State Government Affairs Lead; Northeast Region

About the Team

OpenAI’s mission is to ensure that general‑purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. Achieving that goal requires effective engagement with public policy stakeholders and the broader community impacted by AI. Our Global Affairs team builds authentic, collaborative relationships with public officials and the policy making community to inform and support our shared work. We ensure that insights from policymakers inform our efforts and— in collaboration with colleagues and external stakeholders—advance regulation, industry standards, and the safe, beneficial development of AI tools.

As a State Government Affairs Lead, Northeast Region, you will be part of a team leading OpenAI’s engagement with state and local governments across the Northeast, including New York, Pennsylvania, and other key states throughout the region. Reporting to the Head of U.S. State Policy and Partnerships, you will develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, local government representatives, and other key stakeholders across your assigned states.

You will serve as a primary representative of OpenAI’s policy interests in the Northeast and help shape regional strategies that advance OpenAI’s broader policy goals and mission.

OpenAI releases industry‑leading research and tools, and you will face new challenges as the impact of cutting‑edge generative AI technologies continues to be explored and as the needs of the organization evolve. Day‑to‑day work may include shaping strategic initiatives and policy documents, preparing OpenAI leaders for engagements with government officials, and representing OpenAI in private and public forums across the region.

This role will require frequent travel throughout the Northeast region to participate in meetings, events, and engagements with key stakeholders. We offer relocation assistance to new employees.

• Shape strategic initiatives and policy documents.
• Prepare OpenAI leaders for engagements with government officials.
• Represent OpenAI in private and public forums across the region.
• Collaborate with civil society and industry partners.
• Advise internal teams on state and local‑level opportunities, risks, and policy developments.
• Engage in strategic advocacy, regulatory engagement, stakeholder coordination, and policy development.
• Build durable relationships and execute thoughtful engagement strategies across the Northeast.

• Deeply familiar with state and local government policies and processes, particularly those impacting AI, energy, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
• Strategic coalition builder and campaign manager who thrives on cross‑functional collaboration and public‑private partnerships.
• Highly organized, accountable, and capable of leading complex campaigns and initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Passionate about responsible AI adoption and its intersection with economic growth, energy systems, and infrastructure development.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the U.S. political system, institutions, and processes—particularly state governments—and the key policy issues and debates related to AI.
• Experience advocating at the state government level.
• Experience managing consultants at the state level.
• Strong experience in technology policy.
• Track record of effectively working with cross‑functional teams, especially engineering and research teams, and aligning a diverse range of internal and external partners.
• Sound judgment and outstanding personal integrity.
• Ability to execute in fast and flexible environments through rapid cycles of analysis, decision, and action.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical and policy concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Genuine care and knowledge about the impact of technology on society.
• Previous work on AI issues and technical AI development expertise a significant plus.
• Technical knowledge related to generative AI models is highly desirable.

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated…