U.S. External Affairs Manager (AI Policy)

Location: Washington, DC; hybrid. The role is based in Washington, DC and may require frequent travel to meet with key stakeholders.

Salary: $171,000–$280,000 annually, plus equity and potential bonuses.

Company

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company developing general-purpose artificial intelligence with safety and human needs at its core.

What you will do

• Lead federal AI policy initiatives connecting civil society priorities, community feedback, practical use cases, and OpenAI policy positions.
• Build trusted relationships with civil rights, civil society, research, community, education, accessibility, and other stakeholder organizations.
• Design stakeholder maps, engagement plans, briefing materials, follow-up systems, and partner review processes.
• Support federal and state engagement strategies through credible third-party voices, local proof points, and community feedback.
• Represent OpenAI in senior-level policy discussions and external convenings; prepare executives and subject-matter experts for meetings and public events.
• Translate complex AI product, safety, and policy topics into clear external materials and relay concerns and opportunities to internal teams.

Requirements

• Established network and credibility with civil society, civil rights, research, community, and stakeholder organizations, including groups representing underrepresented communities.
• Deep experience in technology policy, public policy, public affairs, civil society engagement, advocacy, campaigns, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local policy institutions, processes, and debates shaping AI governance in the United States.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute stakeholder engagement strategies tied to policy, partnership, or public trust objectives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, briefing, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex technical and policy concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills covering shared resources, timelines, follow-ups, and cross-functional workstreams.
• Sound judgment, high integrity, and the ability to handle sensitive and high-salience issues thoughtfully.
• Proven ability to work with policy, communications, legal, safety, product, research, and technical teams.
• Genuine care for technology’s societal impact and the ability to listen carefully to external concerns.

Culture & Benefits

• Cross-functional work across Global Affairs, Legal, Safety, Communications, Product, Research, and other teams in a fast-moving environment.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; HSA and FSA options; 401(k) with employer match; paid parental, medical, caregiver, sick, and safe leave.
• Paid time off, 13+ company holidays, and coordinated paid office closures.
• Mental health and wellness support, life and disability coverage, and an annual learning and development stipend.
• Daily office meals or eligible meal delivery credits, commuter benefits, and relocation assistance for eligible employees.