Southwest Policy Manager

The Southwest Policy Manager will be the face of Waymo as we preserve our freedom to operate in Texas and Arizona, particularly as we look to increase our public-facing service in these states. This role will help us strategize and navigate state and local policy and regulatory challenges particularly as the business faces increasing headwinds from a political environment.  Who do we need to know, what do we need to know, and how do we need to conduct our business - in order to continue our existing, and grow our planned operations in the midwest. Day to day, the Southwest Policy Manager will manage a mix of internal meetings, reporting, strategic advising, managing external consultants and external meetings, and events representing and advocating for Waymo- specifically in state capitols and major metro areas.  The role will require strong emphasis on internal collaboration and cross-functional team work, and strong emphasis on organizational skills.

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to the Regional Head of the West

You will:

• Engage directly with Southwest state and local policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and key opinion leaders to shape policy and political dialogue and serve as the “face of Waymo” throughout the region.
• Track current and emerging political activity in the region while executing policy strategy that benefits Waymo’s users and business.  
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Southwest state and local elected officials, their staff, regulators, and other key external stakeholders. 
• Collaborate closely with internal cross-functional stakeholders including strategic advising. 
• Work closely with other teams at Waymo to ensure up to date knowledge of company plans and reporting policy political developments with analysis.
• Collaboratively manage state consultant relationships and represent Waymo in local chambers and trade associations, state organizations, and national political organizations including 501C3 and 527 organizations.
  

You have:

• Reside in the Southwest/ Texas / Austin with ability to frequently travel to state capitols and Southwest cities. 
• 5-7 years of experience of public policy experience within government, or relevant nonprofit, public interest groups, companies, lobbying firms or industry associations;
• A well-developed network of relationships with key figures across the Southwest legislative and policy landscape. 
• Skilled and experienced at persuasively and diplomatically advocating complex policy positions before a wide variety of audiences
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands-on legislative and regulatory analytics experience, including drafting and editing legislation. 
  

We prefer:

• At least 2+ years working specifically on technology or transportation policy issues. 
• Bachelor’s degree, MPP/MBA/JD preferred. 
• Work experience in both state and local politics. 
• Work experience in the private sector. 
• Knowledge of the policy environment for autonomous vehicles.
• Knowledge of future of work, labor, and workforce development policy issues
• Knowledge of privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other public policy issues related to data-driven industries
  

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 40% travel within Texas and Southwest on a frequent basis and occasionally travel to California, DC, and other major U.S. cities for conferences.