Head Of U.S. State Policy And Partnerships

Details

About the Team

OpenAI’s mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. The Global Affairs team leads engagement with policymakers, communities, and institutions shaping the future of AI. The U.S. Policy and Partnerships team leads Global Affairs engagement in the U.S. at the federal, state, and local levels, working across regions to anticipate issues, craft strategies, and champion policies that align technological progress with human values.

Role summary

OpenAI is seeking a visionary, strategic, and highly accomplished leader to serve as Head of U.S. State Policy and Partnerships. You will lead a team of public policy professionals to drive OpenAI’s policy engagements across states, territories, and municipalities in the United States. You will shape state and local campaigns, partnerships, and high-level government engagement, and will report to the Head of US and Canada Policy and Partnerships. This role is based in San Francisco, CA or Washington, DC and uses a hybrid work model (3 days in the office per week). Relocation assistance is offered to new employees.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute the state and local strategy, ensuring alignment with OpenAI priorities and leveraging campaign tools to drive policy outcomes.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of senior policy professionals across multiple states, fostering inclusivity, growth, and accountability.
• Cultivate direct relationships with governors, state legislators, mayors, and local leaders; anticipate and shape legislative, regulatory, and political trends; advise executives on political risk and policy positioning.
• Design and execute state and regional campaigns and partnerships with governments, universities, industry, and third-party groups; support key campaigns such as Stargate/infrastructure.
• Collaborate closely with research, engineering, product, legal, communications, finance, and industrial compute teams to align policy strategies with technical roadmaps and business objectives.
• Represent OpenAI at external events such as conferences, summits, and government meetings.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in state government, technology policy, or a related field, including senior leadership roles.
• Established credibility and relationships with state and local leaders (governors, mayors, state legislators).
• Proven ability to lead high-stakes policy campaigns, shape legislation or regulation, and build partnerships across multiple states.
• Demonstrated success managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Deep knowledge of state political and regulatory ecosystems, and a strong grasp of AI-related issues such as safety, privacy, competition, and infrastructure.
• Exceptional judgment, integrity, and political instincts; ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders and deliver results in fast-moving environments.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with a track record of influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience working across functions (legal, research, communications, commercial) to develop coordinated strategies and deliver results.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced environments and able to lead a campaign-style, coalition-building approach.

Benefits

• Base compensation referenced at $325,000 (role also offers equity and may include additional performance-related bonus(es)).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax accounts (Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter benefits).
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental leave and paid medical/caregiver leave; flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees.
• 13+ paid company holidays and additional office closures; paid sick/safe time as required by law.
• Mental health and wellness support; employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
• Annual learning and development stipend; daily meals in offices and meal credits as eligible.
• Relocation support for eligible employees; additional taxable fringe benefits (charitable donation matching, wellness stipends).

Additional notes

• OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and conducts background checks consistent with applicable law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available.