Bay Area Policy & Government Affairs Lead

Waymo; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Waymo is seeking a senior policy professional to lead regional public policy strategy in the SF Bay Area. You will engage with city councils, regional authorities, and DOTs to advance transportation policy and regulatory initiatives.

The role requires 5+ years in local government affairs, strong relationship skills, and the ability to distill complex technical issues for civic audiences. Travel across the Bay Area is expected; base offices in SF or Mountain View with full-time work on-site.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in local government affairs, municipal public policy, or legislative advocacy in the SF Bay Area.
• Demonstrated track record of building effective relationships with elected officials, agency staff, and community stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of Bay Area municipal governance, local legislative processes, and regional transportation/infrastructure agencies.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience aligning policy goals alongside operations, comms, and safety teams.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public-speaking skills with the ability to distill complex technical issues for civic audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional public policy strategy, legislative advocacy, and regulatory engagement across the San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco, North Bay, East Bay, and Silicon Valley/San Jose).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for city councils, county boards of supervisors, regional transit authorities, and local Departments of Transportation (DOTs).
• Partner cross-functionally with Public Affairs, the First Responder Ambassador team, and Regional Policy leads to ensure aligned messaging and operational continuity.
• Track, analyze and develop policy positions on relevant municipal ordinances and regional policy initiatives.
• Represent the company at public hearings, council meetings, community roundtables, and industry coalition working groups.
• Build coalitions with local business associations, civic leaders, and community groups to advance key policy priorities.

Skills

Local government affairs

Municipal public policy

Legislative advocacy

Relationship building

Public speaking

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Waymo is seeking a senior policy professional to lead regional public policy strategy in the SF Bay Area. You will engage with city councils, regional authorities, and DOTs to advance transportation policy and regulatory initiatives.

The role requires 5+ years in local government affairs, strong relationship skills, and the ability to distill complex technical issues for civic audiences. Travel across the Bay Area is expected; base offices in SF or Mountain View with full-time work on-site.