National Security Lead, State and Local Government

OpenAI

National Security Lead responsible for policy engagement with state and municipal leaders on AI-related security issues. Collaborating across teams to develop strategies addressing risks and opportunities.

Posted 6/1/2026full-timeWashington, DC • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $201,600 - $325,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and sustain substantive relationships with state and major metropolitan homeland security advisors, emergency management directors, CISOs, election security officials, law enforcement and public safety leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.
Develop and execute a strategy for policy engagement on state and local risks from advanced AI, including AI-enabled cyber attacks, threats to critical infrastructure, election-related deception or interference, criminal misuse, and biological threats.
Represent OpenAI in engagements with governors' and mayors' offices, state and municipal agencies, relevant associations, and policy organizations on AI-related security and resilience issues.
Identify opportunities for beneficial state and local uses of AI, including improved cyber defense, disaster preparedness and response, threat analysis, and resilient public services.
Draft crisp policy briefs, strategy memos, stakeholder materials, and responses to inquiries on the national security and public safety implications of advanced AI.
Coordinate closely with OpenAI's State and Local Government team and relevant internal partners, including policy, partnerships, legal, security, preparedness, communications, and public sector teams.
Track state and local policy developments, operational priorities, and emerging concerns affecting the responsible deployment and governance of AI in homeland security and public safety contexts.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of relevant experience in homeland security, emergency management, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, election security, public safety, or closely related policy fields.
Experience at DHS or in a senior state or major metropolitan homeland security, cyber, emergency management, or resilience role strongly preferred.
Demonstrated credibility with state and local government leaders and relevant professional associations or public safety networks.
Familiarity with AI-related security challenges, including cyber threats, election security, critical infrastructure, biosecurity, or criminal misuse.
Excellent communication, policy writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Strong strategic instincts and the ability to deliver results in a rapidly evolving environment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth
Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

cybersecuritycritical infrastructure protectionemergency managementpolicy writingstakeholder engagementthreat analysisdisaster preparednessAI-related security challengesbiosecurityelection security

Soft Skills

communicationstrategic instinctsrelationship buildingcredibilityresults-orientedadaptabilitycollaborationpolicy engagementorganizational skillsleadership