State Government Affairs Lead

Details

OpenAI’s Global Affairs team builds collaborative relationships with public officials and the policymaking community to inform and support work on the safe, beneficial development and deployment of AI. As a State Government Affairs Lead, you will represent OpenAI’s policy interests across state and local governments, developing relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, local government representatives, and other stakeholders across multiple states. You will help shape strategic initiatives and policy documents, prepare OpenAI leaders for engagements with government officials, and represent OpenAI in private and public forums. You will also collaborate with civil society and industry partners and advise internal teams on state and local-level opportunities, risks, and policy developments.

This role requires frequent travel to various states to meet with key stakeholders. OpenAI offers relocation assistance to new employees.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary representative of OpenAI in assigned states at the state and local level.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, local government representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Shape strategic initiatives and contribute to policy documents related to AI and related topics.
• Prepare OpenAI leaders for engagements with government officials and represent the company in public and private forums.
• Coordinate with civil society, industry partners, and internal cross-functional teams (including engineering and research) to advance policy goals.
• Lead strategic advocacy, regulatory engagement, stakeholder coordination, and policy development efforts across multiple stakeholders and campaigns.
• Manage consultants and external partners at the state level as needed.

Requirements

• Significant state government advocacy experience and a demonstrated track record of advocating at the state level.
• Deep familiarity with state and local government policies and processes, particularly those impacting AI and emerging technologies.
• Sophisticated understanding of AI-related legislative and regulatory issues and processes.
• Strong experience in technology policy and experience working effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering and research teams.
• Strategic coalition-building and campaign management skills; ability to lead complex campaigns and initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to convey complex technical and policy concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills; ability to execute in fast-paced, flexible environments.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.
• Travel frequently across states for meetings and events.
• Technical skills relating to generative AI models and previous work on AI issues are highly desirable (significant plus).

Benefits

• Base pay consistent with listed compensation (see role listing). Total compensation may include equity and performance-related bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax accounts (Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter expenses).
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental, medical, and caregiver leave.
• Flexible PTO and paid company holidays/closures.
• Mental health and wellness support; employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
• Annual learning and development stipend.
• Daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits as eligible.
• Relocation support for eligible employees.
• Additional taxable fringe benefits (charitable donation matching, wellness stipends).

Additional Details

• This role is full-time and requires frequent travel.
• Relocation assistance is offered to new employees.
• Background checks will be administered in accordance with applicable law.