State and Local Affairs Lead, Midwest

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a State and Local Affairs Lead, Midwest based in United States. This role will lead state and local government affairs across the Midwestern United States, shaping engagement around AI policy, legislation, and regulation. You will build trusted relationships with legislators, governors’ offices, attorneys general, state agencies, and local government leaders. The position combines political strategy, policy execution, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement across a dynamic and rapidly evolving technology landscape. You will work closely with policy, communications, legal, and executive teams to translate complex AI issues into effective regional strategies. Regular travel across the Midwest will be an important part of the role. This is an opportunity to contribute to a high-impact state affairs function at a critical stage in the development of AI policy. Accountabilities: - Lead state and local government affairs activities across the Midwestern United States, coordinating closely with regional colleagues and broader policy leadership to advance strategic priorities. - Build and maintain durable relationships with state legislators, legislative staff, governors’ offices, attorneys general, state agency leaders, mayors, city councils, county commissions, and economic development organizations. - Monitor state and local legislation, regulatory proceedings, and emerging policy developments affecting AI and the technology sector, providing timely analysis and intelligence to inform organizational strategy. - Represent the organization’s policy positions through legislative hearings, regional events, public forums, and direct engagement with policymakers and community stakeholders, including audiences with differing perspectives on AI.

- Develop partnerships with chambers of commerce, economic development groups, labor organizations, universities, school districts, and other regional organizations to build coalitions around shared policy objectives. - Translate technical research and policy positions into practical engagement strategies tailored to the political and policy environments of different Midwestern states and communities. - Partner with communications teams to develop clear, accurate, and effective messaging for regional policy campaigns and stakeholder engagement. - Manage external advisors and registered lobbyists supporting regional government affairs activities while ensuring alignment with broader policy objectives. - Coordinate with policy, communications, legal, and executive stakeholders to ensure regional government affairs activity is consistent with organization-wide priorities and positioning. Requirements: - Demonstrated experience in state and local government affairs, political strategy, legislative roles, or a closely related field, with a track record of contributing to legislative and regulatory outcomes. - Established relationships with state and local leaders across the Midwest, including legislators, governors’ offices, attorneys general, county officials, and municipal leaders. - Strong understanding of state legislative and executive processes, including committee structures, legislative procedures, regulatory processes, and the respective authorities of state and local governments. - Proven ability to develop and execute strategic objectives in government affairs environments and deliver measurable outcomes. - Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience; the field of study should be relevant to the role through coursework, training, or professional experience. - Eight or more years of experience in state and local government affairs, political strategy, legislative roles, or related work is preferred.