Regional Head of U.S. State and Local Policy, WEST

About the role

You will architect and lead the strategic policy agenda for the Western United States as a pivotal member of the Waymo Policy and Government Affairs team. This role demands synthesizing complex regional political landscapes into actionable intelligence that directly informs executive decision-making. You will own the development and execution of a comprehensive policy roadmap designed to secure and expand our operational freedom across California, Arizona, and Texas. The position requires leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team of regional public policy managers to achieve ambitious legislative and regulatory goals. You will establish Waymo as the definitive industry voice by cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and representing our interests in trade associations and public forums. This role demands diplomatic translation of intricate technical and regulatory concepts into compelling advocacy narratives for diverse audiences. You will partner closely with Legal, Communications, Product, and Safety to ensure all policy initiatives align with and protect our core business objectives.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop and implement a sophisticated policy strategy for the Western U.S. focused on state and local regulatory environments.

Lead, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing team of regional public policy managers driving legislative and regulatory goals across the Western region.

Synthesize regional political intelligence and regulatory developments into actionable, strategic insights for senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Formulate and execute a comprehensive policy roadmap and strategic priorities for the Western U.S., including rigorous budget allocation and resource optimization.

Partner with cross-functional leaders in Legal, Communications, Product, and Safety to align policy initiatives with core business objectives.

Protect Waymo's freedom to operate by navigating complex regulatory landscapes in key markets including California, Arizona, and Texas.

Represent Waymo as a leading voice in industry trade associations, coalitions, and public forums to advance the interests of autonomous driving technology.

Oversee state consultant networks to ensure effective advocacy and compliance within regional legislative frameworks.

Translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into persuasive advocacy strategies tailored for legislators, regulators, and the public.

Manage substantial government affairs budgets with a focus on optimizing resources to achieve strategic policy victories.

Direct and coordinate the activities of contract lobbyists while ensuring strict adherence to state and local lobbying disclosure and ethics regulations.

Build and maintain an extensive network of political stakeholders to advance Waymo's policy objectives and market access.

Provide executive-level communication and negotiation on critical policy issues impacting the Western region.

Champion data-driven decision-making to influence policy outcomes based on demonstrable safety and mobility benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Communications, or a related field; a strong educational foundation is mandatory.

Possess 10+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, or political advocacy with a proven track record in managing policy issues.

Demonstrate expert knowledge of state and local legislative processes and political dynamics specific to the Western U.S.

Maintain a deep, established network of political stakeholders across key Western states to effectively influence policy landscapes.

Showcase exceptional capability to diplomatically translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into persuasive advocacy for diverse audiences.

Exhibit outstanding executive communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills essential for senior-level engagements.

Have proven experience managing substantial government affairs budgets and optimizing resources to achieve measurable policy objectives.

Display extensive experience directing contract lobbyists and ensuring strict compliance with all state and local lobbying disclosure and ethics regulations.

Nice to have

Direct experience in autonomous vehicle (AV) policy, emerging mobility, or advanced technology regulation provides a distinct advantage.

Possession of an advanced degree that deepens expertise in policy or a related technical field.

A proven track record of managing and coaching people managers or senior policy professionals within a large organization.

Prior experience serving in government, legislative offices, or regulatory agencies to understand institutional perspectives.

Experience leading policy initiatives within a fast-growing, innovative technology company that thrives in dynamic environments.

Expansive, active political networks and direct legislative advocacy experience across key expansion states in the Western, Southwestern, and Midwestern U.S.

Practical notes

Travel Requirement: Up to 40%

This role reports directly to the Director of U.S. State and Local Policy and Public Policy Campaigns.

This position operates in a hybrid work model balancing office and remote work arrangements.