Public Affairs Lead, Americas

About the role

We're seeking a North America Lead, Public Affairs to serve as IFS's primary voice and relationship manager across the U.S. policy landscape. Reporting to the Head of External Affairs, you'll be responsible for monitoring policy developments, engaging with federal and state government stakeholders, managing relationships with premier institutions like the World Economic Forum and Milken Institute, and positioning IFS as a credible, influential voice in technology policy debates.

Responsibilities

• Policy Monitoring & Analysis
• Monitor and track federal and state legislative and regulatory developments impacting Industrial AI, data governance, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and related technology policy areas
• Analyze policy proposals and translate implications for IFS's business operations and strategic priorities
• Prepare regular briefings for leadership on emerging policy trends, risks, and opportunities
• Support regulatory adherence by ensuring the company stays informed and proactive on compliance requirements
• Government Engagement
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders across federal agencies, congressional offices, and state government bodies
• Cook up and coordinate with policymakers and regulators on behalf of IFS
• Support executive engagement with government officials, ensuring productive dialogue and strategic alignment
• Provide input to trade associations and industry coalitions on IFS's behalf
• Institutional & Academic Partnerships
• Assist in the U.S. management of IFS's relationship with the World Economic Forum (WEF), and other influential global institutions
• Identify and cultivate relationships with think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions, and policy research organizations
• Position IFS as a thought leader through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives
• Communications & Messaging
• Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to develop policy positions, public consultation responses, and advocacy messaging
• Support executive messaging on policy and regulatory matters, ensuring clarity, consistency, and credibility
• Engage with national and beltway media to amplify IFS's perspective on technology policy issues
• Educate internal stakeholders on policy developments and their business implications
• Events & Executive Support
• Support planning and execution of policy-focused events, roundtables, and briefings
• Support team and executives for media appearances, congressional testimony, and public speaking engagements
• Cook up logistics and messaging for high-profile engagements with government and institutional partners

Qualifications

• Required Experience
• 5–8 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or related roles, with a focus on technology policy, regulatory affairs, or federal advocacy
• Proven experience engaging with federal agencies, congressional offices, or state government entities
• Track record of building and managing relationships with think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions, or multilateral organizations
• Experience working with national and beltway media, including drafting op-eds, coordinating interviews, and managing press relationships
• Strong understanding of technology issues (AI, data governance, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure) and their intersection with public policy
• Skills & Attributes
• Exceptional judgment and diplomacy: Ability to navigate complex, politically sensitive situations with tact and strategic insight
• Coalition builder: Demonstrated ability to engage and build consensus with diverse stakeholders, including functional leaders, policymakers, and external partners
• Strategic thinker: Capable of anticipating policy trends, identifying risks, and recommending proactive responses
• Clear communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex issues into accessible, compelling narratives
• Self-starter: Comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with evolving priorities
• Global perspective: Understanding of international affairs and how global policy trends intersect with U.S. domestic policy