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

The Waymo Legal team is seeking a Regional Public Policy Manager to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of regional public policy managers driving state and local legislative and regulatory goals across the Western region.

About the Role

You will work on the exciting legal issues surrounding Waymo's transformational autonomous driving technology, partnering with public policy, safety, security, and privacy experts to define transportation policy for the autonomous driving world to come. You will advise on regulatory changes that support and protect Waymo's users around the world, develop and protect our intellectual property portfolio, and drive corporate and commercial transactions. You will ensure compliance with an increasingly complex and dynamic range of global regulations and anticipate, mitigate, and litigate high-profile and precedent-setting legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize regional political intelligence and regulatory developments into actionable, strategic insights for senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders (Legal, Communications, Product, Safety) to align policy initiatives with core business objectives and protect Waymo's freedom to operate in key markets (CA, AZ, TX).
• Formulate and execute the comprehensive policy roadmap and strategic priorities for the Western U.S., including rigorous budget allocation and resource optimization.
• Oversee state consultant networks and represent Waymo's interests as a leading voice in industry trade associations, coalitions, and public forums.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Communications, or a related field; 10+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, or political advocacy, with a proven track record of managing policy issues in tech, transportation, or highly regulated sectors.
• Expert knowledge of state and local legislative processes and political dynamics in the Western U.S., supported by a deep, established network of political stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability to diplomatically translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into persuasive advocacy strategies for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional executive communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience managing substantial government affairs budgets, optimizing resources to achieve strategic policy victories.
• Advanced degree.
• Proven track record of managing and coaching people managers or senior policy professionals.
• Prior experience serving in government, legislative offices, or regulatory agencies.
• Experience leading policy initiatives within a fast-growing, innovative technology company.
• Expansive, active political networks and direct legislative advocacy experience across key expansion states in the Western, Southwestern, and Midwestern U.S.

Qualifications

• Direct experience in autonomous vehicle (AV) policy, emerging mobility, or advanced technology regulation.
• Proven track record of managing and coaching people managers or senior policy professionals.
• Prior experience serving in government, legislative offices, or regulatory agencies.
• Experience leading policy initiatives within a fast-growing, innovative technology company.
• Expansive, active political networks and direct legislative advocacy experience across key expansion states in the Western, Southwestern, and Midwestern U.S.

Skills

• Executive communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced degree.
• Proven track record of managing and coaching people managers or senior policy professionals.
• Prior experience serving in government, legislative offices, or regulatory agencies.
• Experience leading policy initiatives within a fast-growing, innovative technology company.
• Expansive, active political networks and direct legislative advocacy experience across key expansion states in the Western, Southwestern, and Midwestern U.S.

Benefits

Waymo offers a competitive salary range of $210,000—$259,000 USD, a discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Pay

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level.

Schedule

Up to 40% travel is required.