External Engagement, Principal, AWS Economic Development

Amazon; Kentucky; On-site; USD 165,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon is seeking a Principal of External Engagement to develop and own an external engagement strategy for a designated region. The role partners with local stakeholders, civic groups, and government officials to advance Amazon's trusted presence and impact.

The role requires 10+ years in public policy or related fields and the ability to influence, negotiate, and lead cross‑functional collaboration. A J.D. or Master’s degree is preferred. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in a relevant discipline (e.g. Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Economic Development)
• Ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others
• 10+ years of public policy, government relations, community relations, public affairs, or corporate social responsibility experience
• J.D., or Master's degree (preferred)
• Experience creating and owning external affairs strategies with measurable business impact
• Experience with local public policy and municipal policymaking

Responsibilities

• Support engagement with local stakeholders, business organizations, and civic associations in your region.
• Build playbooks and mechanisms to scale external engagement efforts and reporting frameworks.
• Collaborate with internal business partners.
• Engage with community leaders, local government officials, and other stakeholders to establish partnerships.
• Plan and coordinate events bringing together community stakeholders, business leaders, and Amazon representatives.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Skills

Influence

Negotiation

Persuasion

Oral and written communications

Education

Bachelor's degree or above in Law/Political Science/Public Policy/Public Affairs/Economic Development

J.D. or Master's degree

Job description

Description

Amazon Public Policy seeks a Principal of External Engagement to join our team in Arlington, VA. The person hired for this role will create and own an external engagement strategy for their assigned region in support of Amazon's effort to be the most trusted business and community partner.

Key job responsibilities

• Support engagement with local stakeholders, business organizations, and civic associations in your region.
• Build playbooks and mechanisms to scale external engagement efforts, develop reporting frameworks to track progress, and support execution of community engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal business partners
• Engaging with community and civic leaders, local opinion leaders, local government officials, and other hyper-local stakeholders to establish and foster relationships and partnerships in support of Amazon's presence in the region.
• Plan and coordinate events that bring together community stakeholders, business leaders, and Amazon representatives to strengthen local partnerships.
• An ability and desire to travel

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in a relevant discipline (e.g. Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Economic Development)
• Ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others
• 10+ years of public policy, government relations, community relations, public affairs, or corporate social responsibility experience

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D., or Master's degree
• Experience creating and owning external affairs or community engagement strategies at a strategic level with measurable business impact
• Experience with local public policy and engagement efforts and/or experience with local/municipal policymaking
• Experience designing and overseeing event planning and coordination for community stakeholders and business partners
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-profile relationships with community partners and civic leaders and own accountability for outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to set and lead strategy independently in ambiguous environments where the problem, plan, or approach is not yet defined
• Proven track record of working across multiple organizations, influencing business decisions, and building consensus with senior stakeholders
• Highly effective oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills; demonstrated ability to interact at the highest corporate and political levels
• Experience force‑multiplying through scalable mechanisms, frameworks, or programs that enable broader team and organizational impact
• Ability to understand how technical language in legislative and regulatory proposals could affect corporate operations, identify business implications, and synthesize policy documents for internal customers
• Ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others; must be flexible and demonstrate strong judgment/decision‑making skills and political acumen
• Ability to maintain the highest personal levels of ethical conduct, confidentiality, and integrity, promoting the strongest professional reputation in the industry
• A self‑starter with a proven track record of success working with a wide array of groups across organization and culture
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster effective relationships and networks with others, including experience mentoring and developing team members

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign‑on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, OH, Virtual Location - Ohio - 164,800.00 - 222,900.00 USD annually