Director, Public Policy (AI)

Location: Washington, D.C.; on-site

Salary: $265,000–$325,000 per year plus equity. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions.

Company

Perplexity builds AI-powered tools that help people find answers, explore ideas, and get things done.

What you will do

• Build and scale a global public policy engagement program with market priorities, ownership, and progress measures.
• Establish stakeholder tracking, policy monitoring, and briefing standards across regions.
• Develop relationships with policymakers, regulators, trade associations, think tanks, and civil society.
• Lead advocacy through direct engagement and coalitions while accounting for local lobbying and ethics requirements.
• Advise Legal, Comms, Product, and executive leadership on political and regulatory developments.
• Coordinate external advisers, prepare leaders for government meetings, and run briefings, roundtables, and product demonstrations.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in public policy, government affairs, or legislative advocacy.
• Experience building and scaling a policy function, program, or team, preferably at a growing technology company.
• Experience managing policy engagement across multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. and at least one other major market.
• Experience representing a company, association, or clients before government; government service is strongly preferred.
• Established policy networks, strong writing and judgment, and the ability to explain complex issues clearly to senior leaders.
• Hands-on experience coordinating internal teams and external advisers across regions.

Nice to have

• Experience hiring, managing, or developing policy professionals.
• Experience with AI, privacy, competition, copyright, or other technology policy issues.
• Experience on Capitol Hill, in the executive branch, or in a comparable government role outside the U.S.
• Registered lobbying experience and familiarity with lobbying disclosure and ethics requirements.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time U.S. employees receive equity, health, dental, vision, retirement, fitness, commuter, and dependent care benefits.
• International employees receive benefits tailored to their region of residence.
• The role reports to the Senior Director, Product, Privacy & Regulatory Legal.