Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire

• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave. 
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption Assistance  
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits. 
• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life 
• Member referral bonus 

• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible             Spending 
• Voluntary benefits, including:  

• Home / Auto Insurance discounts 
• Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave 

 Are you ready to make your mark? If you’re a Government Contracts Leader, we have an exciting opportunity for you.  Woodward is seeking a strategic and experienced Sr. Director, Government Contracts to lead legal advice to the government contracting function across all Woodward businesses. This position provides legal support for the Company’s U.S. Government business activities, including legal support for business systems, contract strategy, contract negotiation, drafting, reviews, approvals, interpretation, and proposals. The attorney will be a key partner to the business, providing legal advice and counsel to Woodward’s Business Segments and Government Contracting Compliance group to further the associated business strategy in U.S. Government Contracting matters, and support compliance with Company policies, U.S. Government contracting requirements, and all applicable laws and regulations. This position may support interactions with the U.S. Government, the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Contracting Officer and Administrative Contracting Officer assigned to the business for all related matters. This position will also lead the Company’s policy function under the direction of the Segment Support Operations General Counsel.

This position reports to the Vice President, Segment Support Operations General Counsel.

What You Will Be Doing 

• Oversee legal aspects of U.S. Government contract matters, including strategy, negotiation, drafting, review, approval, and interpretation of complex and routine contracts, and other transaction authority (OTA).
• Establish best practices, procedures, and standard work for U.S. Government contracting, support compliance efforts and required business systems.
• Provide guidance and training across the company on U.S. Government contract requirements collaborating with stakeholders to optimize strategies and meet customer expectations.
• Support audits, claims, and compliance initiatives in partnership with the Government Contracting Compliance team.
• Lead company-wide policy efforts, ensuring policies are implemented, updated, and aligned with compliance requirements.
• Oversee compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable regulations.
• Act as the company’s primary legal liaison with U.S. Government representatives, DCMA, DCAA, and prime contractors on contractual and regulatory matters supporting the business.
   

What We Are Looking For 

• Expert-level knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS), cost/pricing compliance, and agency-specific requirements, including mastery of DFARS Business-Systems.
• Experience navigating cost accounting standards (CAS), FFP contracts, cost-type contracts, and the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Statute.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills in collaborating with, and educating, business stakeholders involved in government contracting processes.
• Strategic mindset with a track record of driving process improvements and scalable solutions in a complex, regulated environment.
• Proven ability to work constructively under pressure, adapt to change, and respond resourcefully to ambiguity.
   

Additional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Public Policy, or a related field preferred.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. state or territory required. If not licensed in Colorado, the candidate must promptly obtain Colorado bar membership through reciprocity, single-client representation, or passing the Colorado bar exam.
• 10+ years of progressive government contracts experience.
• Demonstrated experience with large, complex government programs, international contracting, and classified programs preferred.
• U.S. Person under ITAR and EAR regulations.
   

Application window is anticipated to close 30 days from original posting date.

This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).   All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

EO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veterans