Director of International Development

About the role

Rainmaker is seeking a Director of International Development to serve as the bridge between its International Team and the U.S. federal government. You will lead engagement with the Department of State, develop programs and funding pathways, and position American cloud‑seeding technology as a key tool for global water security.

Key responsibilities

• Own the end‑to‑end relationship with the Department of State, including regional bureaus, embassies and science‑policy offices.
• Develop international programs and secure federal funding through foreign assistance, development finance, export promotion and multilateral agreements.
• Support congressional engagement with the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees, drafting legislative proposals and briefing materials.
• Serve as the primary interface between the International Team and U.S. government, translating partner needs into actionable federal initiatives.
• Represent Rainmaker across Washington’s international affairs community, building coalitions with NGOs, industry associations and validators.
• Track foreign weather‑modification programs, assess geopolitical implications and advise on partner‑country demand.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams—including business development, federal affairs, technical, legal and finance—to align international strategy with compliance obligations.
• Organize delegations, field demonstrations and site visits for foreign officials, embassy staff and congressional members.

Required profile

• 10+ years in foreign policy, international affairs or government relations, with experience at the State Department, NSC, congressional foreign‑policy roles or comparable organizations.
• Deep understanding of geopolitics, emerging technology policy, export controls, and the intersection of technology and strategic competition.
• Proven track record of developing international programs and securing government funding, familiar with foreign assistance appropriations and federal grant processes.
• Established relationships across the State Department, congressional foreign‑policy committees and the Washington international affairs community.
• Experience working directly with foreign governments, embassies and international partners, with strong cultural and protocol judgment.
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks such as FARA, LDA, ITAR/EAR, FCPA and sanctions regimes.
• Ability to operate as both strategist and hands‑on operator in a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; foreign language proficiency and recent security‑clearance eligibility are a plus.

What we offer

• Meaningful stock options and the chance to shape the company as an early team member.
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance for you and your family.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Unlimited PTO plus a generous paid holiday schedule.
• Paid parental leave for both parents.
• Daily lunch provided at the El Segundo headquarters.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
• Equal‑opportunity employment and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.