Head of State Gov Relations

eBay•San Jose, CA

3d•$195,200 - $260,600•Remote

About The Position

eBay is seeking an experienced Government Relations leader to lead our state and local government relations work across the United States. Reporting to the Head of Americas Government Relations, this role will develop and implement eBay’s state policy strategy. It will lead a team of state GR professionals and represent eBay with policymakers and external collaborators. The successful candidate will be a strategic and creative advocate who understands how public policy intersects with business strategy. They will anticipate emerging legislative, regulatory and political developments, assess their potential impact on eBay, and interpret those developments as distinct business risks, opportunities and recommended actions. They will help set priorities across states and issues and develop proactive strategies to promote eBay’s interests. This role goes beyond traditional lobbying. The ideal candidate will combine direct government engagement, grassroots and influential advocacy, alliances, public affairs, and thought leadership. They will also use events and other tools to develop policy discussions and deliver results. They will also be comfortable applying AI and new technologies to improve policy intelligence, strategy development and team efficiency.

Requirements

10+ years of relevant experience in Government Relations, public policy, public affairs, political strategy or a related field, with significant experience working on state policy.
Deep understanding of state legislative, regulatory and political processes and demonstrated success navigating complex multi-state policy environments.
Demonstrated ability to set policy priorities, develop strategy and anticipate emerging risks and opportunities rather than simply respond to legislation.
Proven ability to translate public policy issues into clear business implications and practical mentorship for business leaders.
Experience leading teams and setting priorities across multiple issues and jurisdictions.
Proven ability to develop and carry out cohesive advocacy approaches that extend beyond direct lobbying, including grassroots or grasstops engagement, coalitions, public affairs, thought leadership and events.
Strong relationships and credibility with policymakers, political stakeholders and external organizations.
Strong business judgment and intellectual curiosity, with the ability to quickly understand new products, technologies and business models.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior business leaders and cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities and achieve outcomes in a fast paced environment.
Comfort using AI alongside new and developing technologies to enhance efficiency, analysis and decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Experience in corporate Government Relations, particularly within technology, ecommerce, marketplaces, retail or another consumer-facing industry.
Experience engaging governors’ offices, attorneys general and senior state officials.
Experience developing and executing multi-state advocacy campaigns.
Experience working closely with Communications or Public Affairs teams on integrated external strategies.
Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and complete a coordinated state Government Relations strategy aligned with eBay’s business priorities and the broader Americas GR agenda.
Foresee developing legal, administrative, and governmental trends across the states; assess their implications for eBay; and recommend strategic responses.
Prioritize among states and topics, balancing immediate legislative needs with longer-term policy objectives.
Develop proactive policy campaigns and approaches to engagement that help build policy discussions before legislation or regulation is fully formed.
Translate complex policy developments into clear business risks, opportunities, and practical recommendations for business leaders and cross-functional partners.
Find opportunities where public policy and outreach efforts can support eBay’s priorities, innovation, growth and seller community.
Represent eBay with governors’ offices, state legislators, attorneys general, regulators, trade associations and other key stakeholders, building durable relationships across the political spectrum.
Develop integrated advocacy strategies that combine direct government engagement with grassroots and grasstops advocacy, coalitions, public affairs, thought leadership, events and third-party voices.
Partner with Communications and other teams to develop narratives, thought leadership and external engagement strategies that advance eBay’s policy objectives.
Lead, develop and prioritize the state GR team, creating clear accountability and helping team members grow as strategic policy advisors and effective advocates.
Work closely with Legal, Communications, Tax, Product, Trust & Safety and other functions to develop strategies that are both politically effective and operationally workable.
Work with colleagues across Americas GR to identify broader policy trends, coordinate strategies and bring state insights into regional priorities.
Use AI, data and new technologies to improve policy intelligence, research, prioritization, collaborator engagement and team efficiency.