AI Policy & Partnerships: External Affairs Associate

OpenAI; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 171,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

OpenAI is seeking an U.S. External Affairs Associate to advance engagement with civil rights groups, researchers, and community organizations shaping AI policy in the United States.

Located in Washington, DC, the role supports a cross‑functional outreach model and helps translate feedback into actionable insights for internal teams. You will design stakeholder maps, briefing materials, and engagement plans; coordinate with Global Affairs, Legal, Communications, and Product; and help organize

Qualifications

• Deep experience in technology policy and public affairs.
• Ability to build trust with diverse civil society and policy stakeholders.
• Proven track record in coalition building and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong communication, briefing, and presentation skills.
• Experience translating complex policy topics into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with civil rights, civil society, researchers, and community organizations.
• Help design a repeatable engagement model grounded in co‑design and local benefits.
• Develop stakeholder maps, engagement plans, and briefing materials for priority campaigns.
• Support federal and state engagement strategies with credible third‑party voices and local proof points.
• Prepare OpenAI executives for external meetings, briefings, and public events.
• Translate product and policy topics into clear materials for external audiences.
• Coordinate with Global Affairs, Communications, Legal, Safety, Product, Research to ensure accurate engagement.
• Track relationship health, outcomes, commitments, risks, and follow‑ups.

Skills

Policy expertise

Coalition building

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communication

Job description

OpenAI is seeking an U.S. External Affairs Associate to advance engagement with civil rights groups, researchers, and community organizations shaping AI policy in the United States.

Located in Washington, DC, the role supports a cross‑functional outreach model and helps translate feedback into actionable insights for internal teams. You will design stakeholder maps, briefing materials, and engagement plans; coordinate with Global Affairs, Legal, Communications, and Product; and help organize