Government Affairs Lead; Small Business Healthcare and HR Policy

Overview

Government Affairs Lead (Small Business Healthcare, Benefits, and HR Policy)  will be a senior policy leader with deep expertise in small business healthcare, benefits, and HR policy, leveraging AI as a core part of your work to advance Gusto’s policy agenda and support small and medium-sized businesses.

• Develop comprehensive government affairs strategies focused on small business healthcare, tax, HR, and benefits policy aligned with Gusto’s objectives.
• Use AI tools to monitor, summarize, forecast legislative and regulatory developments, and identify policy risks and opportunities.
• Lead policy initiatives, anticipate policy changes, and engage across the organization on issues affecting Gusto customers.
• Represent Gusto before government officials, lead industry coalitions, and advise internal leaders on complex policy matters throughout the policy lifecycle—from idea to implementation—with AI as an enabler.
• Partner with Product, Legal, Compliance, and Operations to translate policy developments into product roadmaps and operational plans.
• Embed AI-enabled workflows into policy monitoring, risk assessment, and internal communications to increase speed, coverage, and consistency.
• Engage in external forums and industry groups, communicating Gusto’s policy vision effectively (with AI-assisted preparation).
• Build and maintain networks across government, industry associations, think tanks, and small-business advocacy groups.
• Provide mentorship, leadership, and guidance on complex policy issues and the responsible use of AI in policy work.

• A minimum of 8 years in government affairs or public policy; or 6 years with a Master’s; or 3 years with a PhD and demonstrated expertise in a relevant policy area. Strong preference for experience in small business healthcare, benefits, labor, HR/employment, and/or tax policy.
• Deep knowledge across policy disciplines with a focus on healthcare, benefits, employment and labor regulation, payroll, taxation, and HR compliance.
• Demonstrated success navigating policy change management and ability to anticipate policy shifts and design strategic responses.
• Proficiency using AI tools (e.g., large language models, AI research assistants, summarization tools) as an integral part of policy work; ability to monitor, draft, and refine policy materials and model scenarios.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills; ability to guide development of innovative policy solutions.
• Analytical excellence in evaluating healthcare, labor, benefits, tax, and HR frameworks; adept at selecting and adapting methods for complex policy challenges.
• Executive presence and communication skills to represent the organization before senior officials and stakeholders; experience leading coalitions or working groups.
• Relationship-building capabilities across policy communities, and a track record of influencing policy outcomes through credible thought leadership.
• Management experience, mentoring abilities, and a proven record of delivering results through cross-functional alignment.

Cash compensation: $150,000–$175,000/year in Denver; $175,000–$205,000/year in New York/San Francisco. Equity and performance bonuses are included. Final offer depends on location, experience, and expertise.

Gusto is a modern, online people platform helping small businesses with payroll, health insurance, 401(k) plans, HR, and more. The Government Affairs team shapes policy for small businesses and their employees to empower entrepreneurship and improve outcomes.

Gusto has offices in Denver, San Francisco, and New York City. Employees in these locations are expected to work from the office 2–3 days per week (or more, depending on role).

Note:

Symmetry, Gusto’s subsidiary in Scottsdale, follows the same office expectations. The San Francisco office policy covers the SF and San Jose metro areas. Remote work requires a secure, reliable internet connection.

Gusto is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), marital status, ancestry, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Gusto provides reasonable accommodations and will assist with medical or religious accommodations upon request. Applicants’ privacy is protected by Gusto’s Applicant Privacy Notice.

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