State Policy & Partnerships Manager, Global Affairs

OpenAI

Manage U.S. State Policy and Partnerships for OpenAI, impacting AI legislation and engagement with state governments.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $171,000 - $190,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Help drive the operations of the U.S. State Policy and Partnerships team, including planning rhythms, team communications, trackers, briefings, and meeting cadences.
Support execution of OpenAI’s state and local policy strategy across all 50 states with a particular focus on high-priority jurisdictions.
Work across OpenAI teams to advance state-level priorities related to AI policy, kids safety, guardrails for advanced AI models, workforce, education, infrastructure, economic opportunity, government modernization, and other issues.
Track legislative, regulatory, political, and stakeholder developments across states and help the team anticipate risks and opportunities.
Shepherd policy analysis, legislative reviews, briefing materials, talking points, and strategic recommendations through OpenAI’s internal review and approval processes.
Translate complex technical, legal, and policy issues into clear, accessible materials for policymakers, internal leaders, and external stakeholders.
Help prepare OpenAI leaders for engagements with governors, state legislators, mayors, attorneys general, agency leaders, community organizations, universities, workforce partners, and other stakeholders.
Represent OpenAI in external meetings, conferences, coalitions, and other forums.
Identify opportunities for OpenAI to build trusted relationships and demonstrate the practical benefits of AI through public-private partnerships, community engagement, and state and local initiatives.
Coordinate with consultants, trade associations, coalitions, and external partners as needed.
Handle sensitive matters with discretion, sound judgment, and high integrity.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Have 5-10 years of experience in several of these areas: public policy (especially tech policy), government (especially legislative or executive work), government affairs, political campaigns, public affairs campaigns, public sector consulting, or a related field.
Understand state and local government, including governors’ offices, legislatures, agencies, mayors, attorneys general, and intergovernmental organizations.
Are an exceptional organizer who can bring structure to ambiguity without slowing down fast-moving work.
Can manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders while staying calm, precise, and accountable.
Are a strong writer and communicator who can turn complex policy and technical issues into clear analyses and recommendations.
Have strong political instincts and can navigate sensitive policy, stakeholder, and internal dynamics with judgment.
Are comfortable working across legal, technical, policy, communications, product, and partnership teams.
Are flexible enough to move from policy analysis to team operations to external representation in the same day.
Have a bias toward action, a collaborative style, and a high bar for integrity.
Are willing to represent the company (and occasionally travel) for meetings, conferences, and state-level engagements.

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

Policy AnalysisLegislative ReviewStrategic RecommendationsProject ManagementTechnical Writing

Soft Skills

Exceptional OrganizationCalm Under PressureCollaborative StyleStrong Political InstinctsHigh Integrity