Head of Policy

Akido

12d

About The Position

Akido Labs is hiring a Head of Policy to own and build our policy function from the ground up — making it a full-time focus and a strategic asset for the company. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role will track legislation across every jurisdiction where we operate, build and manage our lobbyist network, and serve as Akido's primary external voice on policy matters. You'll work closely with leadership, legal, communications, clinical, and product teams at a pivotal moment when healthcare AI policy is moving quickly at both the federal and state level. This is a rare opportunity to shape how a mission-driven, fast-growing healthcare AI company engages with the policy landscape that will define the future of the industry.

Requirements

10+ years in government relations, public policy, or regulatory affairs with at least 5 years focused on technology policy (preferred)
Proven track record managing both proactive and reactive policy campaigns (preferred)
Direct experience hiring, managing, and evaluating contract lobbyists and external government affairs consultants (preferred)
Capitol Hill, federal agency, or state government experience (preferred)
Experience working in technology companies or startups in high-growth, rapidly scaling environments
Working knowledge of healthcare policy (HIPAA, telehealth regulation, CMS/Medicare policy, state licensure) and the emerging AI regulatory environment
Able to translate technical concepts — including how AI differs from traditional software — for policymakers and their staff
Exceptional written and verbal communication; able to distill complex policy into clear narratives for audiences ranging from Congressional staff to Akido's board
Comfortable with ambiguity, rapid iteration, and building a function from scratch
A player-coach who develops long-term strategy while personally executing day-to-day tasks
Skilled at influencing without authority and partnering effectively across legal, product, clinical, and communications teams

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a real-time tracking system for federal and state legislation, regulation, and agency guidance affecting healthcare AI, telehealth, and digital health
Own the policy roadmap across all jurisdictions where Akido operates or plans to expand, proactively identifying emerging developments that create opportunities or pose risks
Deliver concise, actionable policy briefings to leadership, legal, and business teams to support fast, informed decision-making
Hire, manage, and hold accountable federal and state contract lobbyists to execute Akido's policy priorities
Build direct relationships with relevant federal agencies (HHS, CMS, ONC, FDA) and Congressional staff working at the intersection of healthcare and technology policy
Develop and execute state-level regulatory engagement across Akido's operating markets and expansion targets, including participation in rulemaking comment periods and advisory committees
Serve as Akido's primary external policy voice with policymakers, regulators, trade associations, and industry coalitions
Design and execute proactive advocacy campaigns on priority policy issues, including op-eds, testimony, and public comments
Partner with Communications to develop compelling policy narratives that combine patient impact stories with data-driven evidence
Work cross-functionally with legal, product, clinical, and business teams to ensure policy considerations inform business decisions — and business realities inform policy strategy