Community Engagement Lead - Ohio

OpenAI, in close collaboration with our capital partners, is building the world’s most advanced AI infrastructure ecosystem. The Industrial Compute team drives this mission, shaping core infrastructure strategy and implementation. This role sits at the intersection of commercial, technical, strategy, and operations, engaging with teams and executives inside and outside OpenAI.

About the role

The Community Engagement Lead will serve as the primary bridge between OpenAI and communities in Ohio. This role ensures OpenAI builds strong, trust-based relationships with local stakeholders, communicates proactively about projects, and integrates community priorities into development. The position spans engagement, communications, and reputation management, partnering closely with Economic Development and Environmental leads.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with local leaders, community organizations, NGOs, and residents.
• Develop and execute community engagement strategies for new and existing sites.
• Represent OpenAI in public forums, hearings, and community events.
• Partner with the Economic Development Lead on incentive compliance and community benefits.
• Partner with the Environmental Lead on communicating environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts.
• Develop proactive communications to address concerns, highlight benefits, and reduce opposition risk.
• Monitor community sentiment and advise executives on risks and opportunities.
• Create a community engagement playbook scalable across geographies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in community affairs, public engagement, or corporate communications.
• Proven track record engaging diverse community stakeholders for large infrastructure or technology projects.
• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive political and reputational issues.
• Experience integrating community benefits (workforce, education, infrastructure support) into development strategies.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with experience working across government, community, and corporate teams.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them through our products. AI must be created with safety and human needs at its core, valuing diverse perspectives, voices, and experiences.

Pay

Compensation range: $129,600 – $236,000.