Southwest Policy Manager

Waymo • Austin, TX

10d • $177,000 - $218,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Southwest Policy Manager will represent Waymo and help preserve its ability to operate in Texas and Arizona, particularly as the company expands its public-facing services. The role develops strategies to navigate state and local policy and regulatory challenges amid a changing political environment, supporting existing operations and planned growth. The position includes internal meetings, reporting, strategic advising, management of external consultants, external meetings, and events representing and advocating for Waymo in state capitals and major metropolitan areas. It emphasizes internal collaboration, cross-functional teamwork, and strong organizational skills. The role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to the Regional Head of the West. It requires frequent travel within Texas and the Southwest, with occasional travel to California, Washington, D.C., and other major U.S. cities for conferences. The expected base salary range is $177,000–$218,000, with eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus program, an equity incentive plan, and company benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• Reside in the Southwest, Texas, or Austin, with the ability to travel frequently to state capitals and Southwest cities.
• 5–7 years of public policy experience in government or a relevant nonprofit, public interest group, company, lobbying firm, or industry association.
• A well-developed network of relationships with key figures across the Southwest legislative and policy landscape.
• Ability to persuasively and diplomatically advocate complex policy positions before varied audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands-on legislative and regulatory analytics experience, including drafting and editing legislation.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of experience working specifically on technology or transportation policy issues.
• Bachelor’s degree; MPP, MBA, or JD preferred.
• Experience in both state and local politics.
• Private-sector work experience.
• Knowledge of the policy environment for autonomous vehicles.
• Knowledge of future-of-work, labor, and workforce development policy issues.
• Knowledge of privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other public policy issues related to data-driven industries.

Responsibilities

• Engage with Southwest state and local policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and key opinion leaders to shape policy and political dialogue and represent Waymo throughout the region.
• Track current and emerging political activity in the region and execute policy strategy that benefits Waymo’s users and business.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Southwest state and local elected officials, their staff, regulators, and other external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal cross-functional stakeholders, including through strategic advising.
• Coordinate with other Waymo teams to stay current on company plans and report policy and political developments with analysis.
• Collaboratively manage state consultant relationships.
• Represent Waymo in local chambers and trade associations, state organizations, and national political organizations, including 501(c)(3) and 527 organizations.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus program, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Equity incentive plan, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Company benefits program, described as generous and subject to eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed